Bhool Bhuliyaan - Do yourself a favor and just forget it!
It’s the season of ghosts and goblins and you wouldn’t believe it, but this Halloween weekend, there’s actually an Indian movie that has the right amount of thrill for the mood! Priyadarshan probably had no idea of what perfect timing his film Bhool Bhuliyaan arrives at for the US market. In a time where freaks roam about the streets and creepy stories are told, this psychological thriller, of a haunted mansion is sure to make you feel as if spiders are crawling up your spine! But don’t be too afraid because Akshay Kumar brings some comic relief. Read more about Bhool Bhuliyaan in today’s review!
Bhool Bhuliyaan is the remake of an award-winning Malyalam film. Priyadarshan adopts the screenplay and with his imagination brews a new potion. But unlike the original, his recipe is not spell-binding. Far from bewitching this dormant plot doesn’t captivate at any point or time. As the first 10 minutes endlessly proceed to torture, you sit with hopes that Akshay Kumar will eventually enter to pick up the slack. And yes, enter Akshay you heave a small sigh of relief, but only momentarily. After all what can one man really do with a director who’s not as accomplished in this genre? Priyadarshan who’s built his reputation on successful comedies that are a hit with the masses, isn’t quite able to figure out what senses he’s trying to appease. Is he trying to amuse or petrify? Unable to go either way or blend the two, he ends up amusing when he’s supposed to frighten. A great concept with a rational theory, the story is applaudable but not the dull execution. The film doesn’t firmly take hold of the viewer, in the beginning, middle, or end. Secrets of the haunted mansion are unveiled in a very humdrum fashion. The critical juncture where the viewer is to have solved the mystery is missing.
The lighting and cinematography is gray and gloomy, representative of the atmosphere. Portions of the film brighten with the demands of the scene and characters. Paresh Rawal is side-lined and only average. Rajpal Yadav enters in spurts and is a hoot. The remaining supporting artists provide ample support.
As for the main leads, Shiney Ahuja is mediocre. Amisha Patel plays a relevant role but is weakly characterized. This impacts her performance and her delivery is limp. Vidya Balan has a meaty character with variations that allow her to present herself as a complete actor. She’s highly competent and gives a powerhouse performance. Akshay Kumar is like a messiah. He alleviates most of the pain of this wishy-washy watch, but isn’t the miracle man who can heal all. Still he’s the best thing about Bhool Bhuliyaan and it’s purely for him the film is even worth a look. Lively and beguiling he whisks you away!
As for Priyadarshan and his career, Bhool Bhuliyaan ko Bhool jaana is more in his favor than not. This slow paced, anti-climatic feature would have been better off as a pure comedy rather than a hodge-podge of thrill and humor. Spook and sugar-free, this film’s like getting a box of prunes in your trick or treat bag; a treat barely worth 2 stars.
Trick or Treat? Priyadarshan sure got us with this one! Bhool Bhuliyaan was definitely a trick more than a treat! The film neither scared the daylights out of me or tickled my funny bone! Let’s hope your Halloween adventures are more fulfilling!