Mumbai : Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara (2025) has taken Bollywood by storm, igniting a frenzy among audiences and critics alike. This romantic musical drama, starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has sparked a tidal wave of buzz, with advance bookings surpassing Rs 9.39 crore and a box office haul crossing Rs 132.25 crore by day five. But what’s behind the hype? Is Saiyaara truly the “Aashiqui 2 of our times,” as some claim, or just another melodramatic rehash? Let’s dive into what makes this film a captivating, if familiar, ode to love, music, and heartbreak.
At its core, Saiyaara is a quintessential Mohit Suri tale of star-crossed lovers, echoing his signature style seen in Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain. The story follows Krish Kapoor (Panday), a volatile, aspiring musician with anger issues and a troubled past, and Vaani Batra (Padda), a lyricist healing from a jilted engagement. Their paths collide, sparking a passionate romance fueled by shared vulnerabilities and songwriting. The narrative, while predictable, leans into emotional depth, weaving a modern yet nostalgic love story that resonates with the Instagram generation. A health crisis—revealed as Alzheimer’s—adds a tragic twist, elevating the stakes and tugging at heartstrings, though some critics note its reductive handling.
The film’s biggest draw is its music, a hallmark of Suri’s filmmaking. The soundtrack, crafted by composers like Tanishk Bagchi, Mithoon, and Vishal Mishra, is a soul-stirring triumph. Tracks like “Saiyaara,” “Tum Ho Toh,” and “Barbaad” aren’t just background scores but narrative pillars, seamlessly woven into the story to amplify its emotional beats. The title track, penned by Irshad Kamil, is already a chart-topping anthem, evoking the haunting melodies of Aashiqui 2. These songs, with their five-minute durations, defy the short-attention-span era, captivating audiences with their soulful depth and stunning visuals.
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are the film’s beating heart. Panday, despite nepotism jabs (he’s Chunky Panday’s nephew), delivers a raw, compelling debut as Krish, balancing swagger with vulnerability. His intense, brooding energy contrasts beautifully with Padda’s luminous, restrained Vaani, whose quiet strength shines in emotional scenes. Their chemistry crackles, making their romance feel lived-in and heartfelt, even if their inexperience shows in quieter moments. Supporting performances, like Geeta Agrawal Sharma as Vaani’s protective mother, add emotional gravitas with sharp, memorable dialogues.
Suri’s direction, backed by Yash Raj Films’ glossy production, elevates Saiyaara’s aesthetic. Vikas Sivaraman’s cinematography paints moody studios and rainy streets with a modern grit, while Rohan Shankar’s dialogues—like “dimaag bhool sakta hai, dil nahin” (the mind may forget, but the heart doesn’t)—pack an emotional punch. Yet, the film isn’t flawless. The 156-minute runtime drags in parts, and the second half falters with rushed emotional arcs and clichés reminiscent of Rockstar or The Notebook. Some critics call it a “bland rehash,” arguing it lacks the raw edge of Suri’s earlier works.
So, why the fuss? Saiyaara taps into a universal craving for heartfelt romance in an era dominated by action and remakes. Its blend of fresh faces, soulful music, and Suri’s emotive storytelling creates a nostalgic yet contemporary vibe that’s catnip for young audiences. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, its sincerity and melodic magic make it a must-watch for romantic drama fans.
