Shanaya Kapoor’s Debut Film ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ Opens Low at Box Office with ₹35 Lakh on Day 1

Shanaya Kapoor’s much-anticipated debut film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan had a slow start at the box office, earning only ₹35 lakh on its opening day. Despite the buzz around her entry into Bollywood, the film struggled to pull audiences to theatres. The underwhelming start raises concerns about the film’s future performance and whether star power alone can draw crowds in today’s cinema landscape.

A Lukewarm Opening
Released nationwide on Friday, the romantic drama failed to create the expected impact. With limited word-of-mouth and average reviews, the film saw low footfalls even in major cities. For a launch vehicle that aimed to introduce a fresh face from a film family, the Day 1 numbers reflect a gap between expectations and audience response.

Trade analysts have called the opening “disappointing” given the promotional push and media attention around Shanaya Kapoor.

Tier 2 Cities Show Minimal Response
In cities like Nagpur, Bhopal, and Surat, the film witnessed even lower ticket sales, indicating limited connection with the audience outside metros. The youth, often considered a core Bollywood audience in Tier 2 towns, seem to be leaning more towards high-content regional films or OTT platforms than star-kid-led debut movies.

Theatre owners in these cities reported that local films and big-banner thrillers are performing better than new launches without strong stories.

Factors Behind the Weak Start
Several reasons might have contributed to the slow start—lack of a gripping storyline, mixed reviews, and increasing audience preference for streaming content. Additionally, while Shanaya Kapoor’s debut was hyped online, the film’s trailer didn’t generate enough curiosity to convert into ticket sales.

In today’s market, where content is king, a big surname doesn’t always guarantee a successful opening.

What’s Next for the Film?
The film’s fate now depends on word-of-mouth and weekend growth, but with such a low opening, recovery seems challenging. However, if the film manages to strike an emotional chord, especially with younger viewers or families, it could see a slight pickup in smaller centres.

Producers may also look toward digital rights or satellite releases to make up for the box office gap.

Conclusion:
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan serves as a reminder that today’s cinema audience—particularly in India’s Tier 2 cities—is driven more by content than celebrity lineage. Shanaya Kapoor’s debut, while noteworthy, couldn’t convert initial interest into box office success. As the industry evolves, new talent will likely need more than a famous surname to make a lasting impact