Kartik Aaryan has secured his biggest opening with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 as the film’s opening day collection broke the previous record for Love Aaj Kal 2. While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 cashed Rs 14.11 crore on its box office debut, the 2020 release Love Aaj Kal earned 12.40 million.
The two films are Kartik’s biggest box office openings Pati Patni Aur Wohwhich was released in 2019, had collected Rs 9.10 crore. Luka Chuppihis second release in 2019, brought in Rs 8.01 crore on opening day, while Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 scored 6.80 million. His second major release, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), had sent Rs 6.42 million on the opening day. Kartik’s debut film, Pyaar Ka Punchnama sacks Rs 92 lakh.
Directed by Anees Bazmee and also starring Kiara Advani and Tabu, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is a standalone sequel to the 2007 smash Bhool Bhulaiyaa. However, the comedy drama has not received the best reviews from critics.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh said Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 had received a “fantastic” ticket opening, adding that the film brought joy, gave hope, boosted morale, revived business and turned no-sayers who wrote Bollywood obituaries into silence after a series of flops. He added that the film had become Kartik’s biggest opener despite low ticket prices.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 also got the biggest opening of the year, leaving the Akshay Kumar star player Bachchhan Paandeywhich brought in Rs 13.25 crore on opening day, and Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Gangubai Kathiawadi (DKK 10.50 million). Post-pandemic, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is the second largest opener after Sooryavanshi (Rs 26.29 crore).
Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi had previously told Indian Express to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 had booked a good advance booking and would bring people back to the theaters. Producer and trade analyst Girish Johar had said the family-friendly audience would go to cinemas too Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 as it would be a “paisa vasool entertainer ”.
