Bhool Bhulaiya

The success of Bhool Bhulaiya has surprised many within the film industry, especially as the film’s release date coincided with Yash Raj’s Laga Chunari Mein Daag.

Bhool Bhulaiya has surpassed all industry expectations. The film has not only captured the Indian domestic market, but is running exceptionally well in the international markets.

Looking beyond the running success of the film, I finally had the opportunity to see for myself the secret behind the success of Bhool Bhulaiya. The film stars my current favourite Akshay Kumar with the gorgeous Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja, Paresh Rawal, Amisha Patel, Rajpal Yadev and a host of other actors.

It is a mix of comedy and thriller, with a great story line! The story follows a newly married couple who decide to move into their family owned ‘haveli’ from America after much protest from their village elders. This particular ‘haveli’ has a secret. A spirit lives there and has vowed to seek revenge. What follows is a suspense filled journey with Priyadarshan’s signature comedy from the moment the family enter the home to the highly anticipated Durga Astmi Puja.

Bhool Bhulaiya is a fantastic watch! You’ll laugh until your sides ache and cringe with fear when the ‘bhoot’ appears. Needless to say the heart and soul of the film is the one and only Akshay Kumar. Akshay has grown over time and is one of a handful of actors that can easily fit within all roles – comedy and dramatic. His entry into the ‘haveli’ changes the entire feel of the film. He brings with him a certain charisma that lights the film and makes the story even more interesting.

Vidya Balan with her gorgeous yester years looks is fantastic! This is probably her best performance to date. She is electrifyingly excellent in the second half and her acting is more than just believable.

Paresh Rawal is his comedic best and doesn’t fail to entertain with his usual clumsiness, and naivety. Shiney Ahuja is okay and is very becoming as royalty. Amisha Patel looks beautiful as a simple girl, but her performance fails to impress.

Overall the film is absolutely fantastic and a must see this Navratri season. A small suggestion, when the film ends and the credits role do not leave the theatre - stay seated and watch the current chart favourite – ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’.