Vidya Balan has recently from the set of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,’ expressing her gratitude towards her fans and conveying her enthusiasm for her upcoming movie, ‘Do Aur Do Pyaar.’ Though initially hesitant about revisiting the Bhool Bhulaiyaa universe, Vidya acknowledged in her latest interview that her evolution as an actress has enabled her to view her role through a fresh lens.
The character of Manjulika from ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ (2007) holds a significant place in Vidya’s heart. Almost two decades later, she is reprising this iconic role in director Anees Bazmee’s ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.’ The decision to return wasn’t easy due to the towering success of the original film.
In a discussion with Mid-Day, Vidya reflected, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa gave me so much. So, I felt, ‘Should I do another one in the franchise?’ The worry that the sequel won’t match up to the original always plays on an actor’s mind. But I have grown up. This is a completely different film, and there is so much to enjoy in it. I wanted to work with Anees Bhai. I love the script, and because I was a part of the original, this is a whole different high.”
Nevertheless, enriched by her experiences, she said, “I have matured. This project is distinct, and there’s much to appreciate in it. I looked forward to working with Anees Bhai. I love the script, and having been part of the original, it feels exhilarating to embark on this project.”
Vidya has already wrapped up shooting for two parts of this horror comedy alongside stars Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, and Triptii Dimri. When asked if she would return as Manjulika, Vidya emphasized that her approach to reprising this familiar role is imbued with new insights. She explained the integral role of collaboration with the director to align with their vision, stating that the understanding of a character’s both external and internal worlds is crucial. For Manjulika, the intention isn’t to replicate past portrayals but to respect how the character and she herself have evolved over time.
“A large part of any actor’s prep is to sit with the director and buy into his vision. I always understand how my character fits into the vision they have in mind. It’s important to understand the world I have to inhabit and my character’s inner world. With Manjulika, I am not trying to recreate what I had done before. It is a different time and a different me. The role may be the same, but it has changed [in its own way]. My approach is fresh,” she mentioned, adding that working with Kartik Aaryan, known for his role as Rooh Baba, has been a joyous experience. “He and I are different in terms of approach, but what works is that we get along like a house on fire,” she noted.
Director Anees Bazmee, too, had shared his excitement for the project, saying, “I am thrilled to take forward the world of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa.’ In the previous installment, Rooh Baba became the most loved character, and it’s going to be a fun and exciting challenge to make it even better for the audiences to enjoy. This film is my next immediate directorial and the focus is on crafting a gripping narrative that will resonate with audiences while staying true to the essence of the series.”
The horror comedy is scheduled to be released in the theatres on Diwali 2024.
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