In the ‘Multiverse of Manjulika’, a spirit becomes trapped in a ‘haveli’ in Bhawanigarh, Rajasthan. Years later, her family member intervenes, releasing her into the wild. Reet (Kiara Advani) returns home after her studies and arranges a circus to help her sister marry the man she loves. This plan awakens the spirit of Manjulika, leading to a complex and comedic tale.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, while changing most of the cast, maintains the original’s story template. The film relies more on humour and plays it safe with horror elements, using clichés like leg-pulling and backward feet, balanced by absurd one-liners and wacky gags. Kartik Aaryan shines in his role, skillfully stepping into Akshay Kumar’s shoes while adding his own touch. Tabu exudes grace and contributes to the film’s charm reminiscent of Vidya Balan’s portrayal in the original. Kiara Advani’s character limits her exploration to the script only, while Rajpal Yadav and Sanjay Mishra deliver gut-busting comedy.
Director Anees Bazmee successfully creates an entertaining sequel, blending horror and comedy to keep audiences engaged. The music is a mix of remixes and original tracks, with some hits and misses. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 proves that successful entertainment can overcome criticism and showcases the power of a well-executed film in the Hindi cinema landscape.
Rating: 8/10