It’s one thing for a newcomer-led film to perform decently. It’s another for its title track to hit the Billboard Global charts. It’s a whole different universe when that same film becomes the highest-grossing Bollywood film overseas in 2025.
- Till July 18, Saiyaara had already flitted into the ₹500 crore club, fueled by Indian hearts and overseas charts alike.
- As of August 10, 2025, it’s closing in on ₹6 crore more to surpass Bajrangi Bhaijaan and become the 14th highest-grossing Hindi film ever.
- The Yash Raj Films CEO revealed something hilarious, too: the idea for this extravagant yet emotional romance was born in a temple, so humble beginnings indeed.
- Meanwhile, the fourth weekend saw Saiyaara surge to ₹517.5 crore worldwide, showing true staying power.
Debutants Steal the Spotlight
| Name | Background & Role in Saiyaara |
|---|---|
| Ahaan Panday | Nephew of Chunky Panday; trained for 9 years before this breakout role. His depiction of Krish—an ego-fueled musician with vulnerability—echoed the tenacity of Virat Kohli, as revealed by director Mohit Suri. |
| Aneet Padda | Amritsar-born, Delhi-educated newcomer; previously seen in Salaam Venky and Big Girls Don’t Cry. She plays Vaani, the soft-spoken poet with emotional depth—and admitted she’s “scared I won’t be enough” after the film’s stardom rush. |
Plot Meets Pas de Deux: Tropes Meet Soulful Swirls
We all know it’s familiar ground: jilted poet. Troubled musician meets diary. Songs go viral. Romance blooms. But Saiyaara doesn’t just rustle old formulas—it gives them a melody makeover.
- What clicks? The chemistry is electric, the music is soulful, and the visuals — think cinematic rain, emotion-charged close-ups — are deeply immersive.
- What could’ve been tighter? Critics note the pacing lags at times, and the climax tips into melodrama.
- Reddit echoes a mix:
- “Movie is decent… simple story, good screenplay + cinematography and GREAT music.”
- “Not a masterpiece… but nice to watch. I loved the songs and the actors’ chemistry.”
Music That Became a Character of Its Own
The Saiyaara soundtrack dropped on July 4, just two weeks before release. With seven tracks by a galaxy of composers like Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi, Sachet-Parampara, Faheem Abdullah and more—and vocals from Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Jubin Nautiyal—the album was built to enchant.
Notably, the standout track “Saiyaara” skyrocketed into the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Top 10—a milestone few Hindi songs achieve.
Faheem Abdullah, one of the songwriters, brought unique indie-Sufi flair to the title track, adding soulful, regional texture.
A Tale with AI, Viral Fans & Emotional Rollercoasters
Bollywood drama met AI when filmmakers toyed with a ChatGPT-generated ending during scripting. Fun fact: though appreciated, it didn’t make the final cut.
You better believe cinemas went wild:
- Fans cried. Fans fainted. And some needed IV drips mid-screening—TikTok fodder at its most OTT (in the best Bollywood way).
- Public displays of emotion and surprise proposals? You bet—Saiyaara became as intangible as a fever dream.
In a Nutshell: Why Saiyaara Worked Its Magic
- Debut charm: Fresh leads with palpable passion and raw emotional energy.
- Musical bewitch: A soundtrack that did more than supplement—it narrated.
- Gen-Z resonance: Reels, romance, heartbreak—a formula cooked for digital hearts.
- Global sweet spot: Out-grossed even historical epics overseas with its appeal.
- Evergreen tropes, with heart: Tropes can feel cliché—until they make you feel.
Final Take
Saiyaara might not rewrite the Bollywood romance playbook, but it remixed it—complete with emotive ballads, tear-soaked gazes, viral theatre theatrics, and a spark that defied its familiar plot. It’s a perfectly imperfect debut: emotionally grand, visually luscious, and undeniably heart-tugging.
If you’re up for a whirl of melody and mush with a sprinkle of Bollywood madness, Saiyaara’s your ticket to a musical love story that, yes, finally made Gen-Z fall for romance again.
