Saiyaara Movie Review: A Soulful Surprise from Mohit Suri
Saiyaara, a Yash Raj Films production directed by Mohit Suri, has emerged as a dark horse in Bollywood’s 2025 lineup. With a modest budget of approximately ₹35–40 crore, this romantic musical drama has defied expectations, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide in just its opening weekend. Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, Saiyaara delivers a heartfelt tale of love, heartbreak, and redemption, backed by a chart-topping soundtrack and a fresh narrative approach. Here’s a detailed look at this unexpected gem.
Plot and Themes
Saiyaara follows Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a fiery and ambitious musician navigating the challenges of the modern music industry, and Vaani (Aneet Padda), a reserved lyricist recovering from a broken engagement. Their paths cross when Krish discovers Vaani’s diary filled with poignant lyrics, which he transforms into chartbuster songs. As their creative collaboration deepens, a passionate yet complex romance blossoms, only to be tested by a tragic twist involving Vaani’s health crisis. The film weaves themes of love, loss, and resilience, reminiscent of Suri’s earlier works like Aashiqui 2, but with a modern, Gen Z-friendly lens.
Performances
Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday, makes an impressive Bollywood debut as Krish. He brings raw vulnerability and charisma to the role, capturing the essence of a tortured artist with conviction. Aneet Padda, previously seen in Salaam Venky and Big Girls Don’t Cry, shines as Vaani, balancing innocence and emotional depth. Their chemistry is a highlight, sparking both in tender moments and intense confrontations. Supporting actors, including Alam Khan as the comedic Kiwi, and veterans Varun Badola and Rajesh Kumar, add warmth and grounding to the narrative.
Direction and Screenplay
Mohit Suri, known for hits like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, returns to his signature style of emotionally charged, music-driven storytelling. His direction is evocative, blending gritty urban visuals with poetic tenderness. However, the screenplay falters at times, particularly in the second half, where predictable plot points and slightly drawn-out sequences may test some viewers’ patience. Despite this, Suri delivers a satisfying climax that hits the right emotional chords.
Music
The soundtrack, crafted by Tanishk Bagchi, Arslan Abdullah, and Faheem Nizami, is undeniably Saiyaara’s biggest triumph. The title track, sung by Faheem Abdullah, has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans praising its haunting melody and seamless integration into the narrative. Tracks like Humsafar and Barbaad amplify the film’s emotional beats, evoking nostalgia for classic Bollywood romance while appealing to younger audiences. Social media is abuzz with love for the music, with one fan noting, “Title track of #Saiyaara in theatre is just fire. Faheem Abdullah’s voice is the future of Bollywood.”
Production and Marketing
Produced by Yash Raj Films under CEO Akshaye Widhani, Saiyaara stands out for its unconventional promotional strategy. The team avoided traditional pre-release hype—no star interviews, no media blitz, no influencer campaigns—relying instead on word-of-mouth and the film’s emotional resonance. Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta praised this approach, calling it “genius” for preserving the freshness of the debutant leads. With a total expenditure of around ₹60 crore (including post-production and advertising), the film had already recovered ₹45 crore through digital, music, and satellite rights before its theatrical release.
Box Office and Reception
Saiyaara opened to a staggering ₹21–22 crore on its first day, followed by ₹25 crore on Saturday and ₹37 crore on Sunday, totaling ₹83–84 crore in India and ₹119 crore worldwide over the opening weekend. This makes it the fourth-highest opening day grosser of 2025 and the biggest debut for a romantic drama led by newcomers. The film’s appeal spans urban multiplexes and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, driven by strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewings. Industry heavyweights like Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar, and Maddock Films have lauded its “cinematic magic,” with Johar calling it Suri’s “finest film so far.” However, some audiences have critiqued its predictability, with one X user comparing it to a blend of Rockstar, Aashiqui 2, and the Korean film A Moment to Remember.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Positives: The soulful music, fresh chemistry between Ahaan and Aneet, and Suri’s ability to craft emotionally resonant moments make Saiyaara a nostalgic yet contemporary romance. The film’s visual palette—rain-soaked streets and moody studios—adds a poetic touch.
Negatives: The second half feels stretched, with some repetitive scenes and an overly familiar amnesia trope that may not land for all viewers. Character development could have been sharper, as noted by some fans on X.
Verdict
Saiyaara is a refreshing return to Bollywood’s heart-wrenching romantic roots, elevated by stellar music and promising performances from its debutant leads. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre and occasionally leans on predictable tropes, its emotional depth and Gen Z appeal make it a compelling watch. With a rating of 2.5/5 stars, it’s a one-time watch that shines brightest for fans of Mohit Suri’s signature style and those craving a soulful love story.
Recommendation: Catch Saiyaara in theaters for its music and emotional climax, especially if you’re a fan of classic Bollywood romances like Aashiqui 2. Book your tickets now to experience this musical journey of love and loss.
