Can My Child Watch Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3?
Jess on Nov. 5, 2024
The film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (BB3), released during this year’s week of Diwali, has caught a lot of attention. But if you’re wondering whether this film is appropriate for the whole whānau, let’s break down the themes, content, and possible concerns, so you can make an informed choice before watching.
We’ve rated this film M which means it is unrestricted but more suitable for a mature audience 16 years and older. The content warning includes violence, horror scenes, and content that may disturb. Sometimes unrestricted content can make it tricky for parents to decide whether their older children can watch a film or series or not. Continue reading to find out if Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a good choice for your whānau.
What’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 About?
Set in the vibrant city of Kolkata, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 follows Ruhaan (played by Kartik Aaryan), a sly con artist posing as an exorcist. When Princess Meera enlists his help to banish the terrifying spirit Manjulika from her castle, Ruhaan sees an opportunity for a quick payday. But as he uncovers the dark secrets within the castle, he soon finds himself in over his head.
Key themes
If your tamariki are easily spooked, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 might be a bit too intense for them. With its mix of supernatural elements, creepy visuals, and suspenseful moments, the film will likely deliver some jump scares. While there are plenty of humorous moments, it’s not specifically tailored for our youngest audiences. Older children and rangatahi may enjoy the excitement, but younger viewers might find it frightening. But before you make any decisions about the film, here’s the lowdown on what to expect.
Violence
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 contains many scenes of violence, shown in ways that are sometimes funny and sometimes scary. The strongest violence takes place when characters are set on fire. In one scene, a character is tied to a pole and set alight. While we don’t see explicit injuries, their screams are heard, and they later appear as a ghost. This moment is revisited several times, the last being the most intense with a close-up of the character’s face as it burns. There is also another scene where a character is trapped inside a bedroom that has been deliberately set on fire.
Other violent scenes include a character being thrown repeatedly to the ground by a ghost, characters grabbing each other by the throat, and slapstick-like hits. Threats are also made, with phrases such as “I’ll slit their throat and drink their blood” and “all of you will burn alive.”
Horror and Disturbing Content
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is filled with supernatural elements that might be unsettling for younger audiences. The haunted castle features a door that imprisons an angry spirit – scenes where the door is opened, unleashing dark forces, can be pretty scary. There’s a masked figure with a creepy smile and some “jump scares,” likely to give viewers a fright.
Some characters have unsettling appearances; for example, one ghostly figure has a burnt, distorted face with chipped teeth, while another character’s face is streaked with dark veins. There’s also a disturbing dream sequence in which a character sees a woman falling from a building, who then gets up and move menacingly towards them.
Coarse Language
There is mild language throughout the film, with words like “heck,” “pervert,” “shut up,” and “brainless twit.” These terms are generally used jokingly, but it’s still worth noting if you’re cautious about language in films.
Tips for Watching with Kids
If you do decide to watch Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 with a younger rangatahi, talk with them beforehand about the themes of the film. Opening the conversation around horror and violence can help them process anything that may upset them, especially if these are new topics for them.
It’s also important to debrief with them after the film. Creating a safe space to talk about what they see in movies, without judgment, can be invaluable for them to feel supported in understanding challenging content.
There are some conversation starters for horror films over on this blog that could help unpack Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and its themes with your child.
The Verdict: Is This a Family Watch?
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is best suited for older tamariki, rangatahi, and adults – especially those who enjoy a mix of humour and supernatural elements. Its blend of comedic moments with some genuinely scary scenes might not keep younger viewers entertained, and the horror aspects could be a bit intense for them.
While younger children may find the creepy visuals and darker themes unsettling, some might not be scared at all – individual experiences can vary widely within each whānau. But if you are seeking a more light-hearted option, it might be better to choose a film with less emphasis on the spooky or supernatural themes.
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