Bollywood has had a difficult year, but movies like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Brahmastra, Drishyam 2, and (to a certain extent) Bhediya have, in part, relieved theatre owners and exhibitors by bringing the junta-janardhan back.
To be clear, Freddy was always planned to premiere on OTT, as Kartik himself explained that it was a contractual need and that the makers had no control over it.
Given the difficult circumstances it encountered at the box office, Kartik Aaryan’s most recent movie, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, did a business of 181.82 crore, which is significantly greater than several 200 crore+ films prior to the pandemic.
With his daring attempt to fill Akshay Kumar’s shoes, Kartik in a way spared Bollywood from the dreaded #BoycottBollywood trend and the industry’s practise of producing duds one after the other. However, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 not only demonstrated that quality films would undoubtedly be successful at the box office, but it also solidified Kartik Aaryan’s status as a bankable star.
Coming right out of a superhit movie has always been advantageous for performers, and it is a key reason why Freddy needed to be released in theatres. Freddy had a lot going for it to be a top pick for multiplex audiences after Drishyam 2, including the past success of its major hero.
Kartik Aaryan’s had all the makings of a smash hit at the film office, from a gripping plot to a stellar performance. This could have easily grossed in the neighbourhood of $75 million at the box office, given its target audience and current competition from Drishyam 2, Bhediya, and now An Action Hero.
