Aayush Sharma aces the debut game with LoveYatri Box Office collection

Aayush Sharma’s entry into Bollywood was closely watched. The actor, who made his debut with LoveYatri, wasn’t let off the hook easily despite the notions surrounding his launch.

Also Read | #MeToo: Kate Sharma files police complaint against Subhash Ghai, filmmaker warns that this step will dilute the accuser's short-term fame

During interviews leading up to the release, the newcomer was often asked if he had it easy because Salman Khan Films (SKF) launched him, something any debutant would aspire for.

A big question mark was looming large on whether he would be accepted by the public. There was also doubt on whether Salman’s loyal fans would extend their love and support to Aayush, which they usually keep reserved only for their favourite superstar.

There was even the issue of the romantic drama not releasing in theatres in Indore where Salim Khan chose to stand up to exhibitors over their protest against the imposition of entertainment tax, over and above GST. This was a call that was made keeping in mind the larger interest of theatre owners and exhibitors.

While the stand is worth applauding, the fact that the film didn’t get the support of Dabangg Khan’s fan clubs in Madhya Pradesh did hamper its overall box-office numbers. Its collections bore a loss nearing Rs 70 lakh due to the strike in Madhya Pradesh.

Also Read | Hrithik Roshan's ex-wife Sussanne Khan says #MeToo is another publicity gimmick

However, despite the odds, the movie clocked Rs 2.18 cr on its opening day. It released on the same day as AndhaDhun and the Hollywood film Venom, but still managed to gets its due.

While the opening box-office numbers (Rs 11 cr-plus in its first weekend) validates the audiences’ love for the romantic musical, Aayush garnered praise because of his affable personality. His dancing skills have also become a talking point. It isn’t easy for an all-debutant film to get love from the audience given that the lead pair — Aayush and Warina Hussain and director Abhiraj K Minawala are all first-timers.

The film’s soundtrack, especially the Chogada song, is a rage due to the Navratri season. 

At a time when newcomers are closely watched and critiqued, Aayush also got a fair amount of love from reviewers. He has emerged as a strong contender in the list of debutants that Bollywood has seen in the last few years and it seems he’s here to stay!

Also Read | #MeToo: Farhad Samji to direct 'Housefull 4' after Sajid Khan's departure

FIRST-DAY COLLECTIONS OF DEBUTANTS

Aayush Sharma starrer LoveYatri: Rs 2.18 cr

Harshvardhan Kapoor-starrer Mirzya(2016): Rs 1.59 cr

Aadar Jain-starrer Qaidi Band (2017): Rs 8 lakh

Utkarsh Sharma-starrer Genius (2018): Rs 76 lakh

Avinash Tiwary-starrer Laila Majnu (2018): Rs 34 lakh

Ishaan Khatter-starrer Beyond The Clouds(2017): Rs 24 lakh

Mustafa Burmawala-starrer Machines(2017): Rs 39 lakh