Picture Credit: Jio Studios and T-Series
The Diwali season in India is traditionally one of the most lucrative periods for the film industry, with big releases vying for a share of the audience’s attention. This year, the box office witnessed an intense clash between two massive films: Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Despite Singham Again being the more anticipated and larger-scale film, it was Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 that emerged victorious, continuing the success of its franchise. While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is on its way to becoming a super-hit, Singham Again has proven to be an average grosser, leaving many to question the current appeal of the Singham franchise.
Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again was one of the most awaited films of the year. The film, the latest installment in the popular Singham franchise, promised high-octane action, a star-studded cast, and a continuation of the gripping storyline that made the previous films in the series such a hit. However, despite all the buzz and anticipation, Singham Again has failed to live up to expectations.
While the film did enjoy a solid opening, its momentum quickly slowed down as word-of-mouth and audience reactions were mixed. Many viewers cited that while the action and Devgn’s performance were commendable, the film lacked the same freshness and excitement that the earlier Singham films brought to the table. The action-packed sequences, though impressive, seemed formulaic, and the narrative failed to provide the much-needed spark to keep audiences engaged.
The film’s worldwide collections have been steady but not spectacular, making it an average grosser at best. Its performance is a clear sign that the Singham franchise, once a roaring success, has now lost its mojo. It’s a case of a well-established formula beginning to show signs of wear and tear, as audiences appear to have moved on from the repetitive action tropes and larger-than-life heroism that characterized earlier installments.
In contrast, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has proven that not only is it still riding high on its own momentum, but it has also found a way to keep evolving. Directed by Anees Bazmee and starring Kartik Aaryan, the Bhool Bhulaiyaa series has become a fan favorite, and the third installment has taken the franchise to new heights. The film, which blends horror, comedy, and drama, has managed to strike the right balance, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for its audience.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 not only benefited from its loyal fanbase but also from positive reviews that praised the film’s humor, horror elements, and the standout performances, particularly that of Kartik Aaryan. It was clear that the franchise still had steam left in it, a feat that is increasingly rare for long-running series in Bollywood. The film’s combination of suspense, drama, and comic relief has proven to be a winning formula, and it continues to dominate the box office. With its ongoing success, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has become a super-hit, outperforming expectations and solidifying its position as a major success of 2024.
Despite the underperformance of Singham Again, the overall Diwali 2024 box office was a resounding success, with combined worldwide collections of over Rs 700 crore. This marks a strong showing for exhibitors, who were hoping for a big Diwali to recover from earlier challenges in the year. The strong performance of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has been a key driver, and even Singham Again, while not a blockbuster, contributed significantly to the Diwali rush.
The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 proves that audiences are still eager for a mix of humor, thrill, and franchise continuity, while Singham Again’s more traditional action-packed offering highlights the changing dynamics of Bollywood. The contrasting performances of these two films indicate that while star power and franchise names can still generate interest, they are no longer guaranteed to translate into box-office success without fresh content and strong storytelling.
Diwali 2024 has been a reminder that the Bollywood box office is unpredictable, and film success can no longer be solely attributed to star power or franchise legacy. While Singham Again struggled to recapture the magic of its predecessors, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 showed that strong franchise appeal, innovation, and a relatable mix of horror and comedy can still strike a chord with audiences. For exhibitors, the combined earnings of over Rs 700 crore make it a successful Diwali, but the stark difference in the two films’ performances also points to the evolving tastes of moviegoers in today’s competitive market.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, it’s clear that the industry must adapt and offer audiences something new, even within familiar franchises, if it hopes to continue drawing large crowds.