"Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" revolves around a complex narrative of reincarnation, mistaken identities, and a quest to vanquish a vengeful spirit. The story unfolds in the kingdom of Rakhtghat, where a long-standing prophecy foretells the return of a royal to defeat the malevolent spirit of Manjulika.

The Legend of Manjulika and Debendra Nath:

• Princess Manjulika was known for her skills in dance and as a warrior. However, she harbored resentment towards her brother, Prince Debendra Nath, because he was chosen as the king's heir despite her belief that he had servant blood.
• Driven by jealousy and rage, Manjulika murdered Debendra Nath and was subsequently burned alive for her crime. However, her spirit remained, seeking revenge.
• To contain her vengeful spirit, a ritual was performed, and a holy oil was created. Manjulika's spirit was locked away behind a door. It was prophesied that someone from the royal family would be reincarnated to defeat Manjulika on Durga Ashtami by opening the door to her prison.

The Arrival of Ruhaan and the Misidentification:

• The story introduces Ruhaan, who is initially mistaken as the reincarnated Prince Debendra Nath. The villagers and the royal priest, Raj Purohit, believe Ruhaan is the one prophesied to defeat Manjulika. Ruhaan is brought to Rakhtghat to fulfill this destiny.
• Upon his arrival, Ruhaan is met with reverence and is informed about the history of Manjulika and Debendra Nath. He is expected to open the door imprisoning Manjulika and eliminate her.
• Ruhaan himself is not convinced that he is a prince and makes jokes about being royal.

The Realities of Rakhtghat:

• The kingdom of Rakhtghat is portrayed as a place steeped in superstition, where the fear of ghosts and spirits is rampant. People are quick to believe in curses and evil spirits.
• During the preparations for Durga Puja, an effigy of Manjulika is burned annually. This year, Ruhaan, believing to be the crown prince, is expected to do the honors.
• The narrative introduces characters who seek to exploit the situation, such as those trying to profit from the palace and its associated legends.

The Unveiling of Deception:

• Mallika, an employee of a company that restores old properties, plays a significant role in uncovering the truth. She is instrumental in realizing that the legends of Manjulika might be untrue.
• Ruhaan, despite being presented as the reincarnation of Prince Debendra Nath, has no royal lineage. He is just an ordinary person caught up in the village's superstitions. It is revealed that Ruhaan was in the city when people thought he was a prince.
• The pundits and villagers of Rakhtghat are revealed to have fabricated the story of Manjulika to maintain control and power. The door imprisoning Manjulika’s spirit was already open.
• It is discovered that Prince Debendra Nath's soul is not at rest and continues to haunt the palace, manifesting through eerie occurrences, such as spontaneous fires.

The True Reincarnation:

• The plot thickens as the narrative reveals that the true reincarnation of Manjulika and Debendra Nath is not Ruhaan but Mallika and another character named Meera.
• A cleaned painting of Manjulika reveals that she bears a striking resemblance to Mallika.
• Mallika is shown to possess a deep-seated connection with the past, even though she does not initially understand it. She begins remembering her past life.
• It is also revealed that Meera is a reincarnation of someone connected to the royal family, however, it was made clear that she is not Manjulika.

The Confrontation and Resolution:

• The story culminates during Durga Ashtami with the confrontation between Mallika, embodying Manjulika's spirit, and her past life as Debendra Nath. She is initially driven by revenge and tries to harm the villagers and her family.
• The climax involves a ritual where the sacred oil is meant to be used to put an end to Manjulika. However, it is revealed that the oil was stolen.
• In a twist, it is revealed that the sacred oil is not what will end the spirit of Manjulika, but the realization of truth, acceptance and forgiveness. She then tells the villagers that it is her that is the reincarnation of Manjulika and that she is not a ghost.
• The movie ends with the truth revealed, and the spirit of Manjulika and the misunderstanding surrounding the royal family is put to rest.

Themes and Motifs:

• Reincarnation and Destiny: The movie explores the concept of reincarnation and how past lives can influence the present. The characters grapple with the idea of fulfilling predetermined roles.
• Superstition vs. Reality: It contrasts the villagers' reliance on superstition with the unfolding truth. The movie also touches upon how people can be misled by fabricated stories.
• Greed and Power: The film critiques the greed and power struggles of those in charge, who manipulate others for their own benefit.
• Forgiveness and Acceptance: The movie portrays the importance of forgiveness and acceptance in order to let go of the past. The film shows that truth and honesty are what truly bring peace..

In essence, "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" is not just a horror story but a complex exploration of human nature, historical deceit, and the power of truth. The movie challenges the audience to look beyond the supernatural and question the stories they are told. The narrative intertwines elements of suspense, comedy, and drama, creating an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.