The New-Age Underdog Turning Bollywood Tables with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3

With the release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Kartik Aaryan has registered one of the biggest openings of his career, a feat all the more remarkable given the film's head-to-head clash with Singham Again. But while most would discuss box-office records, Kartik’s latest success story speaks more deeply of resilience, drive, and the power of the underdog spirit in a landscape dominated by established heavyweights.

In an age where Bollywood feels increasingly monopolized by longstanding franchises and seasoned stars, Kartik stands out as something of an anomaly—an "outsider" who’s turned every limitation into fuel. He embodies what Malcolm Gladwell, in David & Goliath, calls the art of “battling giants.” Kartik’s journey from small-town Gwalior to box-office darling feels like an ode to Gladwell’s “underdogs and misfits,” suggesting a refusal to conform to the industry's pre-set expectations. For fans and casual observers alike, he has become both an inspiration and an emblem of the modern-day Bollywood outsider.

While industry giants look to established franchises and blockbusters, Kartik seems to have tapped into something more profound: the enduring appeal of the underdog narrative. His portrayal of "Rooh Baba" in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and the character’s knack for outwitting larger-than-life foes adds a layer of authenticity to Kartik’s own journey. It’s as if Rooh Baba and Kartik share the same pulse—a blend of humor, vulnerability, and unyielding tenacity. And perhaps this is what makes Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 so relatable: it isn’t just a horror-comedy but a metaphor for triumph against the odds.

While the industry's giants rely on power and presence, Kartik's strength lies in something less tangible—his relatability. He’s not the Bollywood prototype, and perhaps that’s exactly why audiences connect with him. Where other stars project an image of untouchable glamor, Kartik, like the misfit hero of David & Goliath, brings an unvarnished charm to the table, one that makes even his victories feel shared with the audience.