With just a few days to go before Diwali brings its usual sparkle, the box office is gearing up for what might be its biggest clash of the year—Singham Again vs. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. But while the fireworks were expected to be on screen, it seems the real drama is unfolding off-screen. The battle over show sharing has taken an ugly turn, and now, in a dramatic twist, T-Series, the producers of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, have knocked on the doors of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) with accusations of unfair play.
So, what’s the beef? Well, according to a source who spilled the beans to Bollywood Hungama, Singham Again, which is distributed by PVR Pictures, is apparently calling dibs on a whopping 60% of the shows in PVR Inox cinemas. On top of that, they’re reportedly forcing single-screen theaters to dedicate every show to their film, leaving Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 with a meager morning slot, as if Kartik Aaryan’s horror-comedy is meant to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee before the sun is fully up.
The source said, “Singham Again is distributed by PVR Pictures and hence, more than 60% of the shows in PVR Inox will be allotted to it. On top of it, they have also asked certain single-screen theatres that they want all shows for their film. They have allowed some single screens to play Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, with the condition that the horror comedy should be given only one show, that too in the early morning slot.”
Naturally, T-Series wasn’t thrilled by this arrangement. Their argument is simple—both films deserve equal screen space. Why should Singham Again hog the limelight while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 plays in the cinematic equivalent of a broom closet? Their complaint to the CCI asks for a 50-50 show split between the two movies, ensuring that audiences get to choose between Ajay Devgn’s Bajirao Singham returning to dish out justice and Kartik Aaryan’s ghostbusting antics.
Ironically, this is not the first time Ajay Devgn has been involved in a tussle like this. Flashback to 2012, when Devgn himself approached the CCI over his film Son of Sardaar being overshadowed by Jab Tak Hai Jaan during Diwali. Looks like the tables have turned, but the stakes are just as high.
While the legal showdown simmers, the films themselves are star-studded powerhouses. Singham Again boasts a lineup that reads like Bollywood royalty: Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff. Meanwhile, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has a spooky but stellar cast of its own, including Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, and Triptii Dimri.
As both films hit theaters on November 1, the question is no longer just about which movie will win over audiences—it’s also about whether T-Series’ complaint will level the playing field. One thing’s for sure, though: Diwali isn’t the only thing sparking fireworks this season!
