OG is back: Vidya Balan to reprise role as Manjulika in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’

We’re all in for a spooky treat

If you thought Vidya Balan was done haunting your nightmares as Manjulika, think again. It has officially been confirmed that the famed star, who sent shivers down the audience’s spines with her eerie portrayal of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa antagonist, is reprising her role in the franchise. 

Kartik Aaryan, who essayed Ruhaan Randhawa a.k.a Rooh Baba in the 2022 sequel, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, took to his official X account to share the news. The actor attached a video of the bone-chilling song from the first offering, with Vidya essaying Manjulika. “And it’s happening,” he stated alongside, adding the fire emoji.

He continued to add, “OG Manjulika is coming back to the world of Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Super thrilled to welcome Vidya Balan. This Diwali is going to be crackling.” With his choice of hashtags, the actor also confirmed that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was officially in the works, eyeing a Diwali release. 

Those who still remember Vidya’s performance are aware that her Manjulika was something straight out of a nightmare. While Tabu’s take on the notorious supernatural being had its moments, one simply cannot forget just how terrifying Vidya’s Manjulika was. Paired with Ami Je Tomar, the haunting images come swirling back for anyone who’s seen the first film. 

It is thus that fans took to rejoice that the OG was indeed back. “I’m sat for Vidya and Vidya only,” said one fan. However, many took offence to the fact that Kartik was welcoming Vidya into a franchise that is evidently marked by her unforgettable performance. 

“Now he is going to welcome Vidya?” questioned one X user sarcastically. “‘So thrilled to welcome Vidya Bala,'” mocked another, continuing to state, “You’re in her franchise, she isn’t in yours.” Yet another user of the microblogging site formerly known as Twitter said, “He said ‘welcome’ like he wasn’t a replacement for the original actor. She has been there since the start little bro.”

Regardless of how one feels about the way the announcement was made, fans of Vidya know they’re in for an absolute treat as the star reprises her iconic role. The audience is now waiting for Diwali with bated breath, as Vidya gears up to eat and leave no crumbs behind.