The Priyadarshan-Akshay Kumar-Paresh Rawal combination is by now far and famous for their rib-tickling comic antics from HERA PHERI (2000), GARAM MASALA (2005), BHAAGAM BHAG (2006) and given that track record one would assume that their latest venture BHOOL BHULAIYA too is a outright comedy, however one is in for a surprise as this time Priyadarshan has directed a movie that is more thriller/horror The movie revolves around Siddarth (Shiney Ahuja) who returns back home to India after studying in London.
With his newly wedded bride Avni (Vidya Balan) Siddarth arrives in his village and insists on staying at an old palace which has been passed on to him, however his uncle uncle Badrinarayan Chaturvedi(Manoj Joshi) warns him against it as he feels that palace is haunted. Siddarth goes against his wishes and moves in regardless when strange things suddenly start occurring which convinces everyone there is a ghost in house and it’s plagued by a spirit. In the nick of time arrives Aditya Shrivastav (Akshay Kumar) who is Siddarth’s old college friend and happens to be a Psychiatrist. While the whole house is seeped in superstition with each member of the house in fear and paranoia, Aditya on the other hand is convinced there is a “rational” and scientific reason behind the “ghost”. So is there really a ghost? Watch BHOOL BHULAIYA to find outthan comedy though there is ample doses of comedy too.
Performances in the movie are mixed.
It would be an understatement to say Akshay is the life and soul of the movie, though contrary to notorious rumors he doesn’t “hog the limeligjht”. Akshay’s entry happens 45 minutes in to the movie which allowed time for anticipation to build up, right from his entry to the very end he elevates the movie countless notches. His comedy is excellent as always, and still manages to evoke laughter. His timing is absolutely perfect, his expression in sync with the situation and his delivery bang on. However the surprise here is that Akshay hits all the right notes in the dramatic sequences too.
Vidya Balan is outstanding. This is a “role” that managed to get the original leading lady Shobhna a National Award for Best Actress. Jyothika enacted the part too with total precision, and easily ranks as her finest performance to date. And in comparison Vidya manages to hold her own (though on a personal level I’d take Jyothika’s in CHANDRAMUKHI) which is certainly a compliment. It’s no secret Vidya is a tremendously gifted actress who’s conviction in her art and mesmerizing beauty rolled in to one leaves a lasting impression. When Akshay Kumar said “this is Vidya’s film” he certainly wasn’t lying! Her scenes in the climax are totally stunning.
Well the movie is definitely lives up to the entertainment “mantra” associated with an Akshay-Priyan combination, however those expecting a full-fledged comedy as the initial promo’s suggested will be disappointed to an extent as this movie is not just a comedy mindless comedy by any means, this one has a story to tell..