Spoilers ahead!
Recently, I had the chance to watch Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. As someone who studies and researches queer issues, I was curious to see how – or if – the movie might engage with themes of queerness. While the movie certainly doesn’t frame itself as an overtly queer film, it weaves in subtle layers of queerness into the character of Debendranath, a cross-dressing prince with a passion for dance. His story isn’t just another “vengeful ghost” trope, but offers an exploration of queer identity, betrayal, and, ultimately, acceptance.
Debendranath’s Queerness: A Complex Character in Horror
The character of Debendranath stood out as an overtly queer figure in a mainstream Hindi horror-comedy, which in itself is notable. Unlike typical Bollywood depictions of royalty, Debendranath doesn’t fit the mould of a conventional prince. His fondness for dance, self-expression through cross-dressing, and desire to embrace his authentic self, defy societal expectations of royalty and masculinity. However, his queerness becomes the very reason for his tragic end. In a society that demanded strict conformity, Debendranath’s queerness became a threat. His ultimate betrayal—by his sisters Manjulika and Anjulika, the people he trusted to understand and protect him—leads to his death and fuels his vengeance as a ghost. This tragic twist casts queerness in a complex light, where self-expression is a source of both empowerment and peril.
Also read: Horror: A Queer Avenue to Walk Through Grief
Debendranath’s story in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 reminded me of similar narratives in Bollywood, particularly in Laxmii. In both movies, queer characters are portrayed as vengeful spirits, underscoring a longstanding stereotype: the “vengeful queer.” This trope has appeared in various Indian films, often portraying queer people as otherworldly, dangerous, or vengeful. In Laxmii, for example, the transgender character’s pain and mistreatment lead them to wreak havoc as a spirit. On the surface, it’s easy to critique this as yet another example of typecasting. Yet, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 takes a surprising twist that made me re-evaluate my initial reaction.
Also read: Laxmii—A Transphobic Excuse for a Film
Redemption through Acceptance: Breaking the Vengeful Queer Trope
One aspect that sets Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 apart is how it chooses to resolve Debendranath’s journey. While his ghost is initially driven by revenge, he doesn’t remain locked in a cycle of vengeance. Instead, the movie allows him to find peace (or moksha) when his queer identity is finally accepted by his sisters’ reincarnations, Manjulika and Anjulika. This was unexpected and, in my view, one of the most refreshing aspects of the film. Debendranath’s vengefulness melts away once he receives the understanding he yearned for—an acceptance that tragically eluded him in his lifetime but is offered in a future that he could not have foreseen.
This theme of acceptance is crucial because it suggests that even a spirit burdened with trauma and rage can find peace through understanding and love. As a queer researcher, I couldn’t help but see this as a message about the transformative power of acceptance. Debendranath trusted his sisters to accept him when he was alive, but they couldn’t. Their betrayal not only led to his death but also the creation of a vengeful spirit. The final reconciliation—with Debendranath forgiving his sisters and letting go of his grudge—conveys the message that acceptance can heal wounds, even those that have festered for centuries.
Also read: On The Importance of Queer Elders
Comedy, Mystery, and Forced Elements
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 doesn’t try to present itself as anything more than an entertaining horror-comedy. The comedic scenes often feel forced, and at times, it feels like the humour distracts from the story’s deeper elements. Yet, in terms of maintaining mystery, the movie does well. The supernatural aspects are intriguingly woven, and there’s an element of suspense that keeps viewers engaged. While I would have appreciated a more nuanced approach to comedy, the movie’s blend of horror and mystery makes it an enjoyable watch, especially when it engages with Debendranath’s story.
A Queer Narrative Amidst Mainstream Bollywood Tropes
As someone who studies queer representations in the media, I recognize that this movie will likely face criticism. Critics may argue that Debendranath’s story rehashes harmful stereotypes about queer people being inherently tragic or vengeful. Others might point out how Bollywood still tends to treat queerness as the “other”—an identity marked by tragedy and mystery rather than an everyday reality. Indeed, such critiques are valid. Bollywood’s treatment of queer identities often falls into narrow portrayals, be it comedic or tragic. Yet, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 deserves credit for going beyond this by suggesting that acceptance—even if delayed—can break cycles of pain.
Also read: A League of our own—Why Queer Media Representation is a Stand-in for Community, Sometimes
The character of Debendranath is not solely defined by his queerness; he is complex, and his struggles reflect the genuine difficulty queer people face when looking for acceptance in conservative spaces. His dance, his attire, his self-expression are expressions of his identity, not just plot devices. When he trusted his sisters to understand him, it wasn’t merely an act of familial trust; it was an act of self-exposure and a plea for validation. His story echoes a reality many queer people experience: the fear of opening up to loved ones, the potential of rejection, and the emotional scars left when trust is betrayed.
Beyond the Ghost Story: A Broader Message on Acceptance
For me, the real value of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 lies in its broader message of acceptance. By depicting a queer character who finds peace through acceptance, the movie offers a lesson that resonates beyond its supernatural elements. It speaks to a universal truth: acceptance is transformative, and understanding can heal even the deepest wounds. Debendranath’s journey suggests that queer people, often marginalised or misunderstood, don’t need to stay trapped in narratives of tragedy and vengeance. With acceptance and empathy, there’s a possibility for closure, redemption, and peace.
This is a narrative I hope we see more of in Bollywood and beyond. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 might be marketed as a horror-comedy, but its message has significant implications for how we think about queerness and acceptance in Indian society. In a culture where LGBTQIA+ rights are still evolving, representations like Debendranath’s can start conversations and open minds. He is a character who, despite betrayal, finds peace not through revenge but through forgiveness—a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, acceptance, and the redemptive power of love.
Parting Words
While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 may not be perfect, it offers a fascinating glimpse into how mainstream Indian cinema can portray queer experiences, even within a supernatural, horror-comedy framework. Yes, it follows some traditional tropes, but the resolution sets it apart, pushing past simple revenge to focus on acceptance and understanding. Debendranath’s story is one that speaks to the hope for acceptance, a hope that many queer individuals share, sometimes across lifetimes.
Critics will likely have much to say about the movie, and that’s fair. Bollywood still has a long way to go in terms of nuanced queer representation. But as a researcher and viewer, I appreciate the narrative arc that allowed a queer character to find closure through acceptance rather than vengeance. It’s a step in the right direction—one that, I hope, will inspire more inclusive stories in the future.
If nothing else, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a fun movie with a meaningful twist, one that makes it worth watching for anyone interested in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking take on queer identity and acceptance.
