Diwali 2024 set to witness a clash of two major films – Kartik Aryan’s ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ and Ajay Devgan’s ‘Singham Again’. Director Anees Bazmee shares his thoughts.
This Diwali, the box office will light up with two of the most anticipated Bollywood films – Kartik Aryan’s horror-comedy ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ and Ajay Devgan’s action-packed ‘Singham Again’. Both films are scheduled to release on 1st November 2024, sparking excitement among fans. However, this has also led to concerns about a box office clash that might affect the business of both films.
Recently, director Anees Bazmee, who helmed ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, addressed this much-talked-about clash during an interview, offering his candid perspective on the situation.
Anees Bazmee on the Diwali Clash: “Clashing Films Is Never a Good Idea”
In an interview with Mid-Day, Anees Bazmee openly stated that having two big films releasing on the same day isn’t ideal for anyone involved. He mentioned that his team had already locked in the release date for ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ a year in advance. He shared, “A clash of films was never a good idea. We had already announced the release date of the film. After this, there’s nothing much that can be done.”
When asked if he had approached Ajay Devgan to discuss the clash, Bazmee explained that it wasn’t his place to get involved in such business decisions. “Why would I talk? This is a decision that should be handled by the producers. I am the director,” he said. He further added that the team of ‘Singham Again’ was keen on a Diwali release and that he respects their decision, even though his film had secured the date earlier.
“Both Films Have Their Own Fate,” Says Anees Bazmee
Despite the looming clash, Bazmee remained optimistic about the potential success of both movies. He believes that each film has its destiny and can perform well even if they release on the same date. “Both films look great. Both may do well at the box office,” he said. Bazmee also emphasized his friendships with Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar, and Rohit Shetty, who are key players in ‘Singham Again’. He made it clear that he wouldn’t ask them to change their release date, stating, “Anees Bhai will never call them to ask for a date change. I have never done this before, and I won’t do it now.”
Bhushan Kumar’s Attempt to Avoid the Clash
In light of the concerns surrounding the clash, reports suggest that Bhushan Kumar, the producer of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, had a meeting with Ajay Devgan and Rohit Shetty to discuss the release dates. However, sources reveal that Ajay Devgan was firm in his decision to keep the Diwali release for ‘Singham Again’. According to Ajay, the release date of his film had already been shifted multiple times – from Independence Day to Dussehra – before being finalized for Diwali. The team of ‘Singham Again’ also feels that Diwali is the perfect festive occasion for the movie’s grand release.
Anees Bazmee’s Connection with Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar
Bazmee has long-standing working relationships with both Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar. He has directed Ajay in films like ‘Hulchul’, ‘Deewangi’, and ‘Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha’. He has also worked with Akshay in hits like ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, ‘Singh Is King’, and ‘Thank You’. This connection adds another layer to the clash, as Bazmee maintains good friendships with the stars involved.
Bazmee reiterated his belief that a film’s success is not solely dependent on release dates but also on the quality of the content. His faith in the potential of both films shows his optimism that ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ and ‘Singham Again’ can carve their own paths to success, despite releasing on the same day.
