Perhaps the biggest Diwali clashes in recent times is all set to happen in the next few days as two mammoth Hindi films – Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 are locking horns at the box office.
In the recent past, Diwali hasn’t been fruitful for Bollywood where either the films that have released during the festive period haven’t been eventful per se or the success ratio has been lackluster – to what used to be a huge phenomena in the past.
But that hasn’t been the case for the longest time until this year where two worthy films are going head-to-head.
The odds, as per sources have heavily favoured Singham Again from the get-go. To enable what is touted to be the Avengers of Hindi film industry in one film and share scenes is usually a draw in itself but you have other factors that droolworthy too. The release for Singham Again cannot be more opportune as a film that is blatantly showcasing a modern spin on Ramayana and how Ram rescued Sita from Lanka battling Ravana is coming on the eve of Diwali – the festival which is universal and showcases the importance of the fable as Ram came to Ayodhya after winning over Ravana thus celebrating the victory of good over evil. And finally, the film is the third installment of one of the most beloved action franchises, Singham – what could go wrong?
And hence, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that Kartik Aaryan has a tough war on his hands to fight. The man, who is touted to be a superstar of today and has managed to be one of the most bankable stars faced a huge challenge. But it isn’t to discount that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 doesn’t have positives going its way. Aaryan and the team of the film were doubted and even ridiculed when Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 came in – even more so owing to the seemingly untouchable legacy that Bhool Bhulaiyaa crafted back in the day. But he beat those odds as Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 emerged a blockbuster and at a time when the wrath of COVID-19 was still a factor.
With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, he has credibility and a proven record which works wonders for him. And of course, two factors that give Aaryan and BB3 a massive boost are – just how wonderfully and commercially horror comedies have been received in the past couple of years – with Stree 2 being the latest example and breaking all records to be the highest-grossing film of all time in India.
The other being the reintroduction of Vidya Balan as Manjulika – the character that made the first film iconic coming back against the now beloved Rooh Baba is a mouthwatering prospect.
If that wasn’t enough, Madhuri Dixit, a legend in her own right also joins this world thus making for an attractive ensemble to look forward to.
The odds might be tough and the fight might be difficult but can Kartik Aaryan battle the juggernaut, Singham Again at the box office and emerge victorious? The chances are bright, if not certain.