Introduction to Saiyaara
Saiyaara, a romantic musical drama directed by Mohit Suri, hit theaters on July 18, 2025, and has taken Bollywood by storm. Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film has captured hearts with its soulful music, emotional storytelling, and fresh chemistry. Produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara tells the story of Krish Kapoor, a passionate musician, and Vaani Batra, a heartbroken poet, whose love blossoms through music but faces a tragic twist. Let’s dive into the movie’s review and its box office performance up to July 21, 2025.
Saiyaara Movie Review: A Blend of Emotion and Music
A Familiar Yet Touching Story
Saiyaara follows a familiar romantic drama template, reminiscent of Mohit Suri’s earlier hits like Aashiqui 2. The story centers on Krish, played by Ahaan Panday, a fiery musician with big dreams, and Vaani, portrayed by Aneet Padda, a shy lyricist healing from a broken engagement. Their connection grows through songwriting sessions, leading to a romance that’s both passionate and heartbreaking. While some critics note the predictable plot and similarities to films like Rockstar and A Moment to Remember, the emotional depth and sincerity keep audiences hooked.
Stellar Debut Performances
Ahaan Panday shines as Krish, bringing raw energy and vulnerability to his role. His confident dialogue delivery and natural body language make his debut stand out, with some comparing it to Hrithik Roshan’s iconic first performance. Aneet Padda complements him beautifully, portraying Vaani with innocence and strength. Their chemistry feels authentic, especially in quiet, emotional scenes like the recording studio moments, where Vaani’s words breathe life into Krish’s music. The supporting cast, including Varun Badola and Rajesh Kumar, adds warmth and depth to the narrative.
Soulful Music and Visuals
The soundtrack, featuring composers like Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi, Sachet-Parampara, Vishal Mishra, and Faheem Abdullah, is the heart of Saiyaara. Tracks like Saiyaara, Barbaad, Humsafar, and Dhun are already chartbusters, blending seamlessly into the story. The title track, sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, evokes nostalgia for classic Bollywood romances. Visually, the film is stunning, with rain-soaked streets and moody studios creating a poetic vibe. However, some feel the pacing slows in the first half, and the emotional buildup can feel rushed.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Saiyaara excels in delivering raw emotions and a nostalgic Bollywood romance vibe, perfect for Gen Z and fans of Mohit Suri’s style. The climax packs an emotional punch, leaving audiences teary-eyed. However, the predictable storyline and occasional lack of depth in writing prevent it from reaching the heights of Aashiqui 2. Some reviews call it a one-time watch, but its music and heartfelt performances make it memorable.
Box Office Collection: A Record-Breaking Start
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Saiyaara has set the box office on fire, especially for a film led by newcomers. Here’s a breakdown of its collections up to July 21, 2025, based on industry reports:
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Day 1 (Friday, July 18): The film opened with a staggering ₹21.25 crore, making it the biggest opening for a debutant-led Bollywood film and the highest for a romantic drama, surpassing Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’s ₹19.45 crore.
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Day 2 (Saturday, July 19): It earned ₹24 crore, with a 51.24% occupancy rate, showing strong audience interest, especially in cities like Bengaluru (72%) and NCR (57.5%).
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Day 3 (Sunday, July 20): The film saw a 36% jump, collecting ₹35.75 crore, bringing the opening weekend total to ₹83 crore net (₹99.12 crore gross). This made it the fourth-highest opening weekend of 2025, beating films like Raid 2.
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Day 4 (Monday, July 21): Early estimates suggest ₹8.5 crore, pushing the total to ₹91.75 crore in India. Worldwide, it crossed ₹120 crore.
Why It’s a Blockbuster
With a budget of ₹60 crore, Saiyaara recovered its costs within two days, thanks to record-breaking advance bookings of over 45,000 tickets. Its release across 8,000 screens globally, minimalistic marketing, and chart-topping music fueled its success. Critics like Taran Adarsh predict it could become 2025’s second blockbuster after Chhaava, which earned over ₹600 crore. The film’s emotional resonance and youth appeal have made it a favorite, with social media buzzing with memes and fan reactions.
Final Verdict: Worth Watching?
Saiyaara is a heartfelt romantic musical that delivers on emotions, music, and performances, even if it doesn’t break new ground. It’s a must-watch for fans of love stories and Mohit Suri’s signature style. With a 3 to 4.5-star rating from critics and an impressive ₹91.75 crore in India by July 21, 2025, Saiyaara is a cinematic experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Book your tickets and let Krish and Vaani’s love story sweep you away!