Box Office Verdict: Super Hit
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Anees Bazmee’s horror-comedy starring Kartik Aaryan and Tripti Dimri, has terrified its way to ₹280.77 crore domestically (net), ranking #18 in Filmymojo’s all-time box office charts. The film became the highest-grossing horror-comedy in Bollywood history, surpassing its own franchise records.
Box Office Breakdown
Key Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Collection | ₹280.77 crore |
| Rank | #18 (All-Time) |
| Genre | Horror-Comedy |
| Release Date | November 7, 2024 |
| Director | Anees Bazmee |
| Lead Cast | Kartik Aaryan, Tripti Dimri, Vidya Balan |
Genre Comparison
- Average Horror-Comedy Collection: ₹142.5 crore
- BB3 vs. Genre Avg: 97% above benchmark
- Top Horror-Comedies:
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (₹280.77 crore)
- Stree 2 (₹627.46 crore)*
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (₹185.63 crore)
*(While Stree 2 grossed higher, BB3 holds the pure horror-comedy record)
Franchise Growth
The series shows unprecedented growth:
| Film | Collection (₹ Cr) | Year | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhool Bhulaiyaa | 49.74 | 2007 | – |
| Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 | 185.63 | 2022 | 125%↑ |
| Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 | 280.77 | 2024 | 51%↑ |
Key Insight: Rare franchise where each sequel outgrosses its predecessor.
Budget & Profitability
The film’s scare-to-earnings ratio is terrifyingly good:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | ₹90 crore |
| P&A Spend | ₹40 crore |
| ROI | 3.15x |
| Breakeven Point | Achieved in Week 1 |
Industry Context: Horror films typically need just 1.8x to be profitable.
Weekly Performance
Defied horror genre trends with supernatural holds:
| Week | Collection (₹ Cr) | Drop |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ₹132.4 | – |
| 2 | ₹88.5 | 33%↓ |
| 3 | ₹42.7 | 52%↓ |
| 4 | ₹17.17 | 60%↓ |
Remarkable Trend: Just 33% second-week drop beats most Diwali releases.
What Worked?
- Nostalgia + Freshness: Original’s ghost with new storyline
- Casting Coup: Vidya Balan’s return as Manjulika
- Festive Timing: Diwali weekend boost
- Social Media Buzz: #ReturnOfManjulika trended for 9 days
Controversies That Helped
- CBFC Debate: Received ‘A’ certificate for intense horror
- Religious Sentiments: Some groups objected to temple scenes
- Sequel Comparisons: Online debates about better installment
Final Verdict
With ₹280.77 crore, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has:
- Redefined horror-comedy benchmarks
- Cemented Kartik as franchise king
- Proved original IPs can outperform remakes
Watch Recommendation: Mandatory big-screen experience for horror-comedy fans.
Data Source: Filmymojo Box Office Database