Kartik Aaryan’s latest film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, has made a remarkable entrance at the box office, earning ₹35.5 crore on its opening day, November 1, 2024. This impressive figure marks the highest opening of Aaryan’s career, surpassing his previous record set by Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which debuted at ₹14.11 crore. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the horror-comedy also features notable performances from Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit, adding to its star power.
Competing with Singham Again
The release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 coincided with the highly anticipated Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty. While Singham Again recorded a larger opening collection of ₹43.5 crore, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 managed to outperform its competitor in terms of occupancy rates, achieving 66% compared to Singham Again’s 55%. This indicates strong audience interest and engagement for Aaryan’s film despite the fierce competition.
Box Office Performance Breakdown
- Film: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
- Opening Day Collection: ₹35.5 crore
- Previous Biggest Opener: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 – ₹14.11 crore
- Occupancy Rate: 66%
This performance is particularly noteworthy given that it is the third installment in the successful Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, which has built a loyal fanbase since its inception.
Audience Reception and Director’s Comments
Director Anees Bazmee expressed his delight at the film’s reception, coinciding with his birthday celebrations. He stated, “It’s the best birthday gift I could ever get,” emphasizing his joy at seeing audiences enjoy the film. Bazmee also addressed the simultaneous release with Singham Again, downplaying any notion of rivalry and hoping for success for both films.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Rating
Critics have responded positively to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, with many praising its blend of horror and comedy:
- Taran Adarsh, a prominent trade analyst, gave it an enthusiastic rating of 4 stars, calling it “OUTSTANDING” and highlighting its effective mix of horror, comedy, and suspense.
- Other reviews echoed this sentiment, with some critics praising Aaryan’s performance as Rooh Baba and lauding Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan for their roles.
- The film has received an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from various outlets, showcasing its appeal across demographics.
Critical Highlights
- Entertainment Value: Critics have noted that the film effectively combines humor and thrills, making it a family-friendly option for audiences during the festive season.
- Character Performances: Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal has been described as his best yet, while Madhuri Dixit’s return as a pivotal character has garnered significant praise.
- Mixed Reviews: While many enjoyed the film, some viewers felt that certain comedic elements fell flat or felt forced.
Conclusion
Kartik Aaryan’s return as Rooh Baba in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has not only solidified his standing as a leading actor in Bollywood but has also set a promising tone for the film’s future box office performance. With strong occupancy rates and positive audience reactions, this horror-comedy is poised to continue its success in the coming days. Disclaimer: Box office figures are based on early estimates and may be subject to change as more data becomes available.
