Mumbai: With an unprecedented opening, Kartik Aaryan’s latest film, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, has emerged as a cinematic triumph. Released amidst high anticipation, the horror-comedy raked in a staggering Rs 36.60 crore on its first day alone, firmly establishing itself as a box office juggernaut and surpassing the industry’s expectations by a considerable margin.
Directed by the adept Anees Bazmee, this sequel not only overcame the formidable benchmark set by ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ (which boasted an opening of Rs 14.11 crore) but also secured Kartik Aaryan’s position as one of the most bankable stars in the current Bollywood panorama. Taran Adarsh, a noted trade analyst, heralded the film as a remarkable success, noting its exceptional performance and widespread appeal.
The first day success is not just a feather in the cap for Kartik Aaryan but also a personal milestone for Anees Bazmee, whose directorial finesse contributed significantly to the film’s incredible reception. Bazmee, known for his flair in helming horror comedies, has managed to create his strongest box office debut with ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, marking the film as a top theatrical opener for producer Bhushan Kumar in 2024.
The film’s performance in major cinema networks like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis was particularly noteworthy, garnering Rs 15.91 crore from these outlets alone, underlining the movie’s broad audience engagement and resonance.
Entering the cinematic scene during Diwali, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ found itself in direct competition with ‘Singham Again’, another highly anticipated release, directed by Rohit Shetty.
. Despite facing stiff competition from a movie with an impressive ensemble cast—featuring stalwarts like Ajay Devgn, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff—the horror-comedy held its ground, capturing the audience with its unique blend of humor and thrills.
‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is the third chapter in the popular Bhool Bhulaiyaa series, whose legacy dates back to the original 2007 film starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan. The franchise took a significant leap forward in 2022 with its second instalment, also led by Kartik Aaryan, alongside Kiara Advani and Tabu.
Besides Kartik Aaryan, the star-studded cast of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ includes veteran actors like Madhuri Dixit Nene, Vidya Balan, and the talented Triptii Dimri, each adding an individual charm and depth to this horror-comedy. This eclectic mix of reputed actors alongside Anees Bazmee’s direction has crafted a cinematic experience that appeals to a wide audience spectrum.
As the third successful horror-comedy venture of 2024, following films like ‘Munjya’ and ‘Stree 2’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ reflects a growing trend and audience inclination toward this genre, promising potential growth for similar films in the industry.
Taking into account its first day achievement, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is shaping up to be a significant landmark not only in Kartik Aaryan’s career but also in Bollywood’s evolving narrative terrain. The film’s impressive opening numbers set the stage for it to continue its successful run in theaters, potentially breaking more records in the days ahead.
The movie’s debut success story is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, spanning various aspects from screenplay to its compelling performances. The combined brilliance of Bazmee’s storytelling, Aaryan’s charismatic screen presence, and Kumar’s production prowess have indeed culminated in a first-day performance that’s as entertaining as it’s commendable.
As audiences flock to cinemas to experience the thrill and fun that only a ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ film can deliver, the film is poised to keep its momentum, promising a promising box office trajectory ahead.
