At a time when big-screen spectacles are dominated by action-packed testosterone and superstar swagger, Saiyaara arrives like a much-needed sigh of love. Released on July 18, this debut romantic drama directed by Mohit Suri and featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda has become the surprise success story of the season. With an opening weekend collection of ₹83 crore, it is now the highest opening for a film led by newcomers in Hindi cinema history.
Karan Johar, who began his journey as an assistant director under Yash Raj Films, took to Instagram to express how profoundly the film moved him. “I can’t recall the last time a film moved me this deeply, tears streaming down, yet my heart full of pure joy. A love story has truly taken over the big screen and rekindled the nation’s belief in romance.
So proud to see romance make a powerful return through the YRF banner. My heart swells with pride that my alma mater, @yrf, has brought love back to cinema, back to our industry. Adi, I love you, and I’ll forever be a YRF student at heart!”
@awidhani What a debut as a producer!!! That ball is now officially out of the park.”
But not everyone shared Johar’s optimism. A troll mocked him by calling him “nepo babies ka daijaan” in response to his support for star kids.
Johar clapped back swiftly: “Chup kar!!! Ghar baithe baithe negativity mat paal! Do bachon ka kaam dekh!! Aur khud kuch kaam kar!!!” His sharp retort went viral, as fans backed his heartfelt endorsement of a film that has clearly connected with audiences across the board.
Produced by Akshaye Widhani and backed by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara brings back what Mohit Suri once mastered: emotions, heartbreak, and haunting music. The director, whose last film, Ek Villain Returns, struggled to resonate, seems to have found his spark again. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh described Saiyaara as a “heady cocktail of emotion,” calling it a refreshing change in a genre-saturated industry.
But that’s not to say the film has been free from criticism. Some social media users have accused Suri of copying the 2004 Korean film A Moment to Remember.
The similarities include a heroine diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and her heartbreak-fueled decision to leave the male lead, believing he’s better off without her. However, Saiyaara is hardly alone in being inspired by others. Films like 50 First Dates, The Notebook, and even Ajay Devgn’s U Me Aur Hum have trodden similar ground.
Still, Saiyaara works not because it is a wholly original idea, but because it taps into emotions Bollywood seems to have forgotten. In a time when audiences are used to scrolling past 15-second reels, a film that can hold their attention with layered performances, emotional depth, and powerful music deserves every bit of success.
Both debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have won hearts. Johar praised Ahaan’s screen presence, saying, “Your eyes spoke volumes… You are spectacular!” About Aneet, he wrote, “Your silences spoke volumes, and your vulnerability and strength moved me to tears.” These heartfelt endorsements resonate with the growing chorus of fans who walked into cinemas with skepticism and walked out teary-eyed.
The music of Saiyaara, with songs like Saiyaara, Dhun, and Barbaad, became viral sensations even before the film’s release. More than just tracks, the music here acts as an emotional force that drives the narrative forward, a hallmark of Suri’s past work in Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain.
Budgeted reportedly between ₹40–60 crore, Saiyaara has already crossed its break-even mark, putting it on the path to becoming a bona fide blockbuster. It is also on track to surpass the lifetime collections of Dhadak (₹95.12 crore), which similarly launched star kids in the romantic genre.
Critics and fans alike are calling Saiyaara the return of the Bollywood love story. A film where emotions are not just performed but felt, where music elevates storytelling, and where new faces manage to connect with audiences without the safety net of legacy fame.
The success of Saiyaara is more than just numbers. It’s symbolic of what Hindi cinema has long missed: romance that aches, music that lingers, and storytelling that brings tears even in a theater full of strangers. With Netflix picking up its post-theatrical rights, those who missed it in cinemas have a second chance to fall in love.
In a world constantly looking for what’s new, Saiyaara reminds us that sometimes, all we need is a good old-fashioned love story told with sincerity, acted with heart, and remembered long after the credits roll.