India, July 19 -- Saiyaara set the box office on fire on its opening day. The musical romance directed by Mohit Suri and starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda made Rs.21 crore on its opening day. The film generated significant buzz among fans and the audience leading up to its release, which is all the more surprising because the two stars did no promotions for the film.

Saiyaara has earned this huge opening with 8,000 shows across India, which is less than half the average 18,000 shows typically required for a Rs.20 crore+ opener. Major national chains also reported sold-out shows across key markets on its opening day.

These milestones were achieved without the actors being there for the public gaze and without any traditiona...