This Diwali 2024, the fireworks will start both on and off the screen with two of the year’s biggest films Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 going head-to-head at the box office. Ajay Devgn returns as the fearless Bajirao Singham in Rohit Shetty’s action-packed cop drama, while Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit, and Vidya Balan are set to charm audiences with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
We reached out to trade experts to get their insights on the clash. Here’s what they had to say.
Which film has the edge—Singham Again or Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3?
Sreedhar Pillai offered a balanced take: “At the moment, Singham Again seems to have the edge because of its six-star cast. But you never know—both films look promising. It’s really up to the content and how audiences connect with it.”
Ramesh Bala echoed these sentiments: “Singham Again is better positioned initially because of its star power. But Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is also a strong contender—it’s hard to say which will win just yet.”
Sumit Kadel also leaned toward Singham Again. “With such a star-studded lineup and action genre, it’s bound to perform better initially. However, the final result will depend on audience reception post-weekend.”
Rohit Jaiswal didn’t hesitate: “Singham Again has the upper hand. The ensemble cast, with Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, and Tiger Shroff, gives it massive appeal. Rohit Shetty’s name alone guarantees excitement.”
What do you expect the opening numbers to be?
Ramesh Bala added, “Both films will benefit from the festive weekend. Singham Again could open with ₹30–35 crore, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 might cross ₹30 crore if the word of mouth is positive.”
Sumit Kadel was optimistic too: “If Diwali holidays falls on November 1st, Singham Again can hit ₹35–40 crore. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 should open somewhere between ₹25–30 crore.”
Rohit Jaiswal predicted, “Singham Again should comfortably open around ₹38 crore, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 can bring in ₹27–30 crore.”
Should this clash have been avoided?
Sreedhar Pillai saw both sides: “Yes, the clash will affect collections for both films. These are two big brands that are releasing on the same day. But since Diwali, both producers feel confident about their films and want to take the risk. Sometimes, this can work in favor of the underdog.”
Ramesh Bala also didn’t mind the competition. “Diwali offers a three-day weekend perfect for two major releases. In the past, clashes like Lagaan vs Gadar and Dil vs Ghayal proved that both films can thrive.”
Sumit Kadel added, “Yes definitely, the clash will surely hamper the true box office potential of both films as shows, screens, and audience footfalls will get divided.”
Rohit Jaiswal agreed. “We needed something big this Diwali just like when Jab Tak Hai Jaan clashed with Son of Sardaar. It’s the kind of buzz that revives the festive spirit at the cinemas.”
Which film will perform better in the southern markets?
According to Sreedhar Pillai, Singham Again holds the advantage here. “Rohit Shetty is a popular director in South India, and his action films resonate well with audiences. Plus, the star-studded cast will attract a lot of attention.”
Ramesh Bala added a twist. “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 might pick up steam from Day 2 onwards, as the horror-comedy genre tends to appeal to family audiences.”
Sumit Kadel stated that Singham will have an edge over BB3 in the southern market due to the masala action genre and big star cast but a gap in collections would be minimal.
Rohit Jaiswal agreed: “The combination of Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar gives Singham Again a big emotional connect in the South.”
Diwali 2024 promises an electrifying box office face-off, with Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 offering two distinct cinematic experiences. While Singham Again rides on high-octane action, a stellar ensemble, and the Rohit Shetty brand, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 brings spooky thrills, nostalgia, and family entertainment. Trade experts believe that Singham Again may take the lead initially, but the real winner will depend on audience reception and word-of-mouth.
Regardless of which film emerges victorious, this clash has reignited the festive spirit at the cinemas. With two blockbuster contenders releasing on the same day, it’s a win-win for movie lovers. One thing’s for sure this Diwali, it’s not just the fireworks outside that will light up the night but also the sparks flying at the box office!
