Saiyaara movie review and suggestions

Saiyaara is a Hindi romantic musical drama film directed by Mohit Suri, featuring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. It was released on July 18, 2025. 

Plot summary

The film tells the story of Krish Kapoor ( Ahaan Panday), a passionate musician, and Vaani Batra ( Aneet Padda ), a journalist and poet dealing with past heartbreak. Their relationship develops as Krish finds inspiration in Vaani’s words and they collaborate on songs. However, their love is tested when Vaani is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. 

Reviews and reception

Saiyaara has received generally positive reviews, with many praising the lead actors’ performances, Mohit Suri’s direction, and the film’s soundtrack. 

• Performances: Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have garnered praise for their natural chemistry and emotional portrayals, especially given that this is their debut film. Their raw performances are seen as a refreshing change from the typical polished glamour of romantic leads.
• Direction and Storytelling: Mohit Suri’s direction has been lauded for crafting an emotionally resonant story and staying true to his signature style of intense romance and music-driven narratives. Although the storyline may follow familiar tropes and feel predictable at times, it connects with the audience on an emotional level.
• Music: The soundtrack, featuring songs by Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, Tanishk Bagchi, Rishabh Kant, Vishal Mishra, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami, is considered a significant strength of the film, with the title track “Saiyaara” receiving particular acclaim. 

Box office performance

The film had a strong opening, breaking records for a debutant-led film and collecting ₹25 crore (approx. $2.9 million) on its first day in India. Within three days, it grossed ₹83 crore at the domestic box office. 

Suggestions for viewers

Saiyaara is recommended for those who enjoy emotional and heartfelt romantic dramas. 

• If you appreciate films with a focus on music and emotionally charged narratives, this movie might be a good choice for you.
• While the plot may not offer significant novelty, the genuine emotions portrayed by the actors and the impactful music contribute to a satisfying cinematic experience. 

Saiyaara has connected with audiences and earned positive reviews from critics and viewers, suggesting it’s a worthwhile watch for fans of romantic musicals and stories about overcoming adversity in love.

Reasons for  Saiyaara‘s popularity and box office success Saiyaara, the romantic drama starring debutants  Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has defied expectations to become a significant box office success, grossing over ₹132.25 crore in five days. It is currently the 6th highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2025. Its impressive performance can be attributed to several factors: 

1. Emotional resonance and relatable storytelling

Saiyaara tells a tender, emotionally driven story of love, memory, and loss that resonates deeply with audiences, especially younger generations navigating complex emotions and relationships. The film’s heartfelt narrative feels raw and real, striking a chord with viewers who appreciate sincere and unhurried romances. The film’s focus on timeless emotions, presented in a relatable way, is seen as a refreshing change from the current trend of action-heavy or formula-driven Bollywood films. 

2. Fresh chemistry and performances The lead actors,  Ahaan Panday and  Aneet Padda, despite being newcomers, have delivered confident and vulnerable performances, earning widespread praise for their natural chemistry. Their rawness and relatable portrayals are a welcome departure from the sometimes overly polished performances seen in other romantic films. 

3. Soulful and memorable music

Mohit Suri’s signature style of integrating music into the narrative shines through in Saiyaara. The film’s soundtrack features soulful melodies that have resonated with the audience, contributing significantly to its appeal. The music evokes a sense of nostalgia for classic Bollywood romances, reminding viewers of the era when music played a more central role in storytelling. 

4. Word-of-mouth and unconventional marketing

Saiyaara benefited from strong word-of-mouth promotion, with audience reactions and reviews spreading rapidly across social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. The film’s success, achieved without the usual promotional blitzes, demonstrates the power of genuine audience engagement and connection with the material. 

5. Mohit Suri’s direction and brand

Director Mohit Suri’s expertise in crafting emotionally charged love stories, combined with his track record of successfully launching new talent, has been a major factor in the film’s success. His signature blend of heartbreak, passion, and melody, previously seen in hits like Aashiqui 2, has once again struck a chord with audiences. 

Total box office collection

As of the morning of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Saiyaara has grossed ₹132.25 crore in India (net collection), according to Sacnilk’s early estimates. Including GST, the gross domestic collection stands at ₹157.82 crore. It has also earned over $1 million in North America alone, according to BollywoodShaadis. The film’s strong momentum suggests it could potentially reach the ₹150 crore mark by the end of its first week. 

In conclusion, Saiyaara‘s success reflects a craving among audiences for authentic, heartfelt stories with relatable emotions, driven by strong performances and soulful music. Its ability to connect with audiences, particularly the younger generation, without relying on established stars or heavy promotions, is a significant achievement and suggests a potential shift in audience preferences within the Indian film industry.