On July 18, 2025, Bollywood’s romance maestro Mohit Suri returned to his signature territory with Saiyaara, a soulful romantic drama that has set hearts aflutter and reaffirmed the enduring allure of love stories on the big screen. Produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), this film marks the debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, whose fresh faces and palpable chemistry have breathed new life into the genre. With its haunting soundtrack, emotional depth, and Suri’s trademark storytelling, Saiyaara has sparked a wave of nostalgia for classic Bollywood romance while carving its own niche in a market dominated by action blockbusters. Here’s a deep dive into why Saiyaara is winning hearts and how it signals a romantic revival in Indian cinema.
A Love Story for the Ages
At its core, Saiyaara is a tale of passionate love tested by life’s complexities. The film follows Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a charismatic yet troubled aspiring singer, and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a sensitive poet grappling with the scars of a past heartbreak. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai’s bustling music scene, their chance encounter blossoms into a creative and romantic partnership that is as exhilarating as it is fragile. Suri, known for films like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, weaves a narrative that balances the euphoria of young love with the weight of personal struggles, delivering a story that feels both timeless and contemporary.
The film’s title, Saiyaara—meaning a wandering star—perfectly encapsulates its essence: a love that shines brightly but is fleeting, threatened by external pressures and internal demons. The screenplay, penned by Sankalp Sadanah with dialogues by Rohan Shankar, unfolds with a slow-burn first half that builds emotional stakes, leading to a second half packed with heart-wrenching moments. While the plot treads familiar romantic territory, Suri’s direction infuses it with authenticity, ensuring that every emotional beat resonates. As one viewer on X noted, “Saiyaara isn’t your usual love story. It feels raw, real, and deeply moving.”
A Soundtrack That Steals the Show
If there’s one element that elevates Saiyaara to cinematic magic, it’s the music. Mohit Suri’s films are synonymous with soul-stirring soundtracks, and Saiyaara is no exception. The album, featuring contributions from composers like Faheem Abdullah, Arslan Nizami, Sachet-Parampara, Vishal Mishra, and Tanishk Bagchi, is a masterclass in blending melody with narrative. The title track, Saiyaara, composed by Tanishk Bagchi and sung by Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami, has become an anthem of love and longing, topping music charts within hours of its release. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics by Irshad Kamil linger long after the credits roll, with audiences on X describing it as “sheer magic on screen.”
Suri’s meticulous approach to music is evident in his hands-on process. “I collect melodies like others collect books,” he shared in an interview, emphasizing his passion for discovering new talent. The soundtrack, curated over five years, features songs that are seamlessly woven into the screenplay, advancing the story rather than serving as mere interludes. Tracks like Dhan by Mithoon and Tum Mere Ho by Sachet-Parampara have struck a chord with audiences, evoking the golden era of Bollywood music from the 2000s. Fans at screenings have reported singing along to the title track, turning theaters into “live musical concerts” with phones lighting up the aisles. However, some critics have noted that while the title track is a standout, other songs, though pleasant, don’t always match its emotional heft.
Stellar Debuts and Emotional Depth
Saiyaara introduces Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as Bollywood’s newest heartthrobs, and both deliver performances that belie their newcomer status. Ahaan, nephew of Chunky Panday, brings a raw intensity to Krish, balancing swagger with vulnerability. His ability to convey heartbreak—particularly in a gut-wrenching scene where he unravels emotionally—has drawn comparisons to Hrithik Roshan’s debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. Critics have lauded his “towering debut,” praising his natural dialogue delivery and screen presence. Aneet Padda, previously seen in the OTT series Big Girls Don’t Cry, shines as Vaani, her expressive eyes and understated charm making her a perfect foil to Ahaan’s intensity. Her performance, described as “radiant and natural,” adds depth to Vaani’s journey of healing and self-discovery.
The chemistry between the leads is the film’s heartbeat, with their tender moments and fiery confrontations capturing the highs and lows of young love. Supporting performances by Rajesh Kumar as Vaani’s supportive father and Geeta Agrawal as her mother add warmth, while Shaan Grover’s layered portrayal of a complex antagonist brings nuance to the narrative. Suri’s ability to draw out authentic performances from his cast ensures that Saiyaara feels like “a feeling, not just a film.”
Mohit Suri’s Romantic Renaissance
Mohit Suri’s return to romance after the misstep of Ek Villain Returns (2022) feels like a homecoming. Known for crafting emotionally charged stories in films like Aashiqui 2 and Hamari Adhuri Kahani, Suri brings his signature blend of passion and pain to Saiyaara. The film, initially conceived as Aashiqui 3, evolved into a standalone story that explores the intensity of young love. Suri’s decision to focus on newcomers rather than established stars was a bold move, especially in an industry leaning toward spectacle-driven blockbusters. “I wanted to tell a story that was honest and real,” he said, emphasizing the depth of emotions young people experience, often underestimated by society.
The collaboration with YRF, a studio renowned for iconic romances like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, adds a layer of prestige. YRF’s CEO Akshaye Widhani and creative producer Sumana Ghosh saw potential in Suri’s vision, backing a project that many in the industry initially dismissed as risky. The result is a film that feels both nostalgic and fresh, with Vikas Sivaraman’s atmospheric cinematography capturing Mumbai’s rain-soaked streets and intimate moments with equal finesse. The film’s pacing, while occasionally slow in the second half, maintains engagement through its emotional stakes and Suri’s deft direction.
Box Office Buzz and Audience Reception
Saiyaara hit theaters with a bang, grossing over ₹9.39 crore in advance bookings and selling 3.8 lakh tickets for 7,850 shows across India. Trade experts predict a double-digit opening day, with some estimating a lifetime collection of ₹200-300 crore, a rare feat for a debutant-led film. The film has outperformed advance bookings for major releases like Housefull 5 and Sikandar, signaling strong audience interest. Social media is abuzz with praise, with netizens calling it “a cinematic gem” and declaring Ahaan Panday “the next superstar.” Taran Adarsh gave it a glowing 4.5/5, hailing it as “OUTSTANDING” and a revival of the romance genre.
However, not all reviews are unanimous. Some critics have pointed out the narrative’s familiarity, arguing it doesn’t break new ground. One X user described the ending as “sloppy” and expressed a preference for a tragic climax over the film’s hopeful resolution. Others have noted that the frequent songs in the first half can feel overwhelming, though they serve the story. Despite these critiques, the consensus is that Saiyaara delivers on emotional impact, with its music and performances outweighing minor flaws.
A Revival of Bollywood Romance
Saiyaara arrives at a time when Bollywood is ripe for a romantic resurgence. Post-COVID, the industry has leaned heavily on action and pan-India spectacles, but Suri’s gamble on a heartfelt love story taps into a latent craving for emotional narratives. As trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted, “It’s been a while since a good romantic film has come our way. If Saiyaara delivers, we will surely have a winner.” The film’s success signals that audiences, particularly the youth, are ready to embrace stories that resonate with their experiences of love, loss, and hope.
Filmmaker Kunal Kohli praised Saiyaara for its focus on music and storytelling, taking a dig at Bollywood’s current trend of sidelining heroines and melodies for action-heavy narratives. Suri’s commitment to authenticity—eschewing gimmicks like remixes or item numbers—sets the film apart in an era of over-marketed blockbusters. For Indian audiences, Saiyaara evokes memories of YRF’s golden era under Yash Chopra, blending nostalgia with a modern sensibility that speaks to Gen Z’s emotional landscape.
Why Saiyaara Wins Hearts
Saiyaara succeeds because it doesn’t pretend to reinvent the wheel—it embraces the timeless appeal of a well-told love story. Suri’s ability to balance soaring romance with grounded pain, paired with a soundtrack that feels like a character in itself, creates a cinematic experience that lingers. Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda emerge as stars to watch, their performances carrying the weight of Suri’s vision. As one X user put it, “You cry, you smile, you feel it all. Don’t miss this in theatres.”
For fans of Mohit Suri’s brand of cinema, Saiyaara is a triumphant return, proving that the heart still aches in the same place. For newcomers to his work, it’s an invitation to experience love in its rawest, most beautiful form. As the film continues to dominate box office charts and social media conversations, it’s clear that Saiyaara is not just a movie—it’s a movement, reigniting Bollywood’s love affair with romance.