The Bollywood battle continues as blockbuster films 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' and 'Singham Again' are set to face off once more, this time on the digital stage. Both movies experienced phenomenal success during their theatrical releases over the Diwali weekend, and are now set to premiere on their respective OTT platforms on December 27, 2024.
Starring Kartik Aaryan, 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,' directed by Anees Bazmee, features Aaryan reprising his role as the quirky ghostbuster Ruhaan 'Rooh Baba' Randhawa. He is joined by Vidya Balan, returning as the iconic Manjulika, along with Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri. The film earned ₹422.31 crore at the global box office, making it one of the biggest hits of the year.
On Instagram, Aaryan expressed his enthusiasm for the film's OTT debut, saying, "My Biggest Box Office Opener ₹36.60 Cr to turning to highest worldwide grosser ₹422.31 Cr #BhoolBhulaiyaa3 is now coming to your mobile and TV screens!" He excitedly added, "Let the haunting begin!"
Meanwhile, 'Singham Again,' directed by Rohit Shetty and starring Ajay Devgn, features a star-studded ensemble including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Arjun Kapoor. This film, earning ₹372.4 crore globally, continues the legacy of Shetty's 'Cop Universe' and showcases Devgn's character, Bajirao Singham, as he embarks on another action-packed adventure to save his wife from the clutches of danger.
About the OTT release, Ajay Devgn shared his thoughts, stating, "The love and admiration my character Singham has received over the years has truly made it an iconic role," adding excitement for fans worldwide to watch the film on Prime Video.
Both films had been pitted against each other during their theatrical release, and the clash was addressed by Bhushan Kumar, producer of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.' He mentioned efforts to avoid the box office competition, stating, "We tried to avoid the clash as much as possible. I met with Ajay Ji, who also suggested we shift to prevent losses." Yet, each production had its commitments, leading them to retain their respective release dates.
'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' tells the humorous and spooky tale of Rooh Baba as he navigates through vengeful spirits and family secrets within a haunted estate. It promises to deliver laughter and chills, perfectly blending horror elements with comedy.
On the other hand, 'Singham Again' sees the iconic cop teaming up with old friends to take down new threats. This film keeps the action flowing and is sure to thrill audiences who enjoy high-stakes narratives.
Both movies accumulated substantial earnings at the box office, with 'Singham Again' earning ₹43.5 crore on its opening day, compared to 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3's ₹36.60 crore. Despite the competition, their combined revenue was ₹79 crore on opening day, surprising many industry analysts.
With their theatrical journeys recognized, fans are eager to experience both films at home as they launch simultaneously on OTT platforms. The arrival of these movies on Netflix and Prime Video marks one of the exciting moments of the holiday season for cinephiles across India.
Each film caters to different tastes—those seeking action and heroism from 'Singham Again' versus fans leaning toward horror-comedy thrills with 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.' The holidays offer the perfect opportunity for families and friends to enjoy these cinematic experiences from the comfort of their living rooms.
Both filmmakers anticipate positive receptions for their respective offerings, and the simultaneous release on OTT platforms is seen as both strategic and appealing, offering diverse content for film lovers.
Whether it's the high-octane drama of 'Singham Again' or the captivating blend of humor and supernatural thrills of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,' audiences are undoubtedly spoiled for choice this festive season.
The digital clash of these two films encapsulates not just their individual successes but also showcases the strength of Bollywood cinema this festive season. Fans are already counting down the days until they can scream, laugh, and cheer from their homes as these films grace the screens once again.