"Dhadak", which marks the much-awaited Bollywood foray of Janhvi Kapoor, the daughter of the late Bollywood superstar Sridevi, and Ishaan Khatter, registered an opening day collection of Rs 8.71 crore (almost $1.2m), making a record for a Hindi movie with newcomers in India, the City Times reported.
“Dhadak wins hearts all over, making a new record for a film with newcomers. Thank you all for so much love," Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, which produced the movie, tweeted.
He thanked director Shashank Khaitan, as well as Janhvi and Ishaan, the two actors whose performances in the movie have been met by rave reviews.
Dhadak is the story of Madhukar and Parthavi. From the moment they set eyes on each other; Madhukar and Parthavi felt something familiar, something pure, but as their love blossomed, so did their problems.
Torn between society and their families, their fate became uncertain. Dhadak is a simple, passionate story about first love.
Veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar watched the movie, and tweeted: "Loved it. Both Janhvi and Ishaan are unbelievably excellent. Brilliant is too timid word for them. Janhvi, you are really a worthy daughter of a worthy mother. Lots of love."
Janhvi is the daughter of producer Boney Kapoor and late iconic actress Sridevi who died in February in Dubai accidently, while Ishaan is the son of veteran actress Neelima Azeem. He made his film debut with Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's "Beyond The Clouds", but "Dhadak" has marked Ishaan's Bollywood entry.
Actors Suniel Shetty and Bhumi Pednekar were also impressed with their performance.
"Very well done Janhvi and Ishaan! Absolutely outstanding performance in 'Dhadak'. Karan Johar, you have once again given Bollywood its two new rising stars guided brilliantly by Shashank Khaitan," Suniel wrote.
Bhumi tweeted: "Janhvi and Ishaan you both are special. The ease and beauty with which you've performed is magical. Shashank Khaitan, Karan Johar, really enjoyed watching 'Dhadak'. Fallen in love with the love they have.The end broke my heart. What a love saga."
An adaptation of Marathi hit "Sairat", the film, also backed by Zee Studios, touches upon honor killings.