The Hindi movie industry has witnessed an interesting turn of events as a number of new male players have entered the big screen very recently. From legacy offspring to relatively unknown actors, this new group is ushering in fresh blood, and their first weekend box office collections have become the ultimate arbiter of success.
Here’s a closer examination of six male debutants whose films were released recently and how their projects performed commercially on the opening weekend worldwide and what these figures may indicate about their future.
1. Ahaan Panday’s Saiyaara—₹100 crore
Saiyaara has emerged as the season’s biggest sensation, earning over ₹100 crore and still going strong.
Directed by Mohit Suri, this romantic musical hit the jackpot at the box office, crossing ₹100 crore within its opening weekend globally, and it’s continuing to soar.
Ahaan portrayed the character of a heartbroken musician with a complex emotional journey, and he received applause for his intensity and presence on screen. The song went viral, and the film created heart-wrenching moments. This wasn’t merely a movie; it turned into a phenomenon.
With such a huge opening, Ahaan has entered with both commercial muscle and emotional pull.
2. Veer Pahariya—Sky Force—₹168 crore
Veer Pahariya delivered a massive blockbuster with Sky Force, a high-octane action drama based on the Indian Air Force.
The film’s bombastic visuals, patriotism theme, and taut script allowed it to fly to ₹168 crore worldwide in its opening weekend.
Veer’s acting as an air force officer was steadfast and composed, and he was praised for his intensity in action sequences. Unlike typical romance debuts, Veer opted for the unconventional route, and it paid handsomely.
Sky Force also demonstrated that action and emotion, if executed well, can be a launching pad for mass market appeal and box office success.
3. Abhay Verma – Munjya – ₹132 Crore
Abhay Verma’s horror-comedy Munjya turned out to be the year’s surprise package, quietly becoming a sleeper hit.
The movie, which is part of Maddock Films’ horror franchise, made ₹132 crore on its opening weekend.
Abhay worked as an everyday small-town man trapped in a supernatural quagmire, and his earthy performance was praised for its accessibility. With a mix of horror and zany humor, Munjya hit a chord with both families and younger viewers.
Abhay’s smart script choice and subtle delivery have given him a unique entry, proving that content-led cinema can launch stars too.
4. Lakshya – Kill – ₹47 Crore
Lakshya made a bold debut with Kill, a raw and intense action thriller set on a train. The film earned ₹47 crore worldwide in its opening weekend and quickly developed a strong cult fanbase.
His vigorous, action-packed performance demonstrated commitment and bodily change. While not a conventional debut, Lakshya gained respect and had its fan base among action fans and film enthusiasts.
With the rising demand for edgy, genre-specific cinema, Lakshya’s entry suggests he could become a strong contender in the action-thriller space.
5. Junaid Khan—Loveyapa—₹12Crore
Junaid Khan, son of Aamir Khan, debuted with Loveyapa, a romantic drama that collected ₹12 crore globally over its first weekend. The hopes were high, but the movie could not make a mark.
Although Junaid was sincere and subtle in his act, the story of the movie lacked newness. The music did not pick up, and the emotional moments were flat.
All the same, the acting potential of Junaid can be seen. With the right script and director, he can make a comeback stronger. All-star kids do not start with a bang; they need time to establish their rhythm.
6. Aaman Devgan – Azaad – ₹10 Crore
Aaman Devgan made his debut with Azaad, a movie that tanked, collecting only ₹10 crore globally in its opening weekend.
The story of the movie didn’t resonate with people, and poor promotions further hampered its footfalls. Aaman’s screen presence demonstrated glimpses of promise, but the vehicle simply wasn’t robust enough to leave an impact.
A slow start doesn’t mean it’s the end. With better project choices, Aaman has the chance to turn things around in his second innings.
Final Thoughts
These six debutantes paint a diverse picture of how Bollywood is changing. Ahaan, Veer, and Abhay have set benchmarks with ₹100 crore+ openers, each in different genres. Lakshya carved a space in action, while Junaid and Aaman have room to regroup and evolve.
The box office isn’t just about numbers anymore; it’s about connecting with audiences through fresh narratives, authentic performances, and smart genre choices. The new generation is here, and they’re not just stepping in; they’re breaking new ground.