Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) is a critically acclaimed Hindi-language comedy-horror thriller directed by Priyadarshan. The film is a remake of the popular 1993 Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu and blends elements of suspense, humor, and psychological drama. The story revolves around an ancient palace believed to be haunted by the spirit of a woman named Manjulika, and the mysterious events that follow the arrival of a newlywed couple at the mansion.
Akshay Kumar stars as Dr. Aditya Shrivastav, a quirky psychiatrist who is called to unravel the mystery behind the supernatural occurrences. Vidya Balan delivers a standout performance as Avni, whose strange behavior forms the crux of the suspense. Shiney Ahuja plays Siddharth, the heir to the ancestral palace, and Ameesha Patel plays his wife, Radha. The ensemble cast includes notable actors like Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Manoj Joshi, and Asrani, providing comic relief and enhancing the narrative with memorable performances.
The film, with a runtime of 159 minutes, is primarily in Hindi, with some dialogues in Bangla, reflecting the cultural backdrop of the story. It was released on October 12, 2007, in Denmark and is set in the royal mansion, which becomes a character of its own with its eerie atmosphere and hidden secrets.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa masterfully combines elements of comedy and horror, creating a unique cinematic experience. The psychological twists and the gradual unraveling of the mystery keep viewers engaged, while the comedic scenes, especially those involving Rajpal Yadav and Paresh Rawal, provide lighter moments to balance the tension. The film’s most iconic moments include Vidya Balan’s chilling transformation and her portrayal of the possessed character of Manjulika, a performance that won her widespread acclaim.
With a rating of 7.4, Bhool Bhulaiyaa was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its storytelling, performances, and its clever mix of genres. The movie’s soundtrack, composed by Pritam, was also highly popular, especially the song “Ami Je Tomar,” which became an anthem for the film’s haunting themes.
In addition to being an entertaining thriller, Bhool Bhulaiyaa explores themes of superstition, mental health, and the clash between tradition and modern science, all within the framework of a gripping mystery. The film remains a favorite among fans of Bollywood cinema, celebrated for its ability to blend laughter, fear, and suspense into one engaging narrative.
=== Movie/Series Info ===
“Movie Title: Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Year: 2007
Directed by: Priyadarshan
Acted by: Akshay Kumar / Vidya Balan / Shiney Ahuja / Ameesha Patel / Manoj Joshi / Paresh Rawal / Rasika Joshi / Rajpal Naurang Yadav / Govardhan Asrani / Vikram Gokhale / Vineeth / Tarina Patel / Jimit Trivedi / Abhijit Rajadhyaksha / Farida Dadi / Kaveri Jha / Hema Malini
Rating: 7.4
Genres: Comedy / Horror / Mystery / Thriller
Language: Hindi / Bangla
Quality: HD
Runtime: 159 min
Release Date: 12 Oct 2007 (Denmark)
Country: India