Bhubaneswar: In an extraordinary turn of events, Babushaan Mohanty’s horror-comedy Bou Buttu Bhuta has taken the Indian box office by storm, shattering records and rewriting the history of Odia cinema. What began as a modest regional release has now become India’s most profitable film of 2025, outperforming even big-budget Bollywood offerings.
Directed by Jagdish Mishra, Bou Buttu Bhuta blends spine-chilling thrills with laugh-out-loud moments, striking a perfect chord with audiences. In just 25 days, the film has raked in a staggering ₹15.10 crore net (₹17.81 crore gross) at the Indian box office — a historic first for the Odia film industry.
Made on a modest budget of ₹2–3 crore, the film has already generated profits exceeding ₹12 crore, boasting an eye-popping 403.33% return on investment (ROI) — a feat that puts even the most hyped Bollywood releases to shame.
What’s more impressive? The film has outperformed major Hindi titles including Chhaava, the Vicky Kaushal-starrer that was expected to dominate the 2025 box office. Instead, it’s Bou Buttu Bhuta that has captured hearts — and wallets — across India.
A Turning Point for Regional Cinema
This milestone marks a watershed moment not just for Babushaan, whose popularity has soared to new heights, but for regional cinema as a whole. The film’s roaring success proves that compelling content, cultural authenticity, and strong word-of-mouth can triumph over star power and massive budgets.
Critics and fans alike have praised the film for its quirky script, sharp performances, and innovative blend of horror and comedy — a rare genre in Odia cinema.
Industry veterans are calling this a “game-changer.” Film analyst Rina Nayak said, “Bou Buttu Bhuta has done what no one imagined. It’s a signal that regional stories — if done right — can shake up the entire Indian box office landscape.”
With its record-breaking performance, Bou Buttu Bhuta is now headed for a wider digital and international release. Talks are underway for dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, and Bengali, while OTT giants are reportedly in a bidding war for the film’s streaming rights.