Mumbai: Kartik Aaryan has catapulted into the limelight with the sensational opening of his new film, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’. The much-anticipated horror-comedy, directed by the seasoned filmmaker Anees Bazmee, has not only surpassed industry expectations but also shattered previous records. On its very first day, the film garnered a staggering Rs 36.60 crore at the box office, asserting its dominance and carving out a significant milestone in Aaryan’s burgeoning career.
The film made headlines not only for its impressive numbers but also for its successful collaboration with Bazmee, fortifying their artistic rapport. ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ toppled Kartik’s earlier box office milestone set by ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ in 2022, which opened with Rs 14.11 crore. This record-breaking performance marks a pivotal development in the genre of horror-comedy, with industry analysts predicting a promising upward trajectory for future films of this kind.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to social media, lauding the film for exceeding expectations and defying box office forecasts with its extraordinary performance. According to Adarsh, the film is Bazmee’s best box-office debut yet, and also marks the highest opener for producer Bhushan Kumar in 2024, a testament to the film’s wide-reaching appeal and the solid groundwork laid by the filmmakers.
Kartik Aaryan’s cinematic showdown with his own filmography illustrates an impressive upward trend. His performance in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ eclipsed his previous work as indicated by these numbers: ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ with Rs 14.11 crore, ‘Love Aaj Kal’ (2020) with Rs 12.40 crore, ‘SatyaPremKiKatha’ (2023) with Rs 9.25 crore, and ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’ (2019) with Rs 9.10 crore.
. This undeniable rise further cements Kartik Aaryan as a formidable force in Bollywood’s evolving landscape.
The film witnessed overwhelming patronage in major cinema chains, including PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, contributing Rs 15.91 crore from these venues alone, indicating its widespread appeal among audiences across the country. This highlights its magnetic pull and strong market potential, setting a high benchmark for upcoming releases.
This success also positions ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ within a trending niche of horror-comedies in 2024, alongside the likes of ‘Munjya’ and ‘Stree 2’. This genre is evidently gaining traction and finding a solid footing as filmmakers continue to explore its creative boundaries.
The film stars a dazzling ensemble cast featuring Madhuri Dixit Nene, Vidya Balan, and Triptii Dimri alongside the charismatic Aaryan himself. Directed by Anees Bazmee, who also directed the second installment, the film represents a masterful continuation of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise’s legacy. This latest release revisits the familiar themes and characters introduced in the first Bhool Bhulaiyaa in 2007, which starred iconic actors Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan.
Released strategically during the festive Diwali season, the film faced a box office clash with another high-profile release, Rohit Shetty’s ‘Singham Again’. Despite this competition, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ managed to hold its ground with its compelling content and strong fanbase.
‘Singham Again’, featuring a galaxy of Indian cinema’s brightest stars such as Ajay Devgn, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff, presented stiff competition but Kartik and his team demonstrated their mettle, capturing audiences’ hearts and minds.
The resounding success of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is a testament not only to Kartik Aaryan’s growing popularity and the director’s creative acumen but also to the evolving tastes of moviegoers who are increasingly drawn to films that blend humor with thrills. This film serves as a vibrant reminder of what Bollywood can achieve with the right mix of narrative charisma and production prowess. As the box office continues to tally its results, one thing remains certain: ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is a triumph worthy of celebration and marks a new chapter in the success story of its creators and stars.