In a remarkable display of box office prowess, “Singham Again,” the latest installment in the famous action-thriller franchise, has swooped into theaters with a commanding triumph that sets it securely ahead of its competitor, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.” On its opening day, the much-anticipated film starring Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, and Kareena Kapoor raked in a staggering Rs 43.70 crore, propelling it to the forefront of India’s box office chart and illustrating the immense drawing power of the “Singham” brand.
The dramatic face-off at the box office coincided with Diwali, one of the most lucrative and vibrant seasons for Bollywood releases. In a celebratory clash, “Singham Again” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” launched on the same day, setting the stage for an explosive contest between two cinematic giants. According to trade analyst and industry expert Taran Adarsh, “Singham Again” not only topped its preceding installments but also outperformed “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” which amassed Rs 36.60 crore, despite surpassing its predecessor’s numbers.
The numbers are telling of the resounding success of the “Singham” franchise. “BRAND ‘SINGHAM’ GROWS MIGHTIER,” Adarsh tweeted, emphasizing the movie’s exhilarating start across multiplexes and single screens alike. Achieving career-best ‘Day 1’ figures for both Ajay Devgn and director Rohit Shetty, the film’s performance has been monumental, with an evident fanfare around this latest cinematic offering. While “Singham Again” grossed Rs 19.20 crore at national chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, it was in the mass circuits where the film really shined, achieving packed theatres and invigorating single-screen businesses.
“Singham Again” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, drawing on the heroic themes of the Hindu epic, the ‘Ramayana.’ Ajay Devgn steps into the shoes of a modern-day Lord Ram, while Tiger Shroff, Kareena Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh play pivotal roles as Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman, respectively.
. Other notable stars include Akshay Kumar as Jatayu and Arjun Kapoor in the role of Ravana, adding to the film’s allure with their star power and compelling performances.
Conversely, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” pursues a different narrative, navigating the fusion of horror and comedy that the franchise is renowned for. Under the direction of Anees Bazmee and production by Bhushan Kumar, the film revisits familiar faces, with Vidya Balan reprising her legendary role as Manjulika, bringing chills and laughter in equal measures. New additions to this eerie universe include Madhuri Dixit playing another character named Manjulika, alongside the fresh performances of Triptii Dimri and Kartik Aaryan.
Diwali’s cinematic offerings resulted in a combined opening day collection of Rs 80.30 crore nett, illustrating a lucrative kickoff for both films even as “Singham Again” surged ahead. With such robust openings, both movies are positioned to benefit from the ongoing festive season, drawing moviegoers to theaters in droves.
“The ‘Diwali Dhamaka’ at the box office is indeed booming,” Adarsh’s analysis remarked, as this festive period continues to entice patrons seeking entertainment and celebration. The massive turnout aids not only the revenue of blockbusters like “Singham Again” but also breathes life into the entire cinematic distribution network, from glittering megaplexes to the intimate single-screen cinemas scattered across India.
While the early box office figures underline the significant achievements and fan following of “Singham Again,” the real test will be in maintaining this momentum beyond the opening weekend. With formidable star power, stellar action sequences, and a narrative steeped in cultural iconography, “Singham Again” seems well-poised to uphold its lead. Meanwhile, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” despite trailing, promises a unique blend of scares and laughs that could captivate audiences, leading to sustained interest in its storyline.
This Diwali clash has highlighted the potent draw Bollywood films can exert over audiences, ushering in a season of cinematic extravagance. As the two films continue their box office run, all eyes are on the strategies both franchises will adopt to woo cinephiles and maintain their respective claims to stardom.
