The horror-comedy franchise that has Bollywood dancing to its tune isn’t stopping anytime soon! Director Anees Bazmee has officially confirmed that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is “work in progress,” sending waves of excitement through the film fraternity. With Kartik Aaryan locked in as the lead and the creative team gearing up for an even bigger spectacle, fans can expect another thrilling chapter in this beloved franchise that has redefined horror-comedy in Indian cinema.
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Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4: What We Know So Far
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Confirmed, Work in Progress |
| Director | Anees Bazmee |
| Lead Actor | Kartik Aaryan (Confirmed) |
| Producer | Bhushan Kumar (T-Series) |
| Expected Release | 2026-2027 (Tentative) |
| Budget | Expected ₹150+ crore |
| Female Lead | Not Announced (Possibilities: Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, or new actress) |
| Previous Installments | Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), BB2 (2022), BB3 (2024) |
| BB3 Box Office | ₹430+ crore worldwide |
| Franchise Total | ₹800+ crore (all three films combined) |
Anees Bazmee’s Big Reveal
In a candid conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Anees Bazmee dropped the bombshell announcement that fans had been waiting for. When asked about the possibility of another installment, the filmmaker confirmed enthusiastically, “It is definitely in progress.” He emphasized that the love the series has received over the years is unparalleled and assured that the next film will indeed happen.
The director also credited the franchise with revealing Kartik Aaryan’s exceptional comic timing to the world. “The world would have never known about Kartik Aaryan’s fabulous comic timing if it hadn’t been for Bhool Bhulaiyaa,” Bazmee stated, adding that he’s planning a couple of comedy films with the actor beyond just the horror-comedy franchise.
Will Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit Return?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is whether the legendary duo of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit will reprise their roles. The two actresses delivered show-stealing performances in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, elevating the film with their powerful portrayals of Manjulika and her counterpart.
Bazmee addressed this speculation thoughtfully, saying it was “possible” they might return, but the team is also considering casting “another actress who has never been part of the franchise before.” This opens up exciting possibilities—could we see a fresh face taking on the iconic Manjulika mantle, or perhaps an entirely new supernatural entity?
The director praised his experience working with both legends, mentioning they never made him feel like he was working with such big stars, making the collaboration seamless and joyful.
The Bhool Bhulaiyaa Phenomenon
What started as Priyadarshan’s psychological thriller in 2007 starring Akshay Kumar has evolved into one of Bollywood’s most successful franchises. The series took a new direction in 2022 when Anees Bazmee and Kartik Aaryan joined forces for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which became a pandemic-era blockbuster, grossing over ₹266 crore worldwide.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, released during Diwali 2024, took the franchise to even greater heights, crossing ₹430 crore worldwide and establishing itself as one of the year’s biggest commercial successes. The film featured an ensemble cast including Triptii Dimri, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, and Sanjay Mishra, with Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan delivering career-defining performances.
Each installment functions as a standalone film with fresh storylines, yet maintains the franchise’s DNA—a perfect blend of genuine scares, laugh-out-loud comedy, and memorable musical numbers. The iconic “Ami Je Tomar” track has become synonymous with the franchise, with each version topping music charts.
Kartik Aaryan’s Busy Slate
Before Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 goes on floors, Kartik Aaryan has an impressive lineup. He’s currently filming Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri opposite Ananya Panday, an untitled Anurag Basu directorial alongside Sreeleela, and the ambitious mythological action-adventure Naagzilla.
The actor’s transformation into a bankable star has been remarkable, with the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise playing a pivotal role in establishing him as a comedy powerhouse and a genuine box office draw.
What Makes Part 4 Different?
Bazmee acknowledged the immense responsibility of creating Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4, stating it would be challenging because of direct comparisons with the previous three installments. However, he’s confident about raising the scale in every department while retaining the franchise’s signature horror-comedy blend.
Producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series has hinted at even bigger surprises, with speculation swirling about potential returns of Akshay Kumar or Kiara Advani in special appearances, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
For the latest Bollywood updates and franchise news, check out our entertainment coverage and movie reviews.
Visit T-Series official website for official announcements and follow Kartik Aaryan for behind-the-scenes updates.
FAQs
When will Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 release in theaters?
While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 has been officially confirmed as “work in progress” by director Anees Bazmee, an official release date hasn’t been announced yet. Based on the franchise’s pattern and current production timelines, industry insiders speculate a 2026 or early 2027 release. The third installment took approximately 18 months from announcement to release, so fans can expect a similar timeline. Given that Kartik Aaryan has multiple projects lined up including Tu Meri Main Tera and Naagzilla, shooting for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 likely won’t commence until mid-2025 at the earliest.
Will Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 continue the story from Part 3 or be a standalone film?
Like its predecessors, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 is expected to be a standalone film with a fresh storyline, maintaining the franchise’s anthology format. While the first film (2007) was a psychological thriller, Parts 2 and 3 embraced supernatural horror-comedy with Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba—a character who can communicate with spirits. Each film features the haunting of Manjulika but presents different narratives, locations, and supporting characters. Anees Bazmee has confirmed only Kartik Aaryan’s involvement so far, suggesting the film will introduce new characters, a new haunted location, and a fresh take on the Manjulika legend while retaining the franchise’s signature mix of comedy, horror, and emotional drama.
