T-Series Films and Murad Khetani’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is set for a wonderful start this Friday (May 20). The advance booking numbers are impressive. In fact, they are pretty impressive, considering that it is a solo hero film.
To put things in perspective, here’s the figure of the number of tickets sold at the three national multiplex chains — PVR, Inox and Cinepolis — on the first day of the plans (today, May 18) till 3.30 p.m. A total of 35,500 tickets of the Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani starrer were sold at the multiplexes of the three aforementioned chains. Compare this with 33,600, which was the number of tickets sold till 3.30 p.m. on the first day when the plans for RRR had opened at the same three chains. Yes, 1,900 tickets more of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 than RRR have been picked up by the paying public! Of course, it needs to be underlined that the ticket rates of RRR were higher than those for horror-comedy BB2.
Going by the above figures, it can safely be predicted that BB2 will have an initial of at least Rs. 11-13 crore. That’s a pretty fine figure. What seems to have worked for the Anees Bazmee-directed Bhool Bhulaiyaa sequel are several factors: brand Bhool Bhulaiyaa and the loyalty points of the audience of the first part; the trailers of the sequel, which have been liked; the songs which are gaining in popularity; the well-strategised promotion and marketing. Not to forget the fan following of Kartik Aaryan!!