In what can only be described as a game-changing debut, Ahaan Panday has etched his name in the annals of Bollywood history. With Saiyaara crossing the Rs. 200 crore mark at the domestic box office, Ahaan has become the first-ever male debutant actor to achieve this milestone — a feat that even some of the most celebrated names in the industry didn’t manage with their first few outings.
Directed by Mohit Suri and also starring Aneet Padda, Saiyaara has captured the imagination of audiences across India. The film began its box office journey with a strong Rs. 22 crore opening, followed by Rs. 26.25 crore on Saturday and an explosive Rs. 36.25 crore on Sunday, taking the opening weekend total to Rs. 84.50 crore. Instead of slowing down, the film bucked industry trends and continued to witness solid growth during weekdays. By Day 7, it had amassed over Rs. 155 crore and by Day 9, it entered the Rs. 200 crore club, registering a total of Rs. 220.75 crore nett at the Indian box office.
This kind of sustained momentum is usually reserved for releases featuring A-list stars or blockbuster franchises. What makes Saiyaara’s performance remarkable is that it has achieved this without relying on either. Instead, it has built its success on a compelling romantic narrative, a massively popular soundtrack, and the curiosity surrounding two fresh faces on the big screen.
Ahaan Panday vs the 200-Crore Club
A quick glance at the Rs. 200 crore club listing places Ahaan Panday in elite company. The list includes stalwarts like, Salman Khan (7 films, highest: Rs. 339.16 cr), Shah Rukh Khan (5 films, highest: Rs. 643.87 cr), Aamir Khan (4 films, highest: Rs. 387.38 cr), Ranbir Kapoor (2 films, highest: Rs. 556.36 cr), Vicky Kaushal (2 films, highest: Rs. 600.10 cr), and Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, Ranveer Singh, among others.
What sets Ahaan apart is that he has achieved this with his debut film, whereas every other actor on this list was already several films into their careers before entering the Rs. 200 crore club. Even rising stars like Vicky Kaushal and Rajkummar Rao had multiple releases and significant critical recognition before reaching this level of box office success.
What This Means
The success of Saiyaara and Ahaan Panday’s record-setting debut is not just a commercial win—it’s a cultural moment. In a post-pandemic landscape where audiences are demanding fresh stories, new faces, and relatable narratives, Saiyaara represents a shift in viewing preferences. Ahaan’s milestone is also a signal to producers and studios that audiences are open to debutants—if the content connects.
With the film still enjoying strong hold in theatres, Saiyaara is expected to continue climbing the charts. The question now isn’t whether Ahaan Panday is here to stay—it’s how far he can go.
In a club dominated by legends and long-standing stars, Ahaan Panday’s Saiyaara marks the arrival of a new generation. And with Rs. 220.75 crore in the bag, he’s not just made an entry—he’s made history.