Yash Raj Films' (YRF) latest offering, "Saiyaara," directed by Mohit Suri, has taken the box office by storm, achieving a historic opening for a film starring debutants. The romantic drama, featuring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in their first Bollywood roles, has garnered significant attention and positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
A Blockbuster Debut
"Saiyaara" hit theaters on July 18, 2025, and immediately made its mark. On its opening day, the film raked in ₹21.25 crore at the domestic box office. Early estimates for the second day show a collection of ₹24 crore, bringing the total to ₹45 crore in just two days. This performance has exceeded expectations and solidified the film's status as a potential blockbuster. Some reports suggest that the film is expected to earn ₹70-75 crore in its opening weekend.
The film has already surpassed the lifetime collections of other debutant films, such as "Loveyaapa," which starred Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan and earned ₹6.8 crore. "Saiyaara's" impressive start makes it the fourth biggest opener of the year, trailing behind "Chhaava" (₹31 crore), "Sikandar" (₹26 crore), and "Housefull 5" (₹24 crore).
Word-of-Mouth and Occupancy
"Saiyaara" has enjoyed strong Hindi occupancy rates, with 44.33% on Friday and an overall 51.24% on Saturday. The positive word-of-mouth and buzz surrounding the film suggest a promising box office run throughout its opening weekend. The film's success is especially notable considering it stars newcomers, setting a new record for the highest opening-day collection for a Hindi film with debut leads. The previous record was held by "Dhadak," which earned ₹8.76 crore on its opening day in 2018.
Unconventional Marketing Strategy
Adding to the film's intrigue is YRF's unconventional marketing strategy. Unlike typical Bollywood releases, "Saiyaara" opted for a low-key approach, avoiding the usual pre-release media blitz. A conscious decision was made to keep Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda away from interviews and podcasts before the release, allowing the audience to experience their on-screen chemistry without prior exposure. This strategy seems to have paid off, preserving the freshness of the lead pair and creating a more significant impact. Mohit Suri was the primary person involved in the film's promotion.
Reviews and Music
Critics have generally responded positively to "Saiyaara," praising the performances of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, as well as the film's music and emotional core. The Times of India review noted that the film is a "visually lush, emotive, and melody-driven experience". The music, composed by Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, Rishabh Kant, Vishal Mishra, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami, has been particularly well-received, with the title track becoming a social media sensation.
Hindustan Times noted that while the story follows familiar tropes, the film resonates emotionally, thanks to its talented cast and soulful music. Mohit Suri's direction has been lauded for capturing the essence of young love and heartbreak, reminiscent of his earlier works like "Aashiqui 2".
About the Film
"Saiyaara" is described as an intense love story about two youngsters, Vaani and Krish, who connect through music. Vaani is a lyricist, and Krish is a singer, and they find solace and inspiration in each other's company. Despite their different backgrounds and beliefs, they are drawn together by their shared passion for music and their ability to understand each other's pain. The film explores whether they can overcome their challenges and embrace their love.
Ahaan Panday, nephew of actor Chunky Panday and cousin of Ananya Panday, makes a confident debut as Krish. Aneet Padda, who has previously appeared in the web series "Big Girls Don't Cry" and the film "Salaam Venky," portrays Vaani with a mix of emotional fragility and quiet strength.
