Mumbai: Mumbai witnessed a major box office showdown as two highly anticipated films, Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, released simultaneously. While initial claims suggested both films were doing well financially, industry insiders reveal a different story. The latest issue of Film Information, a reputed trade magazine, reported significant financial setbacks due to the clash, estimating losses around ₹80-90 crore a figure that could reach ₹100 crore in the coming weeks.
A Tense 10 Days at the Box Office
More than 10 days since their release, Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 have managed to reach ₹200 crore in combined earnings. However, industry experts believe the head-to-head release hampered each film’s potential earnings significantly. According to Film Information, the clash has prevented both films from achieving their maximum box office potential, leading to a sizable loss that will likely continue to rise.
‘Singham Again’ Struggles to Break Even
Made on a staggering budget of ₹350 crore, Singham Again has yet to recover its investment. Despite a strong fan following for Ajay Devgn’s Singham franchise, the film is struggling to cross ₹200 crore, with additional revenue sources like music, OTT, satellite, and overseas rights anticipated to help cover the budget. Still, trade experts and the magazine report have labelled Singham Again a flop, as it falls short of the ‘superhit’ or ‘blockbuster’ status that the franchise has typically commanded.
Ajay Devgn, who is not only the lead star of Singham Again but also a cinema owner, acknowledged the difficulties of box office clashes. His firsthand understanding of the exhibition sector sheds light on the broader impact these releases have on film trade. Although his film’s promotional campaign aimed to highlight Singham Again‘s success, the financial losses overshadow this narrative, casting doubts on its long-term profitability.
Will Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Recoup its Investment?
Meanwhile, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, a horror-comedy sequel to the highly successful Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, has fared better but still faces reduced revenue from the box office clash. The movie’s earnings have been lower than anticipated, adding pressure on the makers to generate additional revenue through ancillary sales.
The dual release has sparked discussions within the industry about the impact of release scheduling on profitability. With an estimated total loss of ₹100 crore looming, many wonder if the hype and excitement of simultaneous releases are worth the trade-offs in revenue, especially in an industry where breaking even has become increasingly challenging.
As both films continue their theatrical run, they may eventually recover costs through non-box-office channels, but the simultaneous release has undoubtedly left a mark on the financial success they might have otherwise enjoyed.
