Shanaya Kapoor’s debut film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan has completed its first weekend at the box office, collecting just over Rs 1 crore in total earnings by Day 3. While the film managed to hit its first crore milestone, its performance so far suggests a challenging road ahead in terms of commercial success.
The romantic drama, which was released nationwide on Friday, opened to low occupancy across theatres. Despite being backed by a known production house and introducing a fresh face in Shanaya Kapoor, the film has struggled to connect with a wide audience. Trade analysts reported collections of approximately Rs 30 lakh on the opening day, followed by a marginal increase on Saturday and Sunday. By the end of the third day, the film’s total earnings stood at just above Rs 1 crore.
The film tells a heartfelt love story set against a contemporary urban backdrop. While Shanaya Kapoor’s performance has received praise from some quarters, critics have pointed out the film’s slow pacing and lack of novelty in its storyline. The screenplay, though emotionally driven, has been described as predictable, and that may have contributed to lukewarm word-of-mouth response.
Another factor impacting the film’s performance is competition from other ongoing releases. With several larger-budget films already in theatres and commanding stronger footfall, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan has found it difficult to carve out its audience. The limited promotional campaign before the release also seems to have affected awareness, especially in non-metropolitan markets.
Industry observers note that while new actors often require time to build a loyal audience base, the film industry is highly competitive, and opening weekend figures are usually a strong indicator of future performance. In this case, unless there is a significant turnaround driven by positive feedback or social media buzz, the film may find it difficult to sustain beyond the first week.
The producers, however, remain optimistic. They have highlighted the film’s appeal to young viewers and are focusing on digital platforms and college-based promotions in the coming week to generate interest. Plans for an early release on streaming platforms may also help the film recover part of its production cost.
From an industry perspective, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan represents another example of the challenges faced by newcomers in a highly dynamic market. While star debuts often receive media attention, box office performance ultimately depends on content quality, marketing strategy, and timing of release.
As the film enters its first weekday run, the numbers in the coming days will determine whether it can find momentum or gradually fade from theatres. For Shanaya Kapoor, the debut marks the beginning of her film career, and despite the film’s struggle, many in the industry believe she has potential that may be realised in future projects.
