Movie Review: Bhool Bhulaiyaa

Stereotyping is the malaise that is affecting the performing arts and people who stereotype are the worst critics in the world [For the benefit of those who haven't realized, I have created a stereotype myself in the previous statement] When there exists a set belief in the milieu about a director / actor, it becomes difficult for the said person to break from the mould. And that is exactly what I experienced when watching Priyadarshan's latest offering: Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

Right at the outset, let me tell you that I am an admirer of Priydarshan: especially because of the way in which he can visualize scenes in a movie from the viewer's point of view. He has the uncanny ability to get into the spectator's mind and leave him/her feeling, "Now, why do I get the feeling that I know what's happening here?" It is to his credit that people can associate with the characters of his films. However, the fact that he has shot more comedy/booger films than any other contemporary director implies to the general public that all his movies should have the following:

1. people falling over each other,
2. trying to get out of quagmires/conundrums,
3. chasing each other in circles and
4. in general creating as much pandemonium as possible.

With Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priyadarshan has tried to break out of the humour genre. However, as the saying goes, old habits die hard, and he ends up having some humour in what is purportedly a serious/suspense movie. Its supposed to be based on the Malayalam hit movie Manichitrathazu and since I have not seen that one, I am loathe to comment on the similarity/disparity. However, I will say the following about the movie:

Bhool Bhulaiyaa starts off in a manner totally incongruent to the usual comedy routine of most of Priyadarshan's films. We are introduced to some remote village in India, which is home to the abode of some rich dynasty. The heir apparent to the throne, Siddhartha Chaturvedi [Shiney Ahuja] is your typical ABCD, happy to return to his birth place along with his better half, Avani. [Vidya Balan] In this archetypal village, we are introduced to his relatives, which of course has to include Paresh Rawal. [Siddhartha's uncle] Also, we are informed that due to certain inappropriate activities on the part of the previous proprietrix of the mansion, the monarchial abode suffers from paranormal malaise.

After some initial suspense, we are introduced to the central character of the film: Dr. Shrivastava [obviously, Mr. Akshay Kumar] Here is where the movie starts becoming interesting and to some extent, predictable. Akshay Kumar has done well in playing his part of a Psychotherapist. Unfortunately for both Priyadarshan and Akshay, he had to be cast as a character who likes to make fun of someone and always has some wisecracks and goof ups up his sleeve [or down his trousers, for that matter] We are treated, for a while, to the classic Priyadarshan slapstick. Yet, just when we are enjoying ourselves, laughing at Akshay's antics, we are exposed to the stark reality of affairs in the Chaturvedi household. A Bengali spirit haunting the premises is hardly cause for any one to laugh and there are some scenes where Priyadarshan manages to have you on the edge of the seat.

Overall, the movie is good to watch. One should go to watch the movie remembering that it is not a comedy flick a la Dhol/Dhamaal, etc. It does not fall into the conventional humour genre. It is funny in certain parts, spooky in others and in general, a good overall entertainer. I'd rate it around 3.5 on a scale of 5.
/Radgovin