Revisiting the Diwali 2024 Clash: When Singham Again Collided with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Lost Its Roar

ByApnee TV

Diwali has long been the golden window for Bollywood releases — a time when families flock to theatres, and big stars battle for supremacy at the box office. But in November 2024, the festive cheer turned into a cinematic showdown when Ajay Devgn’s high-octane action spectacle Singham Again went head-to-head with Kartik Aaryan’s horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

What could have been a record-breaking celebration for both franchises ended up becoming one of the most talked-about clashes in recent memory — a clash where even a mighty lion struggled to roar.

Two Giants, One Diwali

Both Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 came with massive expectations. Ajay Devgn’s cop franchise, helmed by Rohit Shetty, has been synonymous with big-screen spectacle and mass appeal. On the other hand, Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise had cemented its place as a crowd-pulling entertainer blending comedy, mystery, and supernatural thrills.

With two blockbuster brands fighting for screens, audiences, and festive attention, the stage was set for an epic box office tug-of-war.

When Singham Again Fell Short of Glory

In theory, Singham Again was built to dominate. Made on a colossal budget of ₹340 crore, it had everything — star power, scale, and the legacy of one of Bollywood’s most celebrated franchises. Trade analysts expected it to easily cross the ₹500 crore mark in India, assuming a solo release.

However, the Diwali clash changed everything. The film opened well, with an impressive ₹43.7 crore on Day 1, but the momentum fizzled as screens were divided and audience attention split. Despite its scale and action-packed narrative, the film wrapped up its run at a lifetime total of ₹270.6 crore, falling significantly short of expectations.

With production costs soaring and profit margins vanishing, Singham Again ended up recording a deficit of nearly ₹70 crore, a rare misfire for the Ajay Devgn–Rohit Shetty duo that had previously delivered multiple blockbusters.

Singham Again Box Office Breakdown

  • Budget: ₹340 crore
  • India Net Collection: ₹270.6 crore
  • Deficit: ₹69.4 crore
  • Verdict: Losing

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Emerges as the Festive Winner

While Singham Again struggled to maintain its roar, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 turned out to be the silent storm that swept the box office. Directed by Anees Bazmee and featuring Kartik Aaryan, the film retained the charm of its predecessor while adding fresh humor and scares — a formula that resonated strongly with families during the festive season.

Made on a budget of ₹150 crore, the film collected ₹281.56 crore net in India, marking a highly profitable run. With an ROI of 87.7%, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 became a clear winner, outpacing the bigger and more expensive Singham Again in the Diwali race.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Box Office Breakdown

  • Budget: ₹150 crore
  • India Net Collection: ₹281.56 crore
  • ROI: ₹131.56 crore
  • ROI %: 87.7%
  • Verdict: Plus

Lessons from the Clash

The Singham Again vs Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 clash stands as a reminder that timing is everything in Bollywood. Even the most powerful franchise can falter when the release window is crowded. For Singham Again, what could have been a ₹500 crore blockbuster turned into a cautionary tale of strategic miscalculation.

Meanwhile, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 reinforced that strong content and smart positioning can outshine even the biggest of budgets.

Final Take

As Bollywood gears up for future festive seasons, the 2024 Diwali clash will be remembered as one of the industry’s most intense box office battles — where Ajay Devgn’s lionhearted cop met Kartik Aaryan’s mischievous ghostbuster, and against all odds, the laughter triumphed over the roar.

In the end, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 didn’t just win a box office war — it redefined how smart strategy and relatable entertainment can outdo scale and spectacle in modern Bollywood.

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