Saiyaara, the much-anticipated romantic drama directed by Mohit Suri, has taken the Indian box office by storm, earning an impressive ₹45 crore in just two days, inching closer to the ₹50 crore mark.
Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, this Yash Raj Films production has set a new benchmark for films led by newcomers, surpassing expectations with its soulful storytelling, chartbuster music, and raw performances.
Released on July 18, 2025, Saiyaara is being hailed as the “Gen Z Aashiqui 2,” blending emotional depth with modern sensibilities.
A Heart-Wrenching Narrative That Resonates
Saiyaara tells the story of Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a rising musician navigating the cutthroat realities of the music industry, and Vaani (Aneet Padda), a gifted songwriter with unwavering principles.
Their chemistry sparks both creatively and romantically, but their love story takes a turbulent turn, culminating in an emotional climax where Vaani’s battle with Alzheimer’s delivers a heartbreaking twist.
The narrative, while familiar in its romantic trope, stands out for its sincerity and emotional heft. Mohit Suri, known for Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, masterfully crafts a screenplay that balances euphoric highs with crushing lows, making Saiyaara a rollercoaster of emotions.
The film’s pacing is a highlight, with a gripping first half that sets up the romance and a second half that dives deep into heartbreak. Some scenes, particularly the emotional climax, have gone viral on social media, with audiences praising the poignant portrayal of love and loss.
While some critics note similarities to Korean cinema, the film’s universal appeal and fresh performances overshadow these comparisons.
Stellar Debuts by Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda
Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday, makes a commanding Bollywood debut as Krish. His screen presence is magnetic, blending confidence with vulnerability in a way that feels authentic for a newcomer.
Aneet Padda, previously seen in Big Girls Don’t Cry and Salaam Venky, is a revelation as Vaani. Her radiant and expressive performance captures the character’s innocence and emotional depth, earning her widespread praise.
Their chemistry is electric, making every romantic and tragic moment believable. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh called Ahaan’s debut “smashing” and Aneet “top-notch,” predicting stardom for both.
A Chartbuster Soundtrack That Elevates the Film
The Saiyaara soundtrack is a triumph, with the title track becoming a social media sensation. Seamlessly integrated into the narrative, the hauntingly melodious songs enhance the film’s emotional graph.
Comparisons to Aashiqui 2’s iconic album are inevitable, but Saiyaara carves its own identity with music that resonates with Gen Z audiences.
The songs, combined with Mohit Suri’s signature storytelling, create a cinematic experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Box Office Triumph and Audience Reception
Saiyaara’s box office performance is nothing short of historic. With ₹21 crore on Day 1 and ₹24 crore on Day 2, the film has outpaced star-driven releases like Sitaare Zameen Par (₹10.7 crore) and Sky Force (₹12.25 crore).
Its 51.24% occupancy on Saturday, July 19, across 8,000 screens, reflects its widespread appeal, from urban multiplexes to single screens in mass pockets. Cities like Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Lucknow reported the highest turnout, with midnight shows added due to demand.
The film’s advance bookings, selling 3.8 lakh tickets, surpassed biggies like Housefull 5 and Sikandar, signaling its commercial strength.
Critics have lauded Saiyaara for its emotional storytelling and fresh casting, with ratings ranging from 3.5 to 4 stars. The Free Press Journal called it “one of the best romantic musicals in recent years,” while netizens on X have dubbed it a “heart-wrenching blockbuster.
” Despite minor critiques about a slightly stretched first half, the consensus is that Saiyaara delivers a compelling cinematic experience.
Why Saiyaara Stands Out
What sets Saiyaara apart is its minimalist promotional strategy. Unlike typical Bollywood campaigns, Ahaan and Aneet stayed away from pre-release interviews, letting the film’s content speak for itself.
This bold move, backed by YRF and Mohit Suri, paid off, proving that strong storytelling and music can drive success. With a projected ₹70-80 crore opening weekend, Saiyaara is poised to redefine Bollywood romance and establish Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as the industry’s next big stars.no
Rating: 4/5
