In an unprecedented display of box office prowess, Bollywood’s latest horror-comedy offering, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,’ featuring the charismatic Kartik Aaryan, is dominating theaters nationwide. Released just in time to captivate audiences during the Diwali festivities, the film has exceeded both industry and public expectations. Not only has it delivered an electric performance in its opening weekend, but it is poised to breach the monumental Rs 100 crore milestone within a mere three days of release.
The film, which opened to a spectacular Rs 36.60 crore on its first day, saw an even more impressive swell in revenues on its second day, amassing Rs 75 crore. This trajectory suggests that ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is well on its way to setting a new benchmark in the history of the franchise. Kartik Aaryan, ever the social media aficionado, celebrated the festive release by wishing his followers a heartfelt “Happy Bhai Dooj” via his Instagram account, which only added to the film’s social media buzz.
Directed by Anees Bazmee, this film has not only enchanted the domestic audience but has also caught the eye of international markets. Its performance spans from metropolitan multiplexes to smaller town single screens, underscoring its universal appeal. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh has been vocal about the film’s success, highlighting its stronghold across all viewer demographics and pinpointing its potential to not just eclipse the Rs 100 crore mark but to possibly outdo the lifetime earnings of its predecessor, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’, within the first week itself.
The success of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is also a personal milestone for Kartik Aaryan, marking his biggest box office opening yet. The film outshone his previous best, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’, which had garnered an opening day collection of Rs 14.
.11 crore. This achievement is particularly significant as it reflects the growing acceptance and alluring charm of horror-comedy—long considered a niche genre—across a broad spectrum of audiences.
The film’s cast is a powerhouse of talent, featuring adored icons such as Madhuri Dixit Nene and Vidya Balan, alongside the rising star Triptii Dimri. This ensemble contributes to the riveting narrative of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, which thrives as the third part of an illustrious franchise. The saga began with the 2007 hit ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, which saw Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan in leading roles, followed by the highly successful ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ in 2022 with Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu steering the story forward.
Interestingly, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ has had to share its release date with another Bollywood juggernaut, ‘Singham Again’, directed by the eminent Rohit Shetty. Featuring a star-studded ensemble including Ajay Devgn, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff, the film posed stiff competition. Yet, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ held its own, signaling the appeal of a well-timed, well-executed horror-comedy amid an audience typically drawn to explosive action dramas.
As ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ blazes past expectations, its resounding triumph can be attributed to a judicious blend of humor, thrills, and star power. This winning formula is resonating with audiences, hinting at a promising future for the horror-comedy genre. As the days unfold, the industry watches with bated breath, eager to see whether ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ will cement its place not only as a financial success but also as a pivotal contributor to redefining audience preferences in Bollywood cinema.
With the buzz still escalating, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ stands as a true testament to Kartik Aaryan’s drawing power and Anees Bazmee’s directorial prowess—an exemplification of Bollywood’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary appeal, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
