The latest supernatural comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, starring Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan, hit theaters on November 1, 2024. With high expectations from fans of the franchise, this third installment entered the box office amidst stiff competition from Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty. Singham Again had the advantage of an all-star cast featuring Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, making it one of the biggest releases of the year. Despite the initial lead that Singham Again had during the opening days, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 proved to be a formidable competitor and eventually started pulling ahead as the week progressed.
Box Office Performance: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Gains Ground
In its first weekend, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 witnessed steady collections, but it was during the weekdays that it started showing substantial growth. This momentum was further reinforced as Singham Again began to see a dip in its earnings after the first few days. By Day 8, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was leading the box office, earning ₹9 crore on Friday, while Singham Again followed closely behind with ₹7.5 crore. The cumulative earnings of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 now stand at an impressive ₹167.25 crore, edging closer to surpassing the lifetime business of its predecessor, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which closed at ₹181 crore.
How Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Managed to Win Over Audiences
- Strong Fan Following and Franchise Loyalty: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 brings back the essence of the franchise’s supernatural-comedy genre, which has established a solid fan base. Kartik Aaryan, who became a fan favorite with his role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, reprised his character with an even more intense storyline and comic timing that clicked with audiences.
- Engaging Storyline and Mystery: The third installment dives deeper into the haunted world introduced in the first two films. With a mix of humor, horror, and mystery, it offers a fresh plotline with a blend of suspense and supernatural twists, capturing the essence that made the first two films so popular.
- Excellent Cast and Performance: Vidya Balan, who played a pivotal role in the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa, returns, adding nostalgia and continuity. Her chemistry with Kartik Aaryan was appreciated by fans, and her powerful performance brought depth to the story, creating a sense of thrill and excitement for audiences.
- Timing and Holiday Releases: With several festive holidays around its release date, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 capitalized on the long weekends, attracting larger audiences. The availability of extra showtimes also allowed the film to reach more viewers, especially families and younger audiences looking for entertainment with a spooky twist.
Singham Again – The Competition
While Singham Again started strong, the intense competition with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 caused a split in audiences. Singham Again, being part of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe, brings action-packed sequences and heavy star power, but it could not completely overshadow Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3‘s unique blend of horror-comedy. The presence of multiple lead actors in Singham Again created hype, but the repetitive action formula was criticized by some viewers, causing a gradual decrease in footfall.
Will Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Surpass Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2?
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is on track to break the lifetime box office record of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Given its strong performance in the second week, industry experts are optimistic that it will cross ₹200 crore soon, setting a new benchmark for the franchise. If the film maintains its current pace, it is poised to become one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the year.
The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 demonstrates the enduring appeal of supernatural comedies in Bollywood, especially when combined with strong performances and a compelling storyline. Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal has solidified his position in the franchise, and the film’s box office run indicates that audiences are still enthusiastic about horror-comedy. As it continues to dominate in theaters, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has clearly won the battle against Singham Again, at least for now, proving that a unique storyline can triumph over a conventional action-packed blockbuster. Fans and critics alike are now eagerly awaiting the final box office numbers, which will reveal just how high Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 can soar.
