The latest installment in the horror-comedy franchise, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee and starring Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, and Triptii Dimri, has achieved an impressive box office milestone.
In a remarkable feat, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has surpassed the lifetime box office earnings of its predecessor, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, in just nine days, raking in a total of ₹198.66 crore. Released on November 1, the film has captivated audiences, even amid strong competition from Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again, with its unique mix of humor and supernatural elements. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which starred Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba, reached ₹186.12 crore over 50 days; however, the third part of the franchise surpassed this figure in a mere nine days.
A New Franchise Record
The film’s makers are thrilled about its success, with producer Bhushan Kumar expressing his excitement. “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s phenomenal success has been nothing short of extraordinary. Almost touching the 200 crore mark in just one week and surpassing Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’s lifetime numbers – it’s incredible,” said Kumar. He added that the franchise has grown significantly with each installment, and Kartik Aaryan’s transformation into a “superstar” has contributed to its success. “This time, he gave it his all and made jaws drop with his performance – taking the franchise to a completely new level,” he remarked.
Return of Vidya Balan and Franchise Evolution
The Bhool Bhulaiyaa series began in 2007 with director Priyadarshan’s original film, which starred Akshay Kumar as a ghostbuster and Vidya Balan as the iconic character Manjulika. While Akshay Kumar did not return for the sequels, Kartik Aaryan took the lead in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, released in 2022, and continued in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 as Rooh Baba, solidifying his role in the franchise. Vidya Balan returned for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, reprising her haunting portrayal of Manjulika after 17 years. With the addition of Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri, the film offered a fresh twist that resonated with audiences.
Audience Response and Box Office Momentum
Despite mixed reviews from critics, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has maintained a strong momentum at the box office, drawing audiences to theaters with its blend of comedy and horror. Kartik Aaryan’s energetic performance, along with Vidya Balan’s return, has captured fans’ attention, further solidifying the franchise’s position in the industry.
As Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 approaches the 200 crore mark, it has not only become the highest-grossing film in the franchise but also cemented Kartik Aaryan’s status as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. Fans of the horror-comedy genre can expect the franchise to continue expanding, with each installment exploring new dimensions in storytelling and star power.
Sources By Agencies
