Released on July 18, 2025, Saiyaara Movie Review: A Soulful Symphony of Love, Music, and Heartbreak is a Hindi-language musical romantic drama that has taken Bollywood by storm. Directed by the maestro of emotional storytelling, Mohit Suri, and produced under the prestigious Yash Raj Films banner, this film introduces debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in lead roles. With a runtime of 156 minutes, Saiyaara promises an intense journey through love, loss, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the plot, cast performances, direction, screenplay, cinematography, music, VFX, strengths, weaknesses, audience and critics’ reactions, box office performance, comparisons to similar films, and our final verdict with a star rating.
Movie Details
|
Attribute |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Title |
Saiyaara |
|
Release Date |
July 18, 2025 |
|
Director |
Mohit Suri |
|
Producers |
Akshaye Widhani, Yash Raj Films |
|
Cast |
Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda, Geeta Agrawal, Rajesh Kumar, Varun Badola, Alam Khan, Shaan Grover, Shaad Randhawa, Sid Makkar, Neil Dutta |
|
Genre |
Drama, Musical, Romance |
|
Runtime |
156 minutes |
|
Music |
Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, Arslan Nizami, Vishal Mishra, Sachet-Parampara, The Rish (Rishabh Kant) |
|
Cinematography |
Vikas Sivaraman |
|
Screenplay |
Sankalp Sadanah |
|
Dialogues |
Rohan Shankar |
|
Budget |
₹12–15 crore (estimated) |
|
Box Office (as of Aug 31, 2025) |
₹576.21 crore worldwide (US$68 million) |
|
Certification |
U/A (CBFC, with minor cuts) |
Spoiler-Free Plot Summary
Saiyaara Movie Review: A Soulful Symphony of Love, Music, and Heartbreak—meaning “planet” or “wanderer” in Hindi—is a heartfelt tale of two young souls navigating love, ambition, and personal demons. The story follows Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a passionate yet volatile musician struggling with personal loss and a turbulent relationship with his alcoholic father. His life takes a turn when he meets Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a shy poet and journalist recovering from a devastating betrayal—being abandoned at the altar on her wedding day. Their paths cross in Mumbai’s bustling music scene, where Krish discovers Vaani’s diary filled with soulful lyrics. As they collaborate on music, their creative synergy sparks a tender romance.
The film explores themes of emotional healing, artistic revival, and the fragility of love, with mental health challenges, particularly Alzheimer’s, playing a pivotal role in the narrative. Without diving into spoilers, Saiyaara takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, balancing euphoric highs of young love with the crushing lows of heartbreak and sacrifice. It’s a story that asks: Can love endure when memories fade?
Cast Performances
Ahaan Panday as Krish Kapoor
Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday, makes a striking debut as the brooding, intense Krish. His portrayal of a hot-headed musician with a vulnerable core is both raw and compelling. Panday channels the swagger of a rockstar while showcasing emotional depth in quieter moments, particularly in scenes where he grapples with his father’s neglect and his own insecurities. Critics have praised his ability to carry the film, with some comparing his intensity to Ranbir Kapoor’s early roles. However, his inexperience shows in a few intimate scenes, where his delivery feels slightly stiff. Overall, Panday’s performance is a promising start, proving he’s more than just a “nepo kid.”
Aneet Padda as Vaani Batra
Aneet Padda, previously seen in Big Girls Don’t Cry, shines as Vaani, the heart and soul of Saiyaara. Her portrayal of a poet grappling with heartbreak and self-doubt is nuanced and authentic. Padda’s quiet strength and expressive eyes make Vaani a relatable and endearing character. Her chemistry with Panday feels organic, particularly in romantic and emotional scenes, such as a recording studio sequence where she discusses the timelessness of emotions in music. Some critics note that her character could have been given more agency, but Padda’s performance elevates the role beyond its limitations.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Geeta Agrawal as Vaani’s protective mother, Varun Badola as Krish’s troubled father, and Alam Khan in a smaller role, adds emotional gravitas. Agrawal steals scenes with her sharp one-liners, such as “Meri beti time pass nahin hai,” bringing both humor and depth to the mother-daughter dynamic. Badola’s portrayal of a flawed, alcoholic father is poignant, though some reviews suggest his arc lacks closure. The ensemble, including Rajesh Kumar and Shaan Grover, provides solid support without overshadowing the leads.
Direction by Mohit Suri
Mohit Suri, known for films like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, returns to his roots with Saiyaara Movie Review: A Soulful Symphony of Love, Music, and Heartbreak. His signature style—blending intense emotions with soulful music—is evident throughout. Suri excels at crafting visually poetic moments, such as rain-soaked confessions and moonlit bike rides, that resonate with the Instagram generation. His decision to keep the lead actors away from pre-release promotions, allowing audiences to discover them on-screen, mirrors the strategy used for Aashiqui 2. However, some critics argue that Suri’s reliance on familiar tropes, like the “broken man healed by an angelic woman,” feels dated. While the first half is tightly paced, the second half slows down, with some scenes feeling overly melodramatic. Despite these flaws, Suri’s ability to evoke raw emotions makes Saiyaara a compelling watch.
Screenplay and Dialogues
Sankalp Sadanah’s screenplay is both a strength and a weakness. The first half builds a strong foundation, weaving Krish and Vaani’s romance with creative collaboration and emotional stakes. However, the second half falters with predictable plot points and convenient resolutions, particularly in handling the Alzheimer’s subplot, which some critics found superficial compared to films like U Me Aur Hum. Rohan Shankar’s dialogues are a highlight, with lines like “Dimaag bhool sakta hai, dil nahin” resonating deeply. Yet, some callbacks, such as “Kuch pal baaqi hain mere paas,” feel forced and overly sentimental. The screenplay’s reliance on familiar Bollywood tropes prevents Saiyaara from breaking new ground, but it still delivers an emotionally engaging narrative.
Cinematography
Vikas Sivaraman’s cinematography is a standout, lending Saiyaara Movie Review: A Soulful Symphony of Love, Music, and Heartbreaka vibrant, moody aesthetic. From Mumbai’s neon-lit streets to Jaipur’s serene landscapes, the visuals capture the emotional tone of the story. Energetic concert scenes and tender close-ups of the leads are framed with precision, enhancing the film’s romantic and melancholic vibe. However, some critics noted that the depiction of Himachal Pradesh feels rushed and lacks the breathtaking quality expected from such settings. Despite this, the cinematography elevates key moments, making them visually memorable.
Music
No Mohit Suri film is complete without a chart-topping soundtrack, and Saiyaara delivers. The album, featuring contributions from Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, Arslan Nizami, Vishal Mishra, Sachet-Parampara, and The Rish, is a soulful blend of modern and timeless melodies. Tracks like the title song “Saiyaara Movie Review: A Soulful Symphony of Love, Music, and Heartbreak,” “Tum Ho Toh,” “Humsafar,” “Dhun,” and “Barbaad” are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, amplifying emotional beats. The title track, sung by Faheem Abdullah with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, has become a social media sensation, though some argue it doesn’t surpass the original “Saiyaara” from Ek Tha Tiger. While the songs are universally praised for their soul and picturization, a few reviews suggest they lack the emotional layering of Suri’s earlier works like Aashiqui 2. Nevertheless, the music is a major draw, with audiences humming the tunes long after the credits roll.
Visual Effects (VFX)
The VFX, handled by yFX, are minimal but effective, primarily used to enhance concert scenes and urban backdrops. Unlike high-octane blockbusters, Saiyaara relies on practical effects and cinematography to create its visual appeal, with VFX playing a supporting role. The subtle use of digital enhancements ensures the focus remains on the emotional narrative rather than flashy spectacles. Critics have called the VFX “classy” and unobtrusive, fitting the film’s grounded aesthetic.
Strengths
-
Lead Performances: Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda deliver confident, heartfelt debuts, with their chemistry anchoring the film.
-
Music: The soulful soundtrack is a highlight, with tracks like “Saiyaara” and “Tum Ho Toh” resonating with audiences.
-
Cinematography: Vikas Sivaraman’s vibrant visuals elevate the emotional and romantic moments.
-
Emotional Resonance: Despite its flaws, the film strikes a chord with its themes of love, healing, and sacrifice.
-
Box Office Appeal: A modest budget and massive returns make Saiyaara a commercial triumph.
Weaknesses
-
Predictable Narrative: The screenplay leans heavily on familiar tropes, lacking the innovation seen in Suri’s earlier works.
-
Pacing Issues: The second half feels sluggish, with some scenes dragging and others feeling overly melodramatic.
-
Underdeveloped Subplots: Supporting characters, particularly Krish’s father, lack satisfying arcs.
-
Emotional Depth: The Alzheimer’s subplot is handled superficially, missing the depth of similar narratives in other films.
-
Overhyped Expectations: The massive pre-release buzz set the bar high, leading to mixed reactions when the story didn’t fully deliver.
Audience and Critics’ Reactions
Saiyaara has polarized audiences and critics, with reactions ranging from heartfelt praise to calls of “overhyped.” Fans, particularly young adults and romantic drama enthusiasts, have lauded the film for its music, chemistry, and emotional highs. Social media posts highlight the title track’s popularity, with one user tweeting, “#Saiyaara Movie Review: A Soulful Symphony of Love, Music, and Heartbreak made me cry, made me feel, made me believe in love and pain again.” Others praised the fresh pairing, with comments like, “Ahaan and Aneet are sensational… UNMISSABLE!” However, some viewers found the story predictable, with one Reddit user stating, “It’s a cringe-fest for teenagers. Watch Laila Majnu instead.”
Critics have given mixed-to-positive reviews, with ratings averaging around 3–4 stars. Bollywood Hungama called it “a captivating cinematic experience” (4/5), while The Hindu praised the “fresh faces and lilting music” but noted narrative cliches. Rotten Tomatoes reflects a divide, with some fans loving the “melodious songs” and others criticizing the “shallow character development.” The film’s emotional resonance and music have been consistent points of praise, but its reliance on familiar tropes and pacing issues have drawn criticism.
Box Office Buzz
Saiyaara has been a commercial juggernaut, grossing ₹576.21 crore worldwide by August 31, 2025, against a modest budget of ₹12–15 crore. It recorded a record-breaking opening day of ₹28.75 crore, the highest for a Hindi film with a debutant male lead. The film’s opening weekend saw ₹119 crore globally, with ₹83 crore net in India. By its ninth day, it crossed the ₹200 crore mark domestically, becoming the second-fastest Hindi film of 2025 to do so. It outperformed major releases like Kesari Chapter 2 (₹92.53 crore) and Jaat (₹88.26 crore), securing the spot as the second highest-grossing Hindi film and third highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, behind only Chhaava. With a 640% ROI, Saiyaara is a bonafide blockbuster, proving the enduring appeal of romantic dramas.
Comparisons to Other Films
Saiyaara draws inevitable comparisons to Mohit Suri’s Aashiqui 2 due to its musical romance and emotional intensity. While Aashiqui 2 felt rawer and more groundbreaking, Saiyaara Movie Review: A Soulful Symphony of Love, Music, and Heartbreak is glossier, benefiting from Yash Raj Films’ production polish. Its loose inspiration from the 2004 Korean film A Moment to Remember invites comparisons to other memory-loss narratives like The Notebook and U Me Aur Hum, though Saiyaara’s treatment of Alzheimer’s is less nuanced. The film also echoes Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar in its portrayal of a troubled artist, but it lacks the former’s philosophical depth. Compared to recent romantic dramas like Laila Majnu, Saiyaara feels more commercial but less emotionally layered.
Final Verdict
Saiyaara is a heartfelt, if flawed, return to form for Mohit Suri. It doesn’t reinvent the romantic drama genre but plays to its strengths with soulful music, strong debut performances, and visually lush storytelling. Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda breathe life into a familiar narrative, making Krish and Vaani’s love story resonate despite pacing issues and predictable tropes. The soundtrack is a triumph, ensuring the film lingers in your heart, even if the emotional punches don’t always land. For fans of Bollywood romance and music-driven dramas, Saiyaara Movie Review: A Soulful Symphony of Love, Music, and Heartbreak is a must-watch, but those seeking innovation may find it lacking.
