Saiyaara (2025) Movie: Mohit Suri’s Musical Romance Hits Different This Time

Saiyaara marks the directorial return of Mohit Suri, the acclaimed filmmaker behind emotional blockbusters like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain. This Yash Raj Films production introduces two fresh faces to Bollywood – Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda – in a musical romance that promises to bring back the magic of old-school love stories.

The film, which hit theaters on July 18, 2025, is written by Sankalp Sadanah and produced by Aditya Chopra and Akshaye Widhani under the YRF banner. With a runtime of 156 minutes, this musical drama attempts to capture the essence of pure-hearted love between two contrasting personalities.

Plot and Storyline

The story is simple, easy to guess, but the conviction with which it is shown touches the heart. Angry but talented singer Krissh Kapoor meets heartbroken journalist Vaani Batra. Initially there is conflict between the two, but gradually love blossoms.

Vaani Batra is a closet poet and is all set to get married. After her partner doesn’t arrive for court marriage and dumps her at the last minute, she finds herself emotionally shattered.

On the other hand, Krish is portrayed as a passionate but troubled musician whose raw talent is matched only by his emotional intensity. The film explores how these two broken individuals heal each other through their artistic expressions.

Two artistic souls find harmony through music despite their contrasting worlds. As feelings deepen, age and circumstances challenge their undeniable bond.

Cast Performance

The film’s biggest gamble lies in its casting of two complete newcomers in the lead roles. Ahaan Panday’s portrayal of Krish mixes unfiltered passion with nerves of steel, while Aneet Padda’s Vaani radiates restrained strength and vulnerability.

Ahaan Panday, stepping into Bollywood as part of the Panday family legacy, brings a raw energy to his role as the troubled musician. His portrayal of Krish’s internal conflicts and passion for music feels authentic.

Aneet Padda, making her Bollywood debut, delivers a measured performance as Vaani. She effectively captures the character’s journey from heartbreak to healing, though her dialogue delivery could benefit from more natural flow.

The supporting cast, including seasoned actors like Varun Badola and Rajesh Kumar, provides solid support to the newcomers. Their presence adds credibility to the emotional moments.

What I Liked

The film’s roughly two-and-a-half-hour runtime flies by, carried forward by melancholic melodies that serve as emotional anchors rather than interruptions. The music emerges as Saiyaara’s strongest asset, with compositions that perfectly complement the narrative’s emotional beats.

Visually, the movie is lush: dim recording booths, rain-drenched roadways, soft streetlight reflections. Each image echoes the film’s melancholic mood perfectly.

Mohit Suri’s direction feels mature yet still carries his signature emotional punch, making Saiyaara feel both grounded and poetic. I found myself genuinely invested in the characters’ emotional journey.

The production design effectively captures both the gritty reality of struggling artists and the dreamy quality of their romantic journey. YRF’s commitment to quality is evident throughout.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, Saiyaara suffers from predictability that prevents it from achieving greatness. The film follows a well-worn path that audiences can anticipate, reducing the impact of its emotional moments.

The pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle portions where the romantic development feels stretched. Some sequences could have been trimmed to maintain better momentum.

While the debutant performances show promise, they lack the polish and spontaneity that more experienced actors might have brought to these roles. I noticed this especially in the more nuanced emotional scenes.

The film’s lengthy runtime of 156 minutes, while not feeling excessive due to the engaging music, might test the patience of viewers expecting a more concise narrative.

Critical Reception and Popular Reviews

Saiyaara has received generally positive reviews from critics. Critics Rating 4.0/5 from Bollywood Hungama, with many praising its musical elements and emotional sincerity.

Rating 3.5/5 from various popular websites, with critics noting that what keeps Saiyaara afloat is how two new faces submit to the vision of a filmmaker. The consensus seems to be that while Saiyaara may not break new ground narratively, it succeeds in delivering heartfelt romantic drama.

Rating 4.5 from some critics who feel Saiyaara brings back the freshness Bollywood has been missing – youth-oriented, emotional, and heart-wrenching all at once. Many reviewers have appreciated the film’s return to traditional romantic storytelling values.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Mohit Suri’s direction stands out as one of the film’s major strengths. His experience in crafting emotionally resonant romantic dramas is evident throughout Saiyaara. He successfully creates an atmosphere where the characters’ internal struggles feel authentic and relatable.

The technical aspects of the film are well-executed, with cinematography that captures both the intimacy of personal moments and the grandeur of musical performances. The sound design effectively supports the film’s emotional journey.

The production values reflect YRF’s commitment to quality, with attention to detail evident in everything from costume design to set decoration. The film’s visual aesthetic successfully creates a world that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Final Verdict

Saiyaara succeeds in delivering what it promises – a heartfelt romantic drama that celebrates the power of music and love. While it may not surprise audiences with its plot developments, it compensates with genuine emotion and strong musical elements.

The film represents a successful launch pad for both Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, while reaffirming Mohit Suri’s ability to craft engaging romantic narratives. I believe it will appeal to audiences who appreciate traditional romantic storytelling enhanced by contemporary production values.

Despite its predictable nature, Saiyaara manages to create an emotional connection with viewers through its sincere approach to depicting love, loss, and redemption. The music alone makes it worth watching.

Rating: 4/5