Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is a 2022 Bollywood horror-comedy film directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Bhushan Kumar and Murad Khetani. It is a standalone sequel to the 2007 hit film Bhool Bhulaiyaa. The film stars Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu in the lead roles, with supporting performances from Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, and Amar Upadhyay.
Unlike the first part, which focused more on psychological horror, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 leans heavily on comedy, supernatural elements, and drama. The film was a commercial success, bringing back the iconic character Rooh Baba and introducing a fresh story with twists and turns.
Plot Summary
A Mysterious Beginning
The story begins in Rajasthan, where a grand haveli (mansion) is believed to be haunted by the spirit of Manjulika, a vengeful ghost. The mansion has been locked for 18 years to keep the spirit away. However, fate has other plans.
Reet Thakur (Kiara Advani) is the daughter of a rich family. She meets Ruhaan Randhawa (Kartik Aaryan) during a bus journey. Due to a misunderstanding, they end up traveling together to Reet’s ancestral haveli, which is abandoned and locked.
Reet convinces Ruhaan to pretend to be a ghost whisperer to fool her family and solve personal issues. But things take a serious turn when the haveli’s locked door is accidentally opened, unleashing the spirit of Manjulika.
Ruhaan Becomes Rooh Baba
Ruhaan, now known as Rooh Baba, becomes popular in the village. He convinces everyone that he can communicate with ghosts. However, strange incidents start happening, making everyone question whether Manjulika’s spirit is real or just a trick.
Meanwhile, Anjulika (Tabu), Reet’s elder sister, warns everyone about the evil spirit’s powers. She knows the truth behind Manjulika’s curse, and secrets from the past begin to unravel.
The Truth Behind Manjulika
As the story unfolds, we learn that Manjulika was a dancer from Bengal who lived in the haveli many years ago. She was in love with a man her family didn’t approve of, leading to tragic consequences. Her soul never found peace and now seeks revenge.
A major twist reveals that not everything is as it seems. The story takes a shocking turn when the real identity of Manjulika is exposed. This leads to a final face-off between Ruhaan, Anjulika, and the spirit.
Acting Performances
Kartik Aaryan as Ruhaan (Rooh Baba)
Kartik Aaryan delivers a fun and energetic performance. His comic timing and charm make him a perfect fit for the role. His transformation from a carefree traveler to a ghost whisperer is entertaining. The monologue scene, where he mimics a possessed person, is one of the highlights of the film.
Kiara Advani as Reet Thakur
Kiara Advani plays a crucial role in the film, but her character is not as strong as expected. While she looks beautiful on screen and performs well, the story focuses more on Kartik and Tabu.
Tabu as Anjulika / Manjulika
Tabu delivers a powerhouse performance. She plays dual roles, adding mystery and depth to the story. Her expressions and acting in the climax are particularly impressive. She is undoubtedly the strongest part of the film.
Rajpal Yadav as Chhote Pandit
Rajpal Yadav reprises his role from the first film and adds comic relief. His dialogues and expressions make the audience laugh throughout the movie.
Supporting Cast
- Sanjay Mishra as Bade Pandit brings humor to the film.
- Amar Upadhyay plays a key role in unfolding the mystery.
Direction and Storytelling
Anees Bazmee’s Direction
Anees Bazmee is known for his comedy films (Welcome, Singh Is Kinng), and he successfully combines horror and humor in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. The direction keeps the audience engaged, balancing thrills and comedy well.
Comparison to the Original Film
The 2007 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa was a psychological thriller with a deeper storyline. In contrast, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is more entertaining and light-hearted. While it lacks the depth and complexity of the first part, it makes up for it with fun and engaging moments.
Visual and Cinematic Elements
Cinematography
The movie is set in a large Rajasthani haveli, creating a perfect spooky atmosphere. The lighting, shadows, and camera angles enhance the horror elements, making the ghostly scenes more effective.
VFX and Special Effects
The special effects used for Manjulika’s spirit are well done. The climax scene, with supernatural action and revelations, is visually stunning.
Music and Background Score
Songs
The movie’s music is catchy and fits the mood.
- “Ami Je Tomar” (New Version) – A fresh take on the iconic song from the first film, giving it a haunting touch.
- “Bhool Bhulaiyaa Title Track” – A peppy remake of the original song, bringing nostalgia.
- “De Taali” – A fun party track.
- “Mere Dholna” – Another melodious number that adds to the film’s traditional feel.
Background Score
The background music is eerie and effective, especially in horror scenes. The use of traditional Indian instruments adds to the suspense.
Pacing and Screenplay
The first half of the movie is funny and engaging, setting up the story well. The second half becomes more serious and thrilling. The climax is filled with twists and suspense, keeping the audience hooked.
Some scenes feel predictable, but the comedy and performances make up for it.
Box Office Performance
- Opening Day Collection: ₹14 crore
- First Weekend Collection: ₹56 crore
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹266 crore (Worldwide)
The movie was a huge box office success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2022.
Impact and Legacy
With its blend of horror and comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 entertained audiences and brought back the legend of Manjulika in a new way. The success of the film has opened doors for a possible third installment in the series.
Verdict
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is a fun and spooky entertainer with great performances, humor, and mystery. It may not be as deep as the first film, but it is highly enjoyable.
Pros:
Kartik Aaryan’s comic timing and performance
Tabu’s powerful dual role
Entertaining mix of horror and comedy
Catchy music and background score
Engaging screenplay with suspenseful moments
Cons:
Not as psychologically deep as the first film
Some predictable moments
Kiara Advani’s role could have been stronger
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
