‘Azaad’: Among Debutant Actors, Rasha Thadani, Aaman Devgan Starrer Earns Highest At Box Office

January 19, 2025: Bollywood is witnessing a surge in newcomer-led films, with several debutant stars making their mark post-pandemic. Among the recent releases, Azaad, starring debutants Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan, has emerged as a major success, scoring the highest opening day collection of Rs 1.5 crore at the box office. The film’s gripping drama, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and self-discovery, and has been widely praised for its engaging storyline and the powerful performances of its leads. Ajay Devgn’s strategic backing, including a cameo, further propelled the film to success.

Other noteworthy debut films include:

KILL

Backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, Kill is a high-octane action film featuring debutant Lakshya Lalwani. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt, the film garnered Rs 1.35 crore at the box office, making it the second-highest opener in this category. The film’s intense fight sequences and fast-paced cinematography attracted a strong urban audience, especially in metro cities.

Ishq Vishq Rebound

A sequel to the beloved Ishq Vishq, this romantic drama introduced new talents like Pashmina Roshan, Jibran Khan, and Rohit Saraf. Directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari and produced by Ramesh Taurani’s Tips, the film capitalized on nostalgia and secured a solid Rs 1.2 crore opening.

Laapataa Ladies

Produced by Aamir Khan, this quirky comedy set in rural India explores the chaos surrounding two missing brides. Starring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastava, and directed by Kiran Rao, the film earned critical acclaim and was even pushed for Oscars. It had a moderate opening of Rs 75 lakh at the box office.

Farrey

An edgy thriller about student life and its pressures, Farrey struggled at the box office, despite being backed by Salman Khan. The film, starring Alizeh Agnihotri, Prasanna Bisht, and Zeyn Shaw, only managed to earn Rs 50 lakh on its opening day.

Binny and Family

A lighthearted comedy about a quirky family, Binny and Family struggled to make an impact at the box office, opening with Rs 35 lakh despite Varun Dhawan’s support for his debutant niece, Anjni Dhawan. Directed by Sanjay Tripathy, the film did not gain significant traction.

As January 2025 draws to a close, the success of these debut films signals a promising future for new talent in Bollywood, and cinema enthusiasts eagerly await more newcomers to make their mark in the industry.