Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 Officially Confirmed: Kartik Aaryan Returns!

Get ready, horror-comedy fans! Director Anees Bazmee has officially confirmed that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is happening, with our favorite Rooh Baba, Kartik Aaryan, set to return.

TL;DR: The Scoop on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4

• Director Anees Bazmee confirms Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is "most definitely" happening and "work in progress."
• Kartik Aaryan is the only confirmed cast member, with Bazmee praising his "fabulous comic timing."
• The idea of bringing Akshay Kumar alongside Kartik Aaryan for an epic face-off is being discussed by Bazmee and producer Bhushan Kumar.

The Return of Rooh Baba: Anees Bazmee Confirms Fourth Installment is Underway

Alright, cinephiles, grab your popcorn because the news you've been waiting for is finally here! Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, the mastermind behind the recent Bhool Bhulaiyaa blockbusters, has officially confirmed that a fourth installment, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4, is not just a pipe dream—it's actively "in progress." In a recent interview, Bazmee didn't mince words, stating the film is "most definitely" happening, sending ripples of excitement through Bollywood and its massive fan base.

This confirmation comes hot on the heels of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 completing one successful year since its release on November 1, 2024. That film, despite facing a massive Diwali 2024 clash with Singham Again, managed to rake in over Rs 250 crores at the box office, with specific reports detailing its impressive haul of Rs 260.11 crore in India and a whopping Rs 400.35 crore worldwide. This blockbuster performance cemented Kartik Aaryan's status as a leading man in the horror-comedy genre and clearly signaled to producers that there's still plenty of demand for more spooky laughs.

Kartik Aaryan's Unmissable Presence as Rooh Baba is Locked In

While the story for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is still being ironed out, Bazmee left no room for doubt about one crucial detail: Kartik Aaryan is returning. "The only factor that I can confirm is Kartik," Bazmee told Bollywood Hungama, highlighting the actor's pivotal role in the franchise's recent success. It's clear that Kartik's portrayal of Ruhaan Randhawa, aka Rooh Baba, has resonated deeply with audiences, bringing a fresh, youthful energy to the beloved series. Bazmee was full of praise for Aaryan, attributing a significant part of his comic recognition to the films.

"The boy has done an amazing job. The world would have never known for his fabulous comic timing if it wasn't for Bhool Bhulaiyaa. I am planning a couple of comedies with Kartik."

— Anees Bazmee on working with Kartik Aaryan

This strong endorsement from the director, who's known for his Midas touch with comedies, suggests that Kartik's comedic prowess will remain a cornerstone of the upcoming installment. It also hints at a burgeoning partnership between the two, with Bazmee planning "a couple of comedy films" with Kartik in the future.

Dream Team Alert: Could Akshay Kumar and Kartik Aaryan Unite?

Now, here's where things get really interesting and send fan imaginations into overdrive! The idea of bringing together the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa star, Akshay Kumar, and the current face of the franchise, Kartik Aaryan, for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 has been tossed around. And guess what? Director Anees Bazmee thinks it's a "fantastic idea!"

In a conversation with the Times of India, Bazmee revealed that he and producer Bhushan Kumar have actually discussed this exciting prospect. Imagine the cinematic gold: Akshay Kumar in his iconic orange attire from the first film, pitted against Kartik Aaryan in his signature black Rooh Baba costume! Bazmee clearly sees the potential, stating, "Akshay in that orange attire and Kartik in that black one pitted against each other would be really good."

For long-time fans of the franchise, this would be nothing short of legendary. The original Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), directed by Priyadarshan, became a cult favorite thanks to Akshay Kumar's brilliant performance as Dr. Aditya Shrivastav and Vidya Balan's unforgettable turn as Manjulika. To see Akshay return, not just as a cameo but potentially in a significant role alongside Kartik, would be a dream come true for many, blending nostalgia with the new-age appeal of Rooh Baba. While it's still just an "idea" and "nothing concrete has happened yet," the fact that it's even being discussed at the highest levels of production is enough to keep us buzzing!

The Queens' Return: Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit's Potential Comeback

Speaking of dream casting, what about the incredible leading ladies who graced Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3? Anees Bazmee had nothing but praise for working with the "legends" Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit. He noted their professionalism, calling them "punctual, disciplined, competitive, and yet collaborative," adding that he "had a lot of fun" working with them.

When asked if Vidya and Madhuri would return for the fourth installment, Bazmee kept his options open, teasing fans with possibilities. "It could! On the other hand, we may have some other actress who has never been part of the franchise before," he hinted. This suggests that while their return is certainly on the table (and would be welcomed by fans after their impactful performances in BB3), the filmmakers are also considering introducing a fresh face to keep the narrative dynamic and unpredictable.

In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Vidya Balan as Mallika and Madhuri Dixit as Mandira brought a unique dual dynamic, both claiming to be the ghost Manjulika. The film's intricate plot ultimately revealed a fascinating twist: the spirit wasn't Manjulika but Prince Debendranath, a transgender member of the royal family who was tragically burned alive to hide his true identity. Mallika and Mandira were then unveiled as the reincarnations of Manjulika's sisters, seeking to avenge the prince's death. This complex storytelling, coupled with their strong performances, made the film a standout, and their potential return would undoubtedly add significant star power and intrigue to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4.

A Look Back at Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: The Blockbuster That Set the Stage

Let's not forget the recent triumph that paved the way for this exciting sequel. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was a massive success, proving the horror-comedy genre still has a huge audience appetite. The film showcased Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba once again, in a tale where he's hired by Meera (Triptii Dimri) to investigate a haunted palace in Raktghat, West Bengal. What follows is a thrilling and comedic journey filled with spirits, secrets, and plenty of unexpected twists.

The stellar ensemble cast of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 included, but wasn't limited to:

• Kartik Aaryan as Ruhaan Randhawa / Rooh Baba
• Madhuri Dixit as Mandira
• Vidya Balan as Mallika
• Triptii Dimri in a lead role
• Vijay Raaz
• Rajpal Yadav
• Sanjay Mishra
• Ashwini Kalsekar
• Rajesh Sharma
• Arun Kushwah
• Manish Wadhwa

The film's intricate plot, revealing the tragic story of Prince Debendranath and the vengeful reincarnations of Manjulika's sisters, added layers of depth to the franchise, moving beyond simple ghost stories to explore more complex emotional narratives. Currently, if you're keen to revisit the chills and laughs, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is readily available for streaming on Netflix.

Anees Bazmee's Jam-Packed Schedule and What It Means for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4

While the confirmation of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is fantastic news, director Anees Bazmee is a busy man, and his packed schedule has some fans wondering about potential delays. Bazmee has several other major projects lined up, which could affect the timeline for Rooh Baba's next adventure.

Here’s a quick peek at what else Bazmee has on his plate:

• Ram Aur Shyam: This film is set to go on floors in mid-February 2026 and will star a "top superstar" as the leading man, with reports hinting it might be Akshay Kumar.
• No Entry Mein Entry: Another highly anticipated comedy, keeping Bazmee's comedic genius in demand.
• Other Comedy Films with Kartik Aaryan: Beyond the Bhool Bhulaiyaa universe, Bazmee is planning a couple more comedy projects with Kartik, showcasing their strong creative synergy.

Fans online have voiced concerns that with such a demanding slate, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 might take a backseat or experience delays. Bazmee is known for his "detailed planning" before embarking on a project, which, while ensuring quality, can also extend development times. It will be interesting to see how he juggles these big titles and manages to deliver on the high expectations for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 without compromising on its unique blend of horror and humor.

What's Next for Kartik Aaryan Beyond the Haunted Halls?

Kartik Aaryan, whose "fabulous comic timing" was lauded by Bazmee thanks to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa films, is undoubtedly one of Bollywood's busiest stars. While fans eagerly await his return as Rooh Baba, he has a lineup of diverse projects that promise to keep him in the spotlight:

• Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri: This romantic film will see Kartik co-starring with Ananya Panday.
• Untitled Anurag Basu directorial: An exciting collaboration with acclaimed director Anurag Basu, featuring Sreeleela.
• Naagzilla: Details are sparse, but the title itself suggests another intriguing venture for Aaryan.

This diverse range of films indicates Kartik's ambition to explore various genres and cement his position as a versatile actor, even as he continues to charm audiences with his horror-comedy persona. His consistent work ethic and choice of interesting projects suggest that whenever Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 arrives, he’ll be bringing his A-game.

The Pulse of the People: Fan Expectations and the Franchise's Future

The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise has always been a conversation starter, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is no different. While the previous installment, BB3, was a box office hit, it received "mixed reviews," and audience reactions have been varied.

Some viewers are excited for the continuity that Kartik Aaryan brings and are eager to see how the story evolves. Others, however, feel the franchise should "take a new direction" or that Bazmee should "focus on fresh content instead of another sequel." This sentiment often arises when a series extends over many installments, as fans look for innovation rather than mere replication.

A significant demand "growing louder online" is for the return of Akshay Kumar. The idea of the original Dr. Aditya Shrivastav sharing screen space with the new-age Rooh Baba is a powerful draw, promising a generational crossover that could revitalize the series in a big way. Whether this dream casting becomes a reality, or if Bazmee introduces another "actress who has never been part of the franchise," remains to be seen. What's clear is that the pressure is on to deliver a film that respects the legacy while also pushing creative boundaries.

As the creative team gears up, balancing fan expectations, managing a busy director's schedule, and crafting a compelling narrative will be key. One thing's for sure: the excitement for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is palpable, and everyone is waiting to see what shape this next chapter of laughter and chills will take.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bhool Bhulaiyaa Franchise

Q: When is Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 expected to be released?

A: As of late 2025, director Anees Bazmee has confirmed that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is "in progress" and "definitely happening." However, no official release date or production timeline has been announced yet, especially given Bazmee's busy schedule with other projects.

Q: Will Akshay Kumar be in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 with Kartik Aaryan?

A: While Kartik Aaryan is confirmed to return, the possibility of Akshay Kumar joining him in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 has been discussed by director Anees Bazmee and producer Bhushan Kumar. Bazmee called it a "fantastic idea," but stressed that "nothing concrete has happened yet."

Q: Is Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 available on any streaming platform?

A: Yes, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which was released on November 1, 2024, is currently streaming on Netflix.

Q: What was the box office performance of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3?

A: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was a massive success, achieving blockbuster status. It earned over Rs 260.11 crore in India and an impressive Rs 400.35 crore worldwide, making it Kartik Aaryan's biggest career hit to date.

Sources

• Bollywood Hungama (Quotes from Anees Bazmee)
• Times of India (Interview with Anees Bazmee)
• News18.com (Confirmation and details on BB4)
• India Today (Updates on BB4 and Bazmee's statements)