In a year brimming with action-heavy blockbusters and pan-India spectacles, Yash Raj Films’ romantic drama ‘Saiyaara’ has not only found its voice but roared its way into the ₹200 crore club in just 9 days — a feat few love stories can claim in this age of spectacle-driven cinema. Directed by Mohit Suri, best known for giving Bollywood intense romantic sagas like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, Saiyaara brings back the age-old formula of soulful music, raw emotion, and on-screen chemistry — but redefined for the Gen-Z audience.
Let’s dive into what makes Saiyaara a cinematic phenomenon, and why it deserves all the attention it’s receiving across social media and cinema halls.
🎬 A Story Rooted in Love, Loss, and Redemption
At its core, Saiyaara tells the tale of Arav (Ahaan Panday), a reserved yet passionate musician, and Zoya (Aneet Padda), an ambitious classical dancer who’s struggling to make peace with her past. Set against the vibrant backdrop of modern-day Mumbai and Jaipur’s timeless architecture, the story explores their individual journeys, inner scars, and how their love becomes both a balm and a burden.
While the story might follow a somewhat familiar trajectory — lovers finding each other, facing separation, and uniting through personal growth — Suri’s treatment of emotional beats elevates it beyond the cliché. His strength lies in creating atmospheres heavy with unspoken emotion, and Saiyaara thrives on such moments.
💑 Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda: The New-Age Romantic Icons
If there’s one thing that Saiyaara will be remembered for in the long run, it’s the undeniable chemistry between debutant lead pair Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Despite being newcomers, both actors display a maturity and emotional nuance that’s rare in first-time performers.
Ahaan Panday brings a quiet intensity to Arav. His portrayal is deeply internalized — a welcome departure from the over-the-top romance often seen in Bollywood. Whether it’s his silences, his guitar-strumming moments by the lakeside, or his emotional breakdown in the climax — he owns the screen with a layered performance.
Aneet Padda, on the other hand, is a revelation. Zoya is not just a love interest but a fleshed-out character with aspirations and insecurities. Aneet portrays her with grace, vulnerability, and fiery spirit. Her dance sequences are breathtaking, and her command over complex emotional transitions speaks volumes of her acting promise.
Together, they bring a palpable tenderness that audiences are raving about — particularly resonating with urban millennials and Gen Z audiences on social media. Hashtags like #SaiyaaraLove, #ZoyavArav, and #AneetAhaanMagic have trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram reels since release day.
🎵 Music That Stays With You
No Mohit Suri film is complete without a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and Saiyaara is no exception. Composer Mithoon, collaborating with singers like Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, and newcomer Tanishka Sharma, has created a soul-stirring album that forms the backbone of the narrative.
Standout tracks include:
“Saiyaara (Title Track)” – A slow-burning melody filled with longing.
“Tere Bin Raha Na Jaye” – A heartbreak anthem already dominating Spotify India’s Top 10.
“Raqs” – A classical-fusion dance piece highlighting Zoya’s character arc.
The music is not merely ornamental but narratively integral, revealing emotional depth where words fall short.
🎥 Visual Aesthetics: Poetry in Frames
Shot by acclaimed cinematographer Vishnu Rao, Saiyaara is visually mesmerizing. The film moves seamlessly between the chaos of Mumbai and the serenity of Jaipur’s Havelis. The lighting, color palettes, and slow-motion montages all scream “Mohit Suri style” — dreamy, melancholic, and romantic.
Several scenes — like Arav and Zoya’s first monsoon date, the kite festival sequence, and the candle-lit dance performance — are captured so beautifully they deserve to be framed. Every frame seems crafted to linger in your memory.
📊 Box Office Triumph: A ₹217 Crore Dream Run
Released on 18 July 2025, Saiyaara was not expected to break records on opening day. But word-of-mouth, viral social media moments, and rave reviews from younger audiences turned the tide quickly.
According to Sacnilk, here’s a snapshot of its box office journey:
Week 1 Collection: ₹172.75 crore
Day 8 (Second Friday): ₹18 crore
Day 9 (Second Saturday – Estimates): ₹26.5 crore
👉 Total Indian Collection (9 Days): ₹217.25 crore
These numbers are astonishing for a romantic drama in the current market, where action and spectacle dominate. Saiyaara’s success proves that emotion and storytelling still sell, provided the execution is authentic.
🌍 Global Appeal & Overseas Buzz
While Indian collections are jaw-dropping, Saiyaara is also performing admirably overseas — particularly in countries with a strong South Asian diaspora like:
UAE – Where Ahaan’s popularity is especially high due to his social media presence
UK & Canada – Driving healthy weekend numbers and repeat viewings
Australia – Where the film’s music is being heavily streamed
Critics in the UK and Gulf have praised the film’s universality and emotional depth, predicting further growth in global earnings.
🎭 Performances That Anchor the Story
Apart from the lead pair, several supporting characters enrich the narrative:
Pavan Malhotra as Zoya’s traditionalist father delivers a commanding performance.
Supriya Pathak as Arav’s grieving mother brings subtle strength.
Pratik Gandhi (in a cameo) adds charm and humor as Arav’s quirky friend.
No performance feels out of place, and each actor brings depth to the storyline.
💬 Public & Industry Reactions
Producer Akshaye Widhani shared:
“We always believed in Saiyaara, but the overwhelming response from the audience has taken us by surprise. Ahaan and Aneet have truly arrived as stars.”
Celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Karan Johar have praised the film online, calling it “a new-age Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” and “Bollywood romance at its best”.
✅ Verdict: A Cinematic Ode to Timeless Romance
Saiyaara is more than just a successful romantic film — it is a testament to the timeless power of emotion, music, and chemistry in cinema. At a time when love stories seemed to be taking a backseat to action spectacles, this film revives the genre with sincerity and soul.
If the box office momentum holds, Saiyaara could easily sail past the ₹300 crore mark, setting new benchmarks for romantic dramas in Bollywood.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
A must-watch for lovers of soulful cinema, unforgettable music, and genuine romantic storytelling.
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Read in Hindi…
200 करोड़ क्लब में शामिल हुई ‘सैयारा’, अहान-अनीत की केमिस्ट्री ने दर्शकों को किया दीवाना
