Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 comes 15 years after the original film which is a substantial gap but thanks to terrific recall value of first part the film still feels relevant. It’s not deffo a patch on the original however it’s much better than you expect it to be primarily because director Anees Bazmee has been out of form lately with several disasters under his kitty the last one being Pagalpanti. The film tries to balance both comedy and horror and succeeds well.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa keeps your interest alive right from the beginning. There is no connection between the two parts except that there is a ghost named Manjulika this time too who is creating a havoc in the lives of Khandaani Thakurs residing in Rajasthan. Manjulika is finally punished for her action and she is trapped in a secret room that is locked forever. 18 years later events begin to unfold in such a way that the secret room has its door opened yet again which gives mighty ghost(Manjulika) a chance to come out.
Bhool Bhuuliayaa 2 is better structured and well made than some of recent Aneez Bazmee movies. He seems in form this time around with first half being a roller coaster ride. The entire part between Kartik -Kiara in Manali sets the ball rolling. These two actors have wonderful chemistry which makes them a treat to watch on screen. Morever the twist and turns that unfold in the drama is completely unexpected and catch you completely unaware. Director Anees Bazmee has paid attention to details this time which is why you feel completely satisfied as the film begins to unfold.
The film has been mounted on a huge scale and the stunning locales of Rajasthan are eyes filling. There are several flashes of brilliance in the narrative. Take that scene where Karthik is called upon to investigate the hidden gold and how he ultimately finds it is a master stroke. This one scene alone is worth the price of admission. The film brings the house down with so many comic scenes that have been performed with perfection.
On the flip side, the second half feels a bit lethargic after the energetic first half. Also, the final twist feels bit contrived and changes the whole story upside down. Those looking for logic are sure to be disappointed for film abounds in absurdities and illogicality. Moreover, the film could have been trimmed by at least 15 minutes. The songs especially are a major deterrent.
The casting is where the film scores in a big way. Karthik Aryan seems tailor made for the role. You do not really miss Akshay here which is a huge achievement for the young actor. His expressions are just too funny and his mere sight evokes a laughter. However, it’s the climax where his performance takes you by a complete surprise. It’s the side of him that has not been explored earlier. The actor looks handsome and his pairing with Kiara is a big relief for here is finally an age appropriate couple in a mainstream Bollywood. Kiara looks absolutely gorgeous and feels like a breath of fresh air. Tabu steals the show despite Kartik dominating the film in a big way. Playing a character with so many shades and getting it right is no mean task and Tabu does it so wonderfully. She is absolutely terrific. Rajpal Yadav and Sanjay Mishra are uproariously funny.
All in all, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is a nice addition in Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. It’s a clean family entertainer that is much better than your recent Bollywood movies. No wonder it has emerged a big hit after a series of flops. Worth a watch!