Saiyaara Movie Review: Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, released on July 18, 2025, has taken Bollywood by storm with its heartfelt storytelling and soul-stirring music. Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, this romantic musical drama is a rollercoaster of emotions that blends love, heartbreak, and redemption. As someone who walked into the theater with high expectations, I wasn’t disappointed. Here’s my take on why Saiyaara is worth watching, even if it treads familiar ground.
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A Promising Debut for Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda
The film introduces Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday, and Aneet Padda as Krish Kapoor and Vaani Batra, respectively. Ahaan plays a brooding, short-tempered aspiring singer with dreams of stardom, while Aneet portrays a closet poet recovering from a devastating betrayal. Their chemistry is raw and authentic, making their love story feel lived-in despite their inexperience. Ahaan’s performance, though slightly unpolished in the early scenes, grows stronger as the film progresses, especially in emotionally charged moments. Aneet, on the other hand, shines with her vulnerability and grace, particularly in scenes where Vaani grapples with her past. For newcomers, both actors deliver performances that hold the film together, proving they’re more than just fresh faces.
A Classic Mohit Suri Love Story with a Modern Twist
If you’ve seen Aashiqui 2 or Ek Villain, you know Mohit Suri’s knack for weaving intense emotions with music. Saiyaara follows a similar blueprint, telling the story of Krish and Vaani, two broken souls who find solace in each other. The plot kicks off with Vaani’s heartbreak when her ex-boyfriend Mahesh (played by Shaan) abandons her on their wedding day. Six months later, she meets Krish, whose fiery passion for music masks his own insecurities. Their romance blossoms through shared creativity—Vaani’s poetry fuels Krish’s songs—but a health crisis threatens to unravel their bond. While the story leans on familiar tropes like heartbreak and redemption, Suri infuses it with a Gen Z flair, making it relatable for younger audiences. Some plot points, like Krish’s sudden rise to fame, feel rushed, but the emotional sincerity keeps you invested.
A Soundtrack That Steals the Show
No Mohit Suri film is complete without a killer soundtrack, and Saiyaara delivers in spades. The title track, “Saiyaara,” is a haunting ballad that’s already topping charts, with Jubin Nautiyal’s soulful voice capturing the film’s essence. Other tracks, like “Tum Ho Toh” sung by Vishal Mishra, blend seamlessly into the narrative, amplifying the emotional highs and lows. The music, composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Arslan Abdullah, and Faheem Nizami, feels like a character in itself, carrying the weight where the screenplay occasionally falters. Fans on social media are raving about the title track, with one user calling it “pure magic” that evokes nostalgia for 80s Bollywood romance. If you’re a music lover, this soundtrack alone is reason enough to watch the film.
Hits and Misses: What Works and What Doesn’t
Saiyaara isn’t flawless. The second half drags at times, with a few predictable plot twists that don’t hit as hard as they should. The screenplay, by Sankalp Sadanah, could’ve used more depth in building the leads’ relationship—some moments of intimacy feel abrupt. Comparisons to Aashiqui 2 are inevitable, and while Saiyaara captures a similar emotional intensity, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights. However, the film’s strengths—its music, cinematography, and the leads’ chemistry—outweigh its shortcomings. The visuals, especially the rain-soaked concert scenes, evoke a nostalgic charm, and Suri’s direction ensures the emotions feel real, even when the story feels familiar. It’s a film that knows its audience and delivers for romantics and music enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, Saiyaara is a heartfelt addition to Mohit Suri’s repertoire, elevated by its music and the promising debuts of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. It’s not groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s a sincere, emotional ride that leaves you humming its tunes. If you’re in the mood for a love story that tugs at your heartstrings, Saiyaara is a solid pick. Catch it in theaters or wait for its Netflix release post-theatrical run. Rating: 3.5/5 stars.