Explained: Why 'Saiyaara' is winning hearts, how a newcomer-led film became 2025's surprise hit

About Saiyaara Saiyaara revolves around the passionate lovers and aspiring singers, Krish Kapur and Vaani, played by Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, as they navigate a rollercoaster romance, facing euphoric highs and crushing lows while desperately clinging to their tumultuous bond.

In a year dominated by big-banner films and superstar spectacles, the love story Saiyaara has emerged as the dark horse of 2025. The Mohit Suri directorial venture has captivated audiences, dominated social media, and also raked in impressive box-office numbers within three days of its release.

What’s remarkable is that Saiyaara doesn't boast a star-studded cast or a blockbuster marketing budget. Yet, it has managed to strike an emotional chord, especially with the younger generation.

Saiyaara, which marks the debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, was released with modest expectations. But what followed was an organic wave of appreciation that spread through word-of-mouth, powered by a highly engaged Gen Z and millennial audience.

So what exactly is working in the film’s favor?

Relatable, emotionally driven storytelling

At the core of Saiyaara lies a tender and emotionally rich story. While the makers have not officially confirmed it, many viewers believe the film draws inspiration from the Korean cult classic A Moment to Remember. The themes of love, memory, and loss are universally resonant, and the film handles them with utmost sensitivity. For many youngsters who are themselves navigating complex emotions and relationships, the Saiyaara story feels raw and real.

Also Read: Saiyaara Movie Review: Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda shine in a tender tale of love

Fresh chemistry and performances

Ahaan Panday, who is the cousin brother of actress Ananya Panday, has finally had the chance to showcase his acting range and audiences are taking notice. He has garnered love from the audience and many have written that he is the 'best nepo kid of this generation.'

Ahaan's performance is being lauded for its vulnerability and sincerity.

A user wrote, "Ahaan Panday—best nepo actor of this gen...!! dude was so damn good, his performance"

Another newcomer, Aneet Padda, too, delivers a breakout performance, adding depth and charm to a character that could've easily become a stereotype. Together, their chemistry feels refreshingly natural, far from the other over-polished glamour typical of romantic leads.

In one of his recent interviews, director Mohit Suri told Bollywood Hungama he wanted an actress who was 'untouched by cosmetic procedures.'

“That was a major requirement. I didn’t expect it to be such a big requirement. Not only that, but I needed someone who felt real, someone who had something to themselves. She had done some work before, and she was brilliant at it," said Mohit Suri.

The makers also followed a unique promotion strategy where the young lead pair was not exposed to any kind of promotions before the film's release. And it seems to have worked in favour of the movie.

Rave Reviews

Saiyaara has also earned rave reviews from critics. Moneycontrol in its review also gave the love story 3.5 stars.

We mentioned in our review: "It will surely find love among those who still believe in slow, sincere romance. That, too, is a win. Maybe that’s what 'Saiyaara' is really about—holding on to the fleeting. Not all films need to roar to be remembered. Some just hum softly in your memory. And stay there."

Touching music and aesthetic appeal

Saiyaara's soundtrack has become an instant hit on streaming platforms and reels, with the title track 'Saiyaara Tu Toh' leading the charge.

Visually, the film boasts a clean, indie aesthetic, soft lighting, pastel palettes, and immersive camera work—that seems to have appealed to a generation raised on Instagram reels and international cinema.

Breaking Records at the Box Office

Despite its non-star cast, Saiyaara has performed exceptionally well at the box office, earning Rs 83 crore in India Net in just three days of its release.

This, combined with its trending presence on social media and fan edits, has cemented the movie's status as a cultural moment rather than just a movie.

In an age of overhyped, formulaic films, Saiyaara proves that authenticity, emotion, and good storytelling still matter. It is not just a film; it’s a reminder that fresh faces and heartfelt narratives can still lead the way in Indian cinema.