The Big Release Line-Up Rohit Shetty’s highly anticipated film Singham Again brought together some of Bollywood’s biggest names—Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, and more. With such a star-studded cast, fans and industry insiders expected the movie to create box office history. Scheduled to release during the festive Diwali season, the film seemed poised for success, carrying the legacy of the popular Singham franchise. However, the film encountered an unexpected hurdle when it clashed with another big release: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, starring Kartik Aryan.
The clash of these two high-profile movies led to divided audiences and cinemas, with both movies fighting for the attention of the same viewers. Now, industry experts are wondering if Singham Again could have avoided this competition, and perhaps earned significantly more, if the release dates had been reconsidered.
Why Did Both Movies Clash?
Initially, Singham Again was supposed to release on Independence Day, potentially clashing with Pushpa 2. When the date was later shifted to Diwali, director Rohit Shetty anticipated a strong holiday turnout. Meanwhile, the release date for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 had already been announced, securing the same Diwali slot. Seeing a potential problem, Kartik Aryan reportedly reached out to Rohit Shetty, asking if Singham Again could push its release date back to give both films a better shot at individual box office success. According to reports, Kartik suggested a November 15 release for Singham Again, allowing a gap of two weeks between the movies.
However, Shetty chose to stick with the Diwali release. The end result was that both films premiered simultaneously, and neither enjoyed the exclusive audience they might have had with a solo release.
Box Office Performance and Losses
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3* reportedly cost around Rs. 150 crore to make, while Singham Again came with a hefty Rs. 350 crore budget. Given its grand cast and loyal franchise following, Singham Again was expected to break multiple box office records. However, the revenue it generated over the opening weekend was somewhat lower than anticipated.
Over the first weekend:
- Singham Again earned approximately Rs. 121 crore domestically.
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 closely followed with Rs. 106 crore.
In overseas markets, both films saw similar earnings, with each collecting around Rs. 30 crore. This combined performance reflects a divided audience that could have resulted in higher numbers for both films if they had released separately.
Did Rohit Shetty’s Decision Impact Singham Again’s Revenue?
When comparing both films, Singham Again had a much larger production budget and higher expectations due to its franchise history. But the simultaneous release meant that fans had to choose, limiting each film’s reach. This is a key point for filmmakers, as clashing movies not only divide potential earnings but also split audiences. Had Singham Again premiered on a different date, the entire focus would have been on the Singham franchise alone, likely resulting in a much stronger opening.
The Impact on Audience Experience and Theater Occupancy
A film’s success at the box office also depends on its reach and the availability of shows across theaters. With two major films releasing at the same time, theater occupancy and show timings also get divided, affecting the per-show audience turnout for each movie. The availability of screens becomes limited, particularly in smaller cities, where audiences may only get to choose one showtime for each movie. Many fans prefer a solo viewing experience, allowing them to watch one major film with all its buildup and excitement, rather than dividing their attention across multiple releases.
Marketing Challenges with a Diwali Release Clash
For Singham Again, the clash also impacted its marketing strategies. Releasing during Diwali comes with a strong advantage for big-budget movies in India, but it also brings competition with other holiday releases. While festive periods usually increase viewership, they are best leveraged by a single major release. With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 as competition, Singham Again couldn’t maximize this advantage, potentially costing it a considerable sum in lost revenue.
What Industry Experts Are Saying
Industry insiders believe that Singham Again could have capitalized on its star-studded cast and franchise appeal better if it had released in an open window, as the original release plan suggested. Reports estimate that the overlap may have cost Singham Again as much as Rs. 100 crore in potential revenue. While Singham Again still performed well, experts feel that both films would have likely achieved better box office results without competing for the same audience.
Timing Matters at the Box Office
The Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 box office battle highlights the importance of release timing, especially for big-budget films. Clashing releases risk splitting the audience and ultimately affecting the box office success of both movies. A solo release can maximize a film’s reach and create a stronger impact on the box office, especially when it carries the expectations of a beloved franchise and an ensemble cast.
Rohit Shetty’s decision to stick with the Diwali release date for Singham Again may have cost the film potential crores, despite a solid performance. Whether this will influence future release strategies remains to be seen, but it’s a lesson that timing, especially in cinema, can make or break a film’s financial performance.
