Saiyaara is not India’s highest-grossing film led by debutants, this film is…, not Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, out earned RRR, name is….

Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara has been making rounds on the internet. The movie, which was released on July 18, is nearing entry into the Rs 100 crore club. Featuring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film has earned Rs 85 crore so far, making it the highest-grossing debutant-led Indian film ever. It is likely that by the end of its theatrical run, Mohit Suri’s movie will set an impressive record. However, did you know that almost five decades ago, there was a film featuring two newcomers that became a massive hit? If we adjust Saiyaara for inflation or measure by audience footfalls, this 50-year-old film still holds the crown.

India’s Highest-Grossing Film Led by Debutants

Released in 1973, this film was directed by one of Bollywood’s most renowned figures — fondly called the ‘Showman’ — Raj Kapoor. The movie introduced two debutants, turning them into overnight stars.

If you are wondering which film holds this title, it is none other than Bobby, featuring Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. The movie was the highest-grossing Indian film of 1973, earning Rs 11 crore at the domestic box office on a budget of just Rs 1 crore.

According to the book Cinema Industry in India: Pricing and Taxation, Rishi and Dimple’s film witnessed 5.35 crore footfalls in India alone. Its inflation-adjusted domestic gross would be close to Rs 1,000 crore today.

On the other hand, if we compare it with Hrithik Roshan’s Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, the film had over 3 crore footfalls in India, and when adjusted for inflation, its gross would be around Rs 600 crore today.

All About Bobby

Raj Kapoor launched his son Rishi Kapoor with Bobby. While Raj’s main intention was to recover the losses from his previous film Mera Naam Joker, the movie performed so well that it not only recovered the money but also made Dimple Kapadia and Rishi Kapoor stars.

The movie revolves around a young couple who elope in search of a better life. However, what unfolds next will keep you glued to your screen until the very end.

News