The Malayalam film Bha Bha Bha has opened to an impressive start at the global box office, collecting a robust ₹35 crore gross within just four days of its theatrical release. Headlined by Dileep and featuring Mohanlal in special appearances, the spoof action comedy has struck a chord with audiences, particularly in Kerala, where it has posted exceptional numbers.
Released worldwide on December 18, Bha Bha Bha benefited from a long opening weekend and positive word-of-mouth, especially among fans of nostalgic Malayalam cinema. According to early trade estimates, the film began its box office journey with a solid ₹14.80 crore gross on Day 1 across global markets. Over the next three days, it added another ₹20.20 crore, pushing its extended opening weekend total to ₹35 crore worldwide.
Trade analysts describe the opening as one of the strongest in Dileep’s career in recent years. “The opening weekend figures clearly indicate that the audience has embraced Bha Bha Bha as a mass entertainer,” a Kerala-based distributor said. “The spoof elements and callbacks to iconic Malayalam films have played a big role in pulling crowds to theatres.”
Kerala Box Office Drives Momentum
The film’s performance in Kerala has been particularly noteworthy. On its opening day, Bha Bha Bha grossed approximately ₹7.20 crore in the state, signaling strong advance bookings and high occupancy across single screens and multiplexes alike. The momentum continued on Day 2, with collections of ₹3.55 crore, followed by ₹3.25 crore on Day 3.
Early estimates suggest that the film earned an additional ₹3.50 crore on its first Sunday, bringing the four-day Kerala gross total to ₹17.50 crore. These numbers place Bha Bha Bha among the top Malayalam openers of the year in the state.
“The Sunday jump shows that family audiences and repeat viewers are coming in,” a theatre owner from Kochi noted. “The film has humour, action, and nostalgia — that combination works extremely well during holiday periods.”
Nostalgia, Spoof Comedy, and Star Power
At its core, Bha Bha Bha is a fast-paced action comedy centered on a man’s quest for revenge against a powerful politician. What sets the film apart, however, is its extensive use of spoof elements and references drawn from classic Malayalam films — many of them associated with Dileep and Mohanlal’s earlier careers.
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the film’s playful nods to iconic scenes, dialogues, and character archetypes from the stars’ past blockbusters. “This is a film made for fans,” a longtime moviegoer said after a packed show in Thiruvananthapuram. “It feels like a tribute to an era of Malayalam cinema that people still love.”
Mohanlal’s guest appearances have also added significant value to the film’s theatrical pull. While his screen time is limited, his presence has amplified audience interest and contributed to the strong opening weekend numbers.
Competition Ahead, But Holiday Advantage Remains
Despite its strong start, Bha Bha Bha is expected to face fresh competition in the coming days, with major releases like Mohanlal’s Vrusshabha and Nivin Pauly’s Sarvam Maya entering theatres next weekend. Trade experts believe this could impact screen counts and show timings, especially in urban centres.
However, industry insiders remain optimistic. “Films that receive positive audience feedback usually sustain collections even after new releases arrive,” a trade analyst explained. “If Bha Bha Bha manages to hold well during the Christmas–New Year holiday window, it could turn into a long-run success.”
The festive season is traditionally lucrative for Malayalam cinema, and with schools on vacation and families flocking to theatres, Bha Bha Bha is well-positioned to capitalise on the holiday footfall.
Poised for a Career-Best Run?
If the current trend continues, Bha Bha Bha could potentially emerge as the highest-grossing film of Dileep’s career. While it is too early to make definitive predictions, the opening weekend numbers and audience reception place the film on a promising trajectory.
“The real test will be weekday holds and second-weekend growth,” a distributor remarked. “But as of now, the film has exceeded initial expectations.”
As Bha Bha Bha continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on how it performs amid competition and whether nostalgia-fuelled entertainment can translate into sustained box office success.
📌 Day-wise Kerala Box Office Collection (Gross)
| Day | Collection |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹7.20 crore |
| Day 2 | ₹3.55 crore |
| Day 3 | ₹3.25 crore |
| Day 4 | ₹3.50 crore |
| Total | ₹17.50 crore |
Disclaimer: Box office figures are compiled from various trade sources and internal estimates. The numbers are approximate and intended to indicate performance trends.
