At a time when several big-ticket films with A-list stars are struggling to pull audiences into theatres, Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, a romantic drama led by two newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has done the unimaginable. With an opening weekend collection of Rs 83 crore, it has emerged as the fourth-highest weekend grosser of 2025, behind only Chhaava, Housefull 5, and Sikandar.
So, what made Saiyaara click? A closer look at the factors that turned this modestly promoted movie by Yash Raj Films into a nationwide blockbuster.
1. A Passionate Love Story That Connects
At its core, Saiyaara is a story of intense, consuming love, the kind that has always found a place in Indian cinema’s most iconic hits. Films such as Bobby, Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Aashiqui, Rockstar, and Kabir Singh have proven time and again that when romance is rooted in emotion, it resonates.
As trade analyst Girish Wankhede puts it, “By the weekend, Saiyaara earned over Rs 84 crore and is on the path to becoming a blockbuster. At a time when theatres are witnessing a dry spell, this passionate love story with beautiful music has done the trick.”
2. Mohit Suri’s Signature Storytelling
Known for mending broken hearts and haunting melodies into cinematic poetry, Mohit Suri brings his signature style back with Saiyaara. His direction combines emotional intensity with visual flair, giving the film a soulful narrative arc that feels both nostalgic and current.
3. A Soundtrack That Does More Than Just Sell
The music of Saiyaara isn’t just the background, it’s the emotional pulse of the film. With composers such as Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, Vishal Mishra, Faheem Abdullah, and Tanishk Bagchi contributing to the soundtrack, the album delivers everything from melancholic ballads to youthful anthems. The multi-composer strategy broadened its appeal, making it a pre-release success across music charts and social media.
4. Gen-Z’s New Crushes: Ahaan Pandey And Aneet Padda
The casting of fresh faces was a calculated risk, and it paid off in spades. Both Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda brought sincerity and relatability to the screen, embodying the raw, modern energy of today’s youth. Their unfamiliarity worked as an advantage, allowing audiences to fall in love with the characters without preconceived baggage.
5. Marketing Without The Noise
Yash Raj Films made a bold move by underplaying traditional promotions. No city tours. No talk show appearances. No influencer blitz. Instead, they banked on teasers, trailers, and music to create buzz. The only person to speak on record was the director, Mohit Suri, adding to the mystery around the film and its leads.
6. Smaller Release, Bigger Impact
Despite releasing on fewer screens (around 1,750) compared to star-driven projects such as Housefull 5 (5,000 screens), Raid 2 or Sitaare Zameen Par (both 3,000 screens), Saiyaara has matched the box office momentum of blockbusters such as Jawan, Pathaan, Stree 2, Chhaava and Animal.
As trade expert and film critic Taran Adarsh noted, “When people within the industry were complaining that audiences weren’t coming to theatres maybe due to content fatigue or expensive F&B, Saiyaara silenced everyone. Despite fewer screens, it’s trending at par with massive franchises. The numbers don’t lie.”
7. Legacy of Love: YRF’s DNA
From Daag to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and now Saiyaara, Yash Raj Films has always believed in love stories. The film is presented by YRF Chairman & Managing Director Aditya Chopra and produced by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani. The decision to invest in a newcomer-led, original romantic drama may have seemed unconventional in today’s franchise-heavy landscape but it has reaped rich rewards for the banner.
“YRF has access to the biggest names, but they went for Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Brownie points to Mohit Suri and YRF for believing in the subject and newcomers. It’s magic at the box office,” added Taran Adarsh.
Saiyaara has done more than just break records, it has broken myths. It has proven that when emotion, storytelling, and strategy align, you don’t need big names or noise to make a big impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a good love story and the courage to tell it simply.
