The much-awaited debut film Azaad has hit the theaters, starring Rasha Thadani, daughter of Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon, and Aaman Devgan, nephew of actor Ajay Devgn. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film opened to a modest Rs.1.5 crore on its first day of release. While the film garnered attention for introducing new talent, it didn’t make a massive impact at the box office on its opening day.
Box Office Collection and Opening Performance
According to early estimates from Sacnilk.com, Azaad earned approximately Rs.1.5 crore net in India on its opening day. The film recorded an overall 15.02% Hindi occupancy, which was below expectations. Despite the moderate performance, it stands as the highest opener among debutant films post-COVID-19, offering a silver lining for the newcomers.
Produced by RSVP Movies, Azaad also stars Ajay Devgn, Diana Penty, Mohit Malik, and Piyush Mishra. The film tells the story of an unbreakable bond between a young stable boy and a horse, showcasing the power of friendship and trust.
Review and Criticisms
Hindustan Times praised certain sequences in the film, particularly those involving the horse Azaad, but criticized the overall pacing and performance of the debutants. The review noted that both Rasha and Aaman displayed potential, but their acting skills still need refinement. While Rasha, at just 19 years old, had a strong presence on screen, her emotional range was called into question. Aaman, too, showed aptitude in action and dance but requires further practice in acting.
Critics also mentioned the underdevelopment of Diana Penty’s character and noted that Ajay Devgn’s role felt disconnected from the film’s core, with some humorously referencing his overlapping shoots with RRR.
Rasha Thadani on Her Film Journey
In a recent interview with PTI, Rasha Thadani shared her excitement about entering the film industry. She expressed her hopes of carrying forward the legacy of her mother, Raveena Tandon, and her maternal grandfather, Ravi Tandon. The 19-year-old actress is eager to establish herself in Bollywood and improve with every project.
Rasha also spoke about her bond with co-star Aaman Devgan, revealing that they initially didn’t get along but developed a strong friendship over time. “He really grew on me as a person. He is one of the sweetest people I know. Now, he is truly my best friend and someone I can truly depend on for anything because we have grown together. We have learned everything together. So we have that bond,” she shared.
Conclusion
While Azaad didn’t make a major splash at the box office on its opening day, it provided a platform for fresh faces in the industry. Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan’s debut performances may not have fully hit the mark, but they certainly have room to grow. The film’s modest opening and mixed reviews will likely drive the buzz surrounding the film, but how it performs in the coming weeks remains to be seen.
