Mumbai is abuzz with excitement as the much-anticipated film ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ shatters box office records with a phenomenal opening day collection of Rs 36.60 crore. This cinematic masterpiece, led by the charming Kartik Aaryan and under the expert direction of Anees Bazmee, has far exceeded industry expectations, heralding a new landmark in Aaryan’s burgeoning career. This opening triumph surpasses Aaryan’s previous highest opening with ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’, which earned Rs 14.11 crore.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh echoed the sentiments of many in the film industry, stating that ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ has not just met, but significantly exceeded predictions, establishing itself as a colossal success. For director Anees Bazmee, this project is a remarkable achievement as well, becoming his top-grossing debut. It also represents a crowning moment for producer Bhushan Kumar, marking the best opening for any of his films released in 2024.
On its first day alone, the film demonstrated exceptional box office performance across major multiplex chains, including PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, which collectively contributed a striking Rs 15.91 crore to the film’s stunning initial figure. This establishes ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ as the third successful horror-comedy of 2024, joining the elite company of ‘Munjya’ and ‘Stree 2’, potentially setting the stage for future successes in the genre.
The success of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is attributed not only to its star-studded cast but also its captivating storyline and the well-loved franchise it belongs to. Kartik Aaryan, accompanied by celebrated actors like Madhuri Dixit Nene, Vidya Balan, and Triptii Dimri, delivers performances that have been lauded by audiences and critics alike.
. The film continues the chilling and comedic tones set by its predecessors, bridging narratives from the original 2007 blockbuster starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, and the 2022 follow-up with Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu.
Released on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, a time when families flock to cinemas, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ benefits from the festive season, drawing packed crowds to theaters despite facing stiff competition. In a classic face-off, it goes head-to-head with another major Bollywood release, Rohit Shetty’s ‘Singham Again’, a film boasting an assemblage of leading Bollywood icons such as Ajay Devgn, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff. The competition between these two heavyweight productions is a testament to the vibrant state of Bollywood cinema, offering audiences diverse cinematic experiences.
While ‘Singham Again’ brings its own star power and action-packed sequences to the table, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ captivates with its unique blend of horror and humor, possibly giving it an edge in attracting viewers looking for something refreshingly different. The narrative continuity in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, alongside Anees Bazmee’s seasoned direction, enriches its appeal, further solidifying its status as a must-watch film of the season.
This recent success of horror-comedies suggests a new trend emerging in Bollywood, demonstrating audiences’ growing appetite for films that combine elements of fear with laughter. Should this trend continue, it could redefine the landscape of Indian cinema, encouraging filmmakers to explore more in this genre.
As the film continues to enthrall viewers, the spectacular opening performance of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ stands as a testament to its enduring allure and the talented ensemble cast’s ability to breathe life into a script that balances chills with chuckles. Industry analysts and fans alike eagerly anticipate whether ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ will maintain its momentum in the coming weeks amidst its Diwali release competitors.
Indeed, the cinema halls are echoing not just with the eerie, playful antics of the film’s characters, but with the joyous reactions of audiences. As the dust settles from its explosive start, all eyes will be on how ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ navigates its continued run in theaters, potentially setting more records and winning over legions of fans with its delightful mix of humor and horror. With its successful opening, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is leaving an indelible mark as a hallmark of modern Bollywood entertainment.
