Box Office Clash: Singham Again vs. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Both Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, released on November 1, 2024, have already sparked significant public interest and divided audience opinions, particularly as they clashed at the box office during the Diwali weekend. The two films cater to different cinematic appetites, with Singham Again drawing from Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe, infused with Ramayana-inspired mythology, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, offering horror-comedy anchored in supernatural suspense. Box Office & Audience Reception Reports indicated that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, featuring Kartik Aaryan reprising his role as Rooh Baba, started off with higher morning show occupancy compared to Singham Again. However, Singham Again, which boasts a broader release across 60% of available screens, may leverage its star-studded ensemble, including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone, to reach a broader audience over the weekend. Initial predictions place Singham Again in the ₹40-45 crore range for its opening, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is expected to open with collections between ₹20-25 crore. Singham Again: Reviews and Audience Response Critics have noted that while Singham Again ambitiously integrates Ramayana-inspired motifs, its execution feels overly familiar and somewhat lackluster. The addition of Deepika Padukone as a female cop and Ranveer Singh as Simmba has drawn praise, with Singh’s comedic energy described as the “brightest spark” in the film. However, the action-heavy sequences and storyline, critics argue, lack innovation and originality, feeling weighed down by “bloated” storytelling. Singham Again largely succeeds as a Diwali spectacle but may disappoint those looking for fresh narrative depth in the cop universe. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: Reviews and Audience Response Directed by Anees Bazmee, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 picks up the legacy of its predecessors, mixing horror elements with humor. Vidya Balan’s return as Avni/Manjulika and Madhuri Dixit’s new character add nostalgic appeal for fans of the original film. Audiences have responded positively to Aaryan’s performance and the film’s ability to evoke the eerie charm of the franchise, even if some viewers felt the scares were less potent than in previous installments. Controversy: Saudi Arabia Ban Both films faced a setback with a ban in Saudi Arabia, reportedly due to non-compliance with the region’s censorship standards. Singham Again was restricted due to perceived religious conflicts, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was censored for alleged “homosexual references.” Conclusion The Diwali clash between Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 exemplifies the diversity in Bollywood’s festive season offerings. Singham Again caters to fans of action-packed spectacle with cultural undertones, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 offers supernatural humor and nostalgia. Both films will continue to draw large audiences, but how they fare in the coming days will depend on sustained word-of-mouth and festive weekend appeal.
Box Office Clash: Singham Again vs. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Read More »