In a much-anticipated box office clash, Rajkummar Rao’s Maalik and Shanaya Kapoor’s debut film Aankhon Mein Tum both hit theatres on Friday. While expectations were high for both films, especially with the hype surrounding Shanaya’s launch into Bollywood, the opening day numbers clearly indicate a strong lead for Maalik.
Maalik Opens Strong
Rajkummar Rao, known for his compelling performances, seems to have struck gold again. Maalik, a gritty political drama laced with suspense and realism, opened to an estimated ₹7.4 crore on Day 1. This is one of Rao’s best opening day collections in recent years and a testament to his increasing pull at the box office.
Early reviews and audience reactions have been largely positive, with many praising Rao’s intense portrayal of a morally conflicted leader. Critics have also lauded the film’s tight screenplay, direction, and its bold commentary on power and corruption.
Trade analysts believe word-of-mouth will further boost its weekend performance, especially in tier-1 cities and among multiplex audiences.
Aankhon Mein Tum Disappoints Despite the Hype
On the other hand, Aankhon Mein Tum, a romantic musical drama marking Shanaya Kapoor’s big-screen debut under a prestigious banner, had a tepid start. The film managed to collect only around ₹1.1 crore on Day 1, despite heavy promotional efforts and an eye-catching music album.
While Shanaya’s screen presence and dance performances received appreciation from younger audiences, the film’s predictable storyline and lackluster screenplay have been points of criticism. The chemistry between the leads and the emotional beats reportedly fell short of expectations, making it a less compelling option for the weekend crowd.
Industry Reaction
Film critic Komal Nahta commented, “Rajkummar Rao has once again shown that talent and script selection matter. Maalik has opened beyond expectations. Shanaya Kapoor’s debut, while glamorous, needed a stronger story to sustain momentum.”
Meanwhile, trade analyst Taran Adarsh posted on X (formerly Twitter):
WebsMosaic | TechsThrive |CodeCraftes | QuantumQuestes |
WebesWhiz | ByteBeates | PixelPerkes | LinkLaunches |
WebsWisdoms | InfinityInspires
“#Maalik is off to a promising start… Mass belts responding well… Could emerge as a sleeper hit. #AankhonMeinTum needs a miracle over the weekend.”
Verdict: A Clear Winner on Day 1
While the weekend is still young, Maalik has clearly outperformed Aankhon Mein Tum on its opening day by a large margin. With strong content and positive audience feedback, Rajkummar Rao’s film seems poised for a healthy box office run.
In contrast, Aankhon Mein Tum will need a significant push through word-of-mouth and possibly its music to stay afloat at the ticket windows.
Stay tuned for weekend collection updates and a clearer picture of this box office battle.
