From ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai' to ‘Dhadak': What Box Office Debuts Say As ‘Saiyaara' Hits the Screen on Friday

Time of India

a day ago

Mohit Suri's 'Saiyaara,' starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, anticipates a strong debut, fueled by substantial advance bookings. The film's performance invites comparison with past Bollywood debut vehicles like 'Dhadak' and 'Student of the Year,' which set high benchmarks. While initial collections are promising, the long-term success hinges on audience reception and the film's ability to resonate.
With Mohit Suri's much-anticipated film Saiyaara prepares to hit the big screens, the film has already generated a lot of buzz. The film starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda has already generated an advance booking of Rs 4.41 crore as per Sacnilk on 16th July .
As the film gears up for public scrutiny let's reflect on how Bollywood has historically embraced debutants, both in terms of box office numbers and long-term stardom.
Let's delve into a comparative analysis of previous films that marked the entry of now-famous (and sometimes forgotten) actors. The following data points highlight the Day 1 collections and overall lifetime gross of these debut-led films, offering context for expectations from As Saiyaara.
1. Dhadak (2018)
Debutants:
Ishaan Khatter
,
Janhvi Kapoor
Day 1: Rs 8.71 crore
Lifetime Gross: Rs 74 crore
As a remake of the Marathi hit Sairat, Dhadak benefited from both curiosity and the legacy of its lead actors. With Janhvi Kapoor (Sridevi's daughter) and Ishaan Khatter (
Shahid Kapoor
's half-brother), the film enjoyed a strong Day 1 and sustained footfalls despite mixed critical reviews. It set a high benchmark for debutant success.
2. Student of the Year (2012)
Debutants:
Varun Dhawan
,
Alia Bhatt
,
Sidharth Malhotra
Day 1: Rs 7.48 crore
Lifetime Gross: Rs 70 crore
Launched under the Dharma Productions banner by Karan Johar, this campus drama didn't just introduce three actors — it built stars.
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Each of them is now a bankable name in the industry. SOTY had glitz, music, and a pre-existing fanbase due to KJo's brand, aiding its strong opening and excellent lifetime earnings.
3. Heropanti (2014)
Debutants: Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon
Day 1: Rs 6.55 crore
Lifetime Gross: Rs 53 crore
Tiger's action skills and Kriti's screen presence helped Heropanti carve a respectable box office run. Tiger's martial arts-inspired persona struck a chord with younger audiences, making this film a surprise hit despite limited pre-release buzz.
4. Vicky Donor (2012)
Debutants: Ayushmann Khurrana, Yami Gautam
Day 1: Rs 1.7 crore
Lifetime Gross: Rs 35 crore
A unique storyline on sperm donation helped Vicky Donor stand out. It was low on budget but high on impact, proving that with the right script and performances, box office success is achievable even without marquee names.
5. Rock On!! (2008)
Debutants: Farhan Akhtar, Prachi Desai
Day 1: Rs 1.53 crore
Lifetime Gross: Rs 25 crore
A cult favorite, Rock On!! offered a fresh musical experience. Farhan Akhtar's dual debut as an actor and singer created curiosity and credibility, leading to a strong theatrical run boosted by urban multiplex audiences.
6. Refugee (2000)
Debutants: Abhishek Bachchan,
Kareena Kapoor
Day 1: Rs 1.52 crore
Lifetime Gross: Rs 17 crore
Despite the anticipation around the film due to the lineage of its stars, Refugee remained a modest performer. Nevertheless, it served as a solid platform for both Abhishek and Kareena, who went on to have substantial careers.
7. Saawariya (2007)
Debutants:
Ranbir Kapoor
,
Sonam Kapoor
Day 1: Rs 3 crore
Lifetime Gross: Rs 22 crore
Despite the Sanjay Leela Bhansali label and high expectations, Saawariya failed to impress critics or audiences. However, the debut of Ranbir and Sonam was deemed impactful enough to land them future roles, validating that a strong debut performance matters as much as commercial success.
8. Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011)
Debutants: Kartik Aaryan, Divyendu Sharma
Day 1: Rs 90 lakh
Lifetime Gross: Rs 9 crore
What started as a sleeper hit became a cult film among youth audiences. Kartik Aaryan's now-famous monologue and the film's relatability ensured steady growth post-release. It's a classic example of word-of-mouth success.
9. Azaad (2024)
Debutants: Amaan Devgan, Rasha Thadani
Day 1: Rs 1.5 crore
Lifetime Gross: Rs 6.35 crore
Despite decent marketing, Azaad couldn't sustain momentum. However, the Day 1 number suggests a mild curiosity in debutant-driven cinema, especially if backed by recognizable family names.
10. Laila Majnu (2018)
Debutants: Avinash Tiwary,
Triptii Dimri
Day 1: Rs 45 lakh
Lifetime Gross: Rs 11.5 crore
Laila Majnu had limited screens and minimal pre-release hype and was out of the theaters within the first week itself. But post it's release on OTT platform the generated a cult following leading to it's re-release which is when the film's collection went through the roof. It added almost Rs 10 crore to it's kitty.
11. Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000)
Debutants: Hrithik Roshan, Ameesha Patel
Day 1: Rs 45 lakh
Lifetime Gross: Rs 44.1 crore
Perhaps the most iconic debut film of modern Bollywood, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai created a nationwide Hrithik mania.
It started slowly but snowballed into a cultural phenomenon. Hrithik's double role, dancing prowess, and screen charisma changed the debut narrative forever.
12. Masaan (2015)
Debutant: Vicky Kaushal
Day 1: Rs 35 lakh
Lifetime Gross: Rs 3.43 crore
Critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant, Masaan didn't perform big numbers commercially but earned Vicky Kaushal serious industry respect. It remains a favorite among film connoisseurs and festivals worldwide.
What Lies Ahead for Saiyaara?
Going by the current trend Saiyaara is all set to take the biggest opening for a debutant film. But one needs to take into account that the production house is offering Rs 200 discount for the first day on purchase of 2 tickets or more. Thus one needs to take the collection with a pinch of Salt.
With a seasoned director like Mohit Suri — known for hits like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain — the film has the potential to connect with youth, especially if its music becomes a rage (a key driver for romantic dramas).