Bollywood is gearing up for a significant box-office clash this Diwali as Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again are set to hit the screens on the same day. This head-to-head battle has generated much buzz in the film industry. According to reports, Kartik Aaryan requested filmmaker Rohit Shetty to consider pushing the release date of Singham Again. However, trade analyst Taran Adarsh confirmed via a tweet that Singham Again will release as planned on Diwali. This isn’t the first time Ajay Devgn has faced a box-office clash, and his stance on not shifting release dates has become somewhat legendary.
Ajay Devgn’s fierce approach to box-office clashes became a talking point back in 2012. His film Son of Sardaar was set to release alongside Yash Raj Films’ Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Devgn accused Yash Raj Films of monopolizing the screens, limiting the reach of Son of Sardaar. Despite the dispute, Devgn stood firm, and both films were released on schedule, sparking a major industry debate.
In 2016, Ajay Devgn’s Shivaay went head-to-head with Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil at the box office. Even in the face of this significant clash, Devgn did not back down, and the films were released on the same day. This rivalry extended beyond the box office as it strained Devgn’s relationship with Johar, especially considering Devgn’s wife Kajol had been a close friend of the filmmaker. The clash not only impacted the film industry but also caused a personal rift between Kajol and Karan Johar, which took years to heal.
According to reports from Koimoi, Ajay Devgn has faced 13 significant box-office clashes in the last 15 years. What makes this record remarkable is that out of these clashes, 9 of Devgn’s films have emerged victorious at the box office. His persistence and confidence in his films have become part of his enduring reputation in Bollywood.
This isn’t the first time that the Diwali festival has seen high-profile movie clashes. The festival season is often a battleground for Bollywood’s biggest releases, as producers aim to capitalize on the holiday crowd. Let’s take a look at some notable Diwali clashes over the years:
Housefull 4 vs Saand Ki Aankh vs Made in China (2019)
In 2019, three major films—Housefull 4, Saand Ki Aankh, and Made in China—released on Diwali. While Housefull 4, starring Akshay Kumar, Kriti Sanon, and Bobby Deol, dominated the box office, Saand Ki Aankh and Made in China struggled to make a significant impact.
No Releases Due to COVID-19 (2020)
The pandemic disrupted the movie industry in 2020, and no films were released in theaters during Diwali. The lack of releases caused considerable financial losses for the industry, making 2020 a rare year without any box-office clash.
Sooryavanshi’s Solo Release (2021)
In 2021, Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi was the only major release during Diwali. The film, co-starring Katrina Kaif, was highly anticipated and met with significant success, as fans had been waiting for its release for a long time.
Ram Setu vs Thank God (2022)
Diwali 2022 saw Ram Setu starring Akshay Kumar and Jacqueline Fernandez, pitted against Thank God, featuring Ajay Devgn and Sidharth Malhotra. While Ram Setu garnered attention for its storyline, Thank God received mixed reviews and struggled to match the former’s performance at the box office.
Tiger 3 Takes Over (2023)
The 2023 Diwali season witnessed Tiger 3, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, dominate the box office. The film’s massive opening and strong performance ensured its success, making it one of the top releases of the year.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 vs Singham Again: The Upcoming Diwali Showdown
The clash between Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again is poised to be one of the most significant face-offs in recent times. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, starring Kartik Aaryan, is the latest installment of the popular horror-comedy franchise, while Singham Again is a part of Rohit Shetty’s hit action series, with Ajay Devgn reprising his role as the fearless cop, Bajirao Singham. Both films have their own loyal fan bases, and their simultaneous release is expected to generate huge excitement and anticipation among moviegoers.
Ajay Devgn’s consistent refusal to alter his release dates, even in the face of strong competition, speaks volumes about his confidence in his films and his unwavering approach to box-office battles. With Singham Again staying firm for a Diwali release, the stage is set for a blockbuster clash that could become one of the defining moments of 2024.