Box office clash: Singham Again vs Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3

As Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 clash at the box office this festive season, the anticipation surrounding their performances is palpable. Both films have been released in over 6,000 screens nationwide during the Diwali weekend, with exhibitors hoping these star-studded franchises will help recover losses incurred in recent months. Early reports indicate that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has shown higher occupancy in morning shows compared to Singham Again, signaling a promising start for the horror-comedy led by Kartik Aaryan.

Despite the buzz, Singham Again, the latest entry in Rohit Shetty's cop universe, appears to have secured 60% of the screens, leaving the remaining 40% for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Trade experts initially projected Singham Again would open with Rs.40-45 crore, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was estimated at Rs.20-25 crore. However, as the day unfolds, these figures are proving more competitive than expected. Reports show Singham Again has made an opening in the range of Rs.35-40 crore, but it has fallen short of its anticipated figures, especially when compared to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

Initial estimates suggest that Singham Again is lagging behind Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in several key circuits, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Meanwhile, Singham Again has performed better in Maharashtra and Mumbai, but the gap in collections raises eyebrows, given the film's higher budget and star-studded cast. The addition of cameos from Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, along with a mid-credit scene featuring Salman Khan, was expected to draw in larger crowds, yet the early numbers indicate a tighter race than anticipated.

As of the afternoon, Singham Again has netted approximately Rs.16.27 crore, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 stands at Rs.12.96 crore, reflecting a competitive box office atmosphere. With the Diwali holiday boosting foot traffic, both films have the potential for strong evening showings. The outcome of this box office showdown could hinge on the reception of these evening shows, as both films strive to attract audiences during this festive period.