‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’: Is Akshay Kumar joining the film after Vidya Balan? Director Anees Bazmee shares

The much-awaited Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is gearing up for production. Despite speculation, Anees Bazmee confirmed to Zoom that Akshay Kumar won't feature in the film. Bazmee expressed his desire to collaborate with Kumar in the future but clarified that their schedules haven't aligned yet. Regarding the shoot, Bazmee indicated a tentative start date of March 10, although the exact date remains unconfirmed.

Anees said, ‘No, Akshay is not a part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. I am dying to work with him, but unfortunately, I have not been able to script a film where we could work together. In future, certainly yes.’

Vidya Balan and Kartik Aaryan will lead the third installment.

Talking about Vidya, Anees added, ‘Look, Vidya had agreed to do a 3-day role in my film Thank You. I remember calling her, and she taking no time to give her nod of consent. I don't know why, but I can never forget that gracious gesture. It all started from there, and here I am today, ready to go on the set.’

Vidya’s role in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’

Vidya Balan starred as Manjulika in the 2007 psychological horror-comedy film ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’.

Kartik welcomes Vidya on board

Actor Kartik Aaryan, who headlined the second part and will also be seen in a lead role in the third installment, welcomed Vidya on board on Monday. He wrote, ‘And its happening. Og Manjulika is coming back to the world of BhoolBhulaiyaa. Super thrilled to welcome @balanvidya. This Diwali is going to be crackling #BhoolBhulaiyaa3 @aneesbazmee @tseries.official #BhushanKumar.’

Kartik shared an edited video blending Vidya’s iconic Manjulika scene with his own from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

Anees also directed the second installment. Priyadarshan helmed the first with Akshay Kumar and Vidya, while Kartik starred with Tabu and Kiara Advani in the second.

On expanding the franchise, producer Bhushan Kumar said, ‘The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise holds a special place in our hearts, and I'm very happy to be taking it forward with a creative mind like Anees and an incredible talent like Kartik. Together, we are set to deliver a cinematic experience that will both honour the legacy of the franchise and bring double the laughter and thrill for the audience.’

‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ will be released this Diwali.

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