Ahaan Panday, the debutant actor, is currently basking in the glory of his film Saiyaara, which was released on July 18, 2025. The romantic drama, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, stars Panday alongside Aneet Padda. Within a week of its release, Saiyaara has become a talking point, with enthusiastic fans showering their love and appreciation on the film.
Saiyaara tells the story of Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a troubled musician, and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a shy poet, as they form a deep connection through music. However, their love story takes a poignant turn when Vaani is diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
The film has resonated deeply with audiences, particularly Gen Z, with many expressing their emotions in unique ways. Social media is flooded with videos of moviegoers crying, recreating scenes, and generally expressing their love for the film. Some fans have gone to extreme lengths to show their dedication, with reports of a fan fainting in a theater and another watching the film while hooked up to an IV drip.
Panday's portrayal of Krish Kapoor has been particularly well-received. Lyricist Irshad Kamil praised Panday's lip-sync skills and his ability to embody the character's emotions. Many have also drawn comparisons between Panday and Ranbir Kapoor, with some even calling him "Ranbir 2.0". A video montage of Panday recreating Kapoor's iconic scenes and songs has gone viral, further fueling the discussion about their similarities.
The success of Saiyaara extends beyond just fan reactions. The film has broken several box office records, earning ₹25 crore on its opening day and becoming the biggest opening for a Hindi film led by debutants. It has already crossed the ₹150 crore mark at the domestic box office.
The film's music has also been a major hit, with the title track, composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Farheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami, becoming the first Bollywood song to enter Spotify's Top 50 Global chart. All six songs from Saiyaara ranked in the top 10 on Spotify's India Top 50 charts.
The positive response to Saiyaara has been overwhelming, with many Bollywood celebrities also praising the film. Shraddha Kapoor, who worked with Panday on Rock On 2, shared her emotional reaction to the film on Instagram, saying "Saiyaara se Aashiqui ho gayi hai mujhe". Panday responded with gratitude, acknowledging Kapoor's support and encouragement during his early days as an assistant director.
Given the film's continued success in theaters, there are reports that the digital release on Netflix may be delayed, with the makers considering extending the theatrical window to 90 days.
Saiyaara's success has been attributed to its heartwarming story, strong performances, and memorable music. The film has struck a chord with audiences, reminding them of the power of love and connection. Ahaan Panday's debut has been nothing short of phenomenal, establishing him as a promising talent in Bollywood.
