Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_In a year full of high-budget blockbusters and resounding marketing efforts, one unassuming movie has become the biggest surprise of 2025. Saiyaara, a love drama directed by Mohit Suri and starring Gen-Z newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has become a national sensation, notably attracting the Gen-Z audience. What began as a modest release on 800 screens has grown into a box office sensation. Within days, the picture had captured over 2,000 screens, with daily showings increasing from 8,000 to more than 11,000. Theaters are already introducing late-night and midnight shows just to accommodate fan demand.
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A calculated risk that paid off
Unlike most mainstream releases, Saiyaara wasn’t promoted with an aggressive rollout. Yash Raj Films chose to take a more traditional route, limiting the initial release and allowing the film to gain momentum organically. It’s a strategy that echoes the slow-burn success of films from an earlier era, like Maine Pyaar Kiya or Hum Aapke Hain Koun. “ This kind of release is rare in today’s market,” says a trade analyst. “But Saiyaara proves that a strong emotional connection and audience buzz can be more powerful than any marketing blitz.” The film earned over ₹20 crore each day from Friday through Tuesday, crossing the ₹100 crore mark in just four days. That kind of consistent earning power is rare, even for movies backed by top stars.
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An emotional story that connects
Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara isn’t just a love story; it’s an emotional rollercoaster. The story follows Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician portrayed by Ahaan Panday, and Vaani Batra, a young journalist played by Aneet Padda who has been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. As their relationship progresses, the young couple grapples with emotional and personal challenges that test their bond. The film’s personal story, romance, superb soundtrack, and emotionally honest performances particularly captivated Generation Z audiences. The relationship between the two main characters has also sparked debate, which accounts for a significant chunk of the film’s growing popularity.
Meet the stars: Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda
Ahaan Panday, making his acting debut, is no stranger to the entertainment world. He’s the son of businessman Chikki Panday and wellness expert Deanne Panday and is the cousin of actress Ananya Panday. Ahaan studied Fine Arts and Film Production at the University of Mumbai and worked behind the scenes as an assistant director on films like Mardaani 2 and Rock On 2 before stepping in front of the camera for Saiyaara. Ahaan’s interests go beyond acting. He is also a musician, dancer, and fashion enthusiast and has a deep interest in creative arts. Additionally, his realistic performance in Saiyaara has garnered him a fan base and was hailed for its sincerity and emotional depth.
Aneet Padda was born in 2002 and hails from a modest family in Amritsar. She began modeling in her teens and studied at Jesus and Mary College in Delhi. Before Saiyaara, she had a minor role in Salaam Venky and appeared in the 2024 web series Big Girls Don’t Cry as Roohi Ahuja. That role brought her into the spotlight, and she later released her first song, Masoom, the same year. In Saiyaara, Aneet has delivered a touching performance that has earned her applause. Her character of Vaani, a young woman fighting illness while pursuing her dreams, has resonated strongly with audiences.
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More than just a hit
The film’s success has led to more than just increased ticket sales. It has prompted debate regarding the value of content-driven cinema and the relevance of promoting fresh talent. For many individuals, Saiyaara is a welcome departure from the typical storyline. The film is currently dominating the box office and social media feeds. Fans have flooded sites such as Instagram and X with artwork, modifications, and videos showcasing their favorite locations. Some cinemas have even started hosting fan screenings and musical evenings based on the film’s popular soundtrack. For a film that began quietly, Saiyaara has made a thundering impact, and it shows no signs of slowing.
