Review of Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) by Nived N — 21 Feb 2010

Bhool Bhulaiyaa may not have reached the level of Critically acclaimed Malayalam film ''Manichitrathazam'' (Original) But I can safely say that it is the best and decent remake of it (Tamil's Chandramukhi was such a sham). Both the film have slight diversion, Where ''Manichitrathazam'' was Shobana's Vehicle where Mohanlal was just a supporting cast, ''Bhool Bhulaiyaa'' is one-man-show for Akshay Kumar even though he arrives late in the plot.

With very tight screenplay , Bhool Bhulaiyaa seldom drag, except some portion in first half where Shiney Ahuja is inchristainised as Raja, which is ridiculously boring. However, Second half is the main triumph where the mysteries starts unraveling without wasting much time. Priyadarshan succeeds in telling a different story which is new hindi-viewing audience, it has solid plot, jokes are neither tasteless or pointless as compared to other Priyan's film (still worked for me).

I can't remove SHOBANA'S Nagavally act and MOHANLAL's medical mad world of acting from my memory which they created a decade ago, former even got the National award for her role. So seeing VIDYA BALAN (Manjulika) in this role lead to tough comparision. She is not near to Shobana's league but yet she delivers a good performance, conveying expression through her eyes. Also her dance is amazing. AKSHAY KUMAR is the real show stealer as the American psychatrist who uses very odd method (unliked by the palace memebers) to research and find conclusion. SHINEY AHUJA lacks expression throughout while AMISHA PATEL is in good form as well as doesn't ham as she usually does. Other rest cast are just stereotypical comic roles only RAJPAL YADAV provides some good laugh.

Overall, BHOOL BHULAIYAA is ultimately an engaging film. Go watch it for it's second half and splendid performance of Akshay-Vidya (STAY AWAY FROM TAMIL VERSION ''CHANDRAMUKHI, THAT FILM IS SURELY AN INSULT TO THE ORIGINAL).