Let’s get one thing out of the way — Saiyaara is not your typical paint-by-numbers love story. Directed by Mohit Suri, who returns to the romance genre with a vengeance, the film delivers high emotional stakes, gut-punching drama, and a music-driven narrative that hits all the right notes (well, almost all).
What makes Saiyaara stand out is its refusal to play safe. The story, penned by Sankalp Sadanah and Rohit Shankar, blends heartbreak, hope, and healing in a way that genuinely moves you. The interval sequence is devastating, the climax cathartic, and somewhere in between, you find yourself unexpectedly weeping into your overpriced popcorn.
Yes, this one’s got tears — and lots of them.
Two New Stars Rise, and How
Ah, the debutantes. If Saiyaara had nothing else going for it (spoiler: it has plenty), it would still be worth watching just for Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Both newcomers bring an emotional depth and screen presence that you don’t expect from first-timers.
Ahaan is magnetic. He delivers his lines with a gravitas that belies his debut status, and his gritty voice adds texture to every emotionally charged moment. He’s not just eye candy — there’s actual meat to his performance. There’s a monologue late in the film that seals his arrival in the big leagues. This guy isn’t just here to hang around; he’s here to take up space.
Aneet Padda, though? She is the soul of Saiyaara. There’s one particular scene — she explains the difference between music and lyrics — and in that quiet moment, she doesn’t just act; she arrives. The confidence, the emotional layering, the authenticity — this is the kind of debut Bollywood has been craving. Remember her name. You’ll be hearing it for years to come.
The duo’s chemistry is electric. It feels lived-in, not manufactured. You believe in them, root for them, and most importantly, feel their love story.
Music, Emotions, and Mohit Suri’s Signature Flare
Now, let’s talk tunes — because this is a Mohit Suri film, after all. The soundtrack is strong, though not quite on the level of Aashiqui 2 or Ek Villain. The Saiyaara title track and Barbaad are certified hits — haunting, poetic, and beautifully shot. The rest? Solid, but not game-changers.
Technically, the film is polished to the core. Cinematography is slick, editing is tight, and the production design adds depth to the emotional beats. Shoutout to Geeta Agrawal, who plays Aneet’s mother — she commands every frame she’s in with quiet strength.
Final Verdict: Pack Your Tissues, Book Your Tickets
In a landscape flooded with remakes and mindless masala, Saiyaara dares to be earnest — and it works. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It banks on storytelling, emotions, and two fresh faces that bring their A-game. Yes, there are a few rough patches, and no, the music isn’t an all-time banger. But when the heart of the film is this strong, you forgive the missteps.
Saiyaara isn’t just a film — it’s a feeling. One you’ll carry long after the end credits roll.
Bottom Line?
4 stars. A love story that earns your tears, your smiles, and maybe even a rewatch. If romance is your jam, Saiyaara will absolutely wreck you in the best way possible.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
