Kartik Aaryan’s latest horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has turned out to be a massive success at the box office. Surpassing initial expectations, the film has emerged as a blockbuster in its first week, securing ₹158 crore in India alone. This has not only made it the fastest Kartik Aaryan movie to reach the ₹150-crore milestone but has also placed it neck-and-neck with Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again, a big-budget film that released simultaneously.
A Phenomenal Start for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Opening around Diwali, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 enjoyed an extraordinary weekend, drawing large crowds to theaters nationwide. The film, directed by Anees Bazmee, rides on the success of its predecessors and stars Kartik Aaryan, who continues in his role after the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. The addition of Vidya Balan, reprising her iconic character from the original 2007 Bhool Bhulaiyaa, along with Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri, only heightened the film’s appeal. Together, they created an entertaining experience that maintained a strong hold on audiences throughout the week.
According to box office tracker Sacnilk, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 made an impressive ₹9.50 crore on its seventh day, experiencing only an 11% drop from Wednesday’s earnings. This consistency is a testament to the film’s wide appeal, as it maintained a steady pace over weekdays and avoided the steep declines typically seen after the opening weekend.
Strong Overseas Performance Bolsters Total Earnings
In addition to its domestic success, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has garnered a positive response overseas, further solidifying its success. Though official first-week overseas numbers are pending, estimates suggest the film may surpass the $6 million mark (approximately ₹50 crore) in international markets, boosting its global collection. The film’s appeal to audiences beyond India showcases its universal charm and the effectiveness of combining comedy with light horror—a genre that has proven its popularity in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 vs. Singham Again: The Box Office Battle
One of the more intriguing aspects of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s success is its competitive performance against Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty and led by Ajay Devgn. Known for action-packed entertainment and ensemble casts, the Singham franchise typically commands significant box office attention. Released on the same day, Singham Again was expected to lead in terms of ticket sales due to its star power and the action genre’s mass appeal. However, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has managed to close the gap impressively.
On Thursday, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 overtook Singham Again, earning ₹9.50 crore compared to Singham Again’s ₹8.75 crore. While Singham Again continues to lead in total collections by a margin of around ₹15 crore, the narrow earnings difference suggests that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has established a strong fanbase and favorable word-of-mouth. Industry experts believe Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s humorous yet spooky storyline, combined with star-studded performances, has allowed it to resonate equally well with urban and rural audiences alike.
Kartik Aaryan’s Box Office Record
For Kartik Aaryan, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has become a landmark achievement. Not only did it exceed expectations in the horror-comedy genre, but it also reached the ₹150-crore mark faster than any of his previous films. This milestone highlights Aaryan’s rising star power in the Indian film industry and his ability to drive a successful franchise forward. As Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 heads into its second week, the film is well-poised to cross ₹200 crore, especially if it maintains its current momentum.
What’s Driving Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s Success?
Several factors have contributed to the strong performance of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. First, the movie’s timing, releasing just after Diwali, gave it a seasonal advantage. Audiences looking for light-hearted family entertainment flocked to see the film, making it an ideal festive release.
The movie’s ensemble cast has also played a crucial role. Fans of the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa were eager to see Vidya Balan reprise her beloved character, adding a nostalgic appeal to the latest installment. Kartik Aaryan’s fanbase has also grown since the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and his pairing with celebrated actors like Madhuri Dixit created additional excitement. Director Anees Bazmee’s reputation for delivering box office hits added another layer of confidence for moviegoers.
Lastly, the film’s genre—a unique blend of horror and comedy—allowed it to stand out in a landscape often dominated by intense dramas or action movies. This balance between humor and thrill, combined with a strong storyline and memorable performances, created a fresh experience for audiences, setting it apart from other Diwali releases.
The Path Forward for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
With positive audience feedback and promising box office numbers, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has positioned itself as one of the major hits of the year. Analysts expect the film to maintain its earnings in the second week, especially if it continues to outpace competitors. As Kartik Aaryan’s fastest film to reach the ₹150-crore mark, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is set to join the elite ₹200-crore club within the next week if current trends hold.
Anees Bazmee’s Take on the Success
Director Anees Bazmee, who is no stranger to blockbusters, commented on the box office comparison between Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again, describing the gap as “minute.” He acknowledged that both films cater to distinct audiences and expressed appreciation for the competition, adding that the success of both movies ultimately benefits the industry. His insight reflects the broader trend in Indian cinema, where diverse genres coexist and thrive, each bringing unique stories and experiences to audiences.
The Franchise’s Future
With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 performing exceptionally well, speculation has already begun around potential future installments. Fans of the franchise are eager to see what direction the series might take next, especially with Bazmee’s unique storytelling style and Kartik Aaryan’s proven ability to carry the horror-comedy torch forward.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has had a stellar opening week at the box office, breaking records and setting a high bar for future releases. Kartik Aaryan’s rising popularity, a nostalgic cast, and Anees Bazmee’s direction have crafted a successful film that appeals to a broad audience. As it continues its journey, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 looks set to solidify its position as a major box-office success, adding another milestone to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise.