Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 actually has a reasonably coherent plot with far less time spent on totally out-of-context segues that we associate Anees Bazmee slapstick with. But then, that is only when compared with what one has come to expect of them. So, let’s not get ahead of ourselves and think that it is much better than that low bar.

While the songs are not jarring and pleasing to the eye too, the placement isn’t great or even necessary. Their existence breaks the already thin-running flow.

For instance, it continues to bring senseless comedy but it is harmless too. We are not asked to laugh at anyone’s expense. And that in itself feels refreshing. Like there’s a character roaming around through the film with incense sticks over one of his ears. Why? I don’t know. Unless it is a reference to an earlier film that my memory has decided to wipe off. There is other such humour sprinkled through the long 2.5+ hours that bring intermittent smiles.

Also, there are some lines and situations that are obviously jokes, but I didn’t get them, like the reference to ACP Rathore. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t some cheap “funny” alongside. There is loads of that too. Not enough to take away from what is likeable, but also the fun parts are not funny enough to keep you engaging or making any of it a ‘must watch’.

But what took me by surprise was that I got a sense of not being taken for granted. There was some effort in the story writing, the costumes including jewellery, the dances of course, the music and even the lyrics. I cannot deny the fact that I might be appreciating this a tad more than I would otherwise because of how unacknowledged my intelligence felt while watching Singham Again just yesterday.

In absolute terms though, it manages to bring itself to just about below average because of its messaging in the climax. It is a twist after so much time is spent on, “A haunted palace is up for sale. The haunter, though, doesn’t like that.” Anyway, I loved the use of purple and lavender in that climax scene too even as I was disappointed by the absence of one final mega dance sequence.

Otherwise, though, its length certainly overstays its welcome. While the songs are not jarring and pleasing to the eye too, the placement isn’t great or even necessary. Their existence breaks the already thin-running flow.

Holding it somewhat together though are the performances. Of course, you can’t take your eyes off the screen when Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit are on screen. Oh! Amidst the mandatory jump scares, I also saw the potential for Bhool Bhulaiyaa to pass the Bechdel test. Alas, there was no significant dialogue between the two women. Meanwhile, Kartik Aryan gets his solo, which he does an amusingly good job of. Tripti Dimri has a pleasant presence too.

I cannot deny the fact that I might be appreciating this a tad more than I would otherwise because of how unacknowledged my intelligence felt while watching Singham Again just yesterday.

And yet, all the good things put together don’t make it a watch worth your time, even when it streams. Speaking of which, I wonder if Netflix is the streaming partner or was that an unauthorised use of their signature tune? Meaningless pondering. Yeah, this one had lots of time for that.

- meeta, a part of the audience