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News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Opinion: Saiyaara – Beyond The Hysteria, A Happy Tale Of Love, Faith, Sacrifice & Devotion
Last Updated: There are two standouts in the cinema. One is its music along with the lyrics and the second are the newcomers, Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda Many cinema pundits are still not able to wrap their heads around the success and widespread love that the cinema Saiyaara is receiving. They are not able to fathom what the cinema is offering to attract audiences to the theatre in a year when many Hindi cinema stalwarts have not been able to crack the box office numbers. Saiyaara has been able to garner appreciation from the audience and public, especially among the youth. This is a great sign for the Hindi cinema industry which is still coming to grips with the post-Covid turmoil that has drastically affected the box office numbers. Nothing is perfect but what is popular cannot be ignored. I don't believe in a pessimistic approach and have always looked for the pragmatic narrative. Let's understand this in detail. Saiyaara is a love story of Krish (played by Ahaan Pandey) and Vaani (played by Aneet Padda). The cinema revolves around the growth of Krish as a musician and Vaani's role in his success while she struggles with an incurable illness. The cinema traverses about their initial struggles where Krish is struggling as a musician and Vaani, a passionate writer, had faced a brutal betrayal from a lover. The cinema shows how their paths cross and how they are a perfect fit for each other. One is a musician and the other is a writer. Their growing love faces many hurdles leading to the ultimate climax. The cinema is a good watch. People who have made sacrifices in their lives for love connect with it. The direction of Mohit Suri keeps the audience gripped in this love saga. Barring a few sluggish moments, the cinema is fast-paced and keeps the audience hooked. The story is simple and the screenplay is good as well. The cinema becomes a little predictable in the second half but leaves the audience with a very positive message in the end. There are two standouts in the cinema. One is its music along with the lyrics and the second are the newcomers, Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda. Both are superstars in the making, especially Aneet is a very, very good actor. Firstly, the music of the cinema is stupendous. The title song of Saiyaara is one for the ages. One keeps on humming the track long after the cinema finishes. The songs 'Tum Ho Toh' and 'Dhun' also strike a right chord with the audience. The background score of the cinema is also good. The lyrics by Irshad Kamil, Raj Shekhar, Mithoon and Rishabh Kant are brilliant and merge perfectly with the overall theme of the cinema. Lyrics of the title track 'Yaadon ke taare tootenge kaise, mere hain jo woh roothenge kaise' represent the trust between the protagonists. Similarly, the lyrics of the same title track 'Jis roz hum tum phir se milenge, yeh saari baatein tujhse kahenge, duniya mein chaahe ban jaayein jo bhi, tere bina tab kuch na rahenge' beautifully melt the devotion of love shown in the cinema through lyrics. Moreover, lyrics of the 'Dhun' song, 'Na kami koi khalegi, tujhe itna pyaar dunga chaand taare le aaun, hai ye to mumkin nahi, par vaada hai ye kasam se, tere saath main rahunga', and 'Ye main daawa nahi kar raha, koi taj mahal hai mera, naam ki chand deewarein hain, jinko hi ghar main kehta raha', reflect the groundedness and reality of their love, devoid of any superfluous claims and wishes. Secondly, the newcomers Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda appear that they are here to stay. Ahaan looks like a mature actor. He has captured the different shades of his character very well. Be it anger issues or out-of-the-world care for his loved one, Ahaan Pandey delivers each emotion with utmost conviction. Aneet Padda is a perfect casting for the role of Vaani. She has an element of innocence about her that has a direct connection with the audience. The simplicity and charm that she brings on screen makes the audience's heart melt. Her performance is absolutely brilliant. She appears to have a very bright future. Overall, the cinema is a good watch that leaves the audience with a happy feeling by the end, making a compelling case for reviewing. A pertinent aspect but unmarked mostly is the makeup of Aneet; it's kept so unartificial, unplastic, minimalist that it lives the character. Hats off to the director for his pure vision. Now, coming to the connection that the cinema has with the audience. There are multiple reasons for it. Let me list down a few of the most prominent ones. First, the simple love story along with its characters, has a high empathetic connection with the Bharatiya audience, especially the youth. The struggle of Krish is close to the everyday struggle of the youth, where they have to bash their way to glory. Emotions of anger and resentment are a byproduct of the same. Similarly, the innocence and charm of Vaani, seeking pure love from her companion, while sacrificing her dreams for family and love, is a story of many women in Bharat. This relatability has a direct connection with the audience. Also, the affinity quotient is high with Vaani's middle-class family. The scene where Vaani's mother, on meeting Krish for the first time, asks him if he would marry her is pure gold. This is like all mothers caring about the well-being of their daughters, leaving little scope for boys to fool around. Also, the curd-eating scene where Vaani's mother offers curd to Krish in a spoon and he doesn't know how to take it creates the charm of Bharatiya society and our sense of care for each other. Every mother, son and daughter relates to such scenes. Even the connection between Krish and his father in a scene where Krish is injured and his father is applying aid resembles many father-son relationships in Bharat. Secondly, the new faces Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda bring in a refreshing new perspective free from ideological and performance baggage. This adds to the overall equation of likability of the two protagonists. Thirdly, the sacrifice and love shown in the cinema is so pure that one gets satiated with the goodness of the overall viewing. Their love is not a Chhapri love of physical and mental abuse, but is a melting pot of sacrifice, care for each other and respecting each other's feelings and aspirations. Their love is where both grow together with dreams aligned to each other's well-being. The chemistry between the two protagonists is in full display when Vaani stabs Krish and Krish, understanding her condition, rather than being angry, empathises with her and embraces her with all affection. Similarly, Vaani, even while facing an ailment, writes the most significant song for Krish before leaving him so that she doesn't become an impediment to his growth, synthesising the level of sacrifice of two individuals for each other. This is a love story that one has been craving for ages. Also, the climax of the cinema epitomises their love and spirit of sacrifice very well. The last scene where two protagonists soak in the love of their fans, which has been the true wish of Vaani for Krish, provides a great completion. Natyashastra speaks about 'Sukhant' and Saiyaara delivers just that, ending the cinema on a very positive note. Lastly, the audience has for long been waiting for a good pure love story. There appears to be a fatigue around thrillers, suspense, abysmal comedies and other genres. Bharatiyas have for long shown their affinity towards 'prem rasa', which is again being showcased by the box office collection of Saiyaara. The theatre experience videos of the cinema, which have created quite a buzz, might or might not be a PR exercise. People might or might not feel like that about the cinema after watching it in the theatre. But the cinema goes beyond those theatrical experience videos. This is a love story that is different. This is a love story that has a purpose. It brings in a positive notion about love stories and breaks away from the stereotypical storyline. It pushes forward a narrative of positivity where love is portrayed as a driver for success and how two people finding pure love work to fulfill each other's dreams. The overall experience and messaging of the cinema is very positive, which works wonders for the cinema. Adding further, the acting, direction and music of the cinema compel for a good viewing. The hard work of the actors, directors and musicians needs to be promoted and appreciated. top videos View all Go and watch it in a theatre near you. The author is a columnist and advisor to the Surat Lit Fest, Khajurao Literature Festival, and VESIM Literati Festival, Mumbai. His X handle is @ghumantu_skp. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 16:00 IST News opinion Opinion: Saiyaara – Beyond The Hysteria, A Happy Tale Of Love, Faith, Sacrifice & Devotion Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Saiyaara Box Office Rage Proves There Is No Defeating An Intense Love Story. Who Cares If It Is Copied
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and if done right, it can give you one of the most gratifying cinematic experiences that have become few and far between today. Case in point here is Saiyaara, whose director Mohit Suri is being called out by a section of social media users for allegedly ripping off the Korean film A Moment To Remember. Despite the allegation, the film has earned over Rs 80 crore in its opening weekend. At a time when the big screen has been overpopulated with over-the-top action spectacles with alpha males, played by superstars of today, in the centre, Saiyaara, for the lack of a better phrase, comes like a breath of fresh air with newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in the lead. The trailer of the film, along with its songs Saiyaara, and Dhun, Barbaad, gradually generated interest in the cinegoers. It was after a long time that a movie which promised a complete soundtrack, with a young adult love story at the centre with new faces, was arriving in theatres. It was also a comeback of sorts for Mohit Suri, whose last film Ek Villain Returns (2022) didn't hit the ball out of the park -- be it the story, emotions or music. And what is a quintessential Mohit Suri film if not for the emotions and music. Saiyaara checked all the three boxes. Saiyaara Box Office In First Weekend Saiyaara, which has become a runaway hit since it released in theatres on July 18 (last Friday), is a true-blue Bollywood film with emotions, drama, and music organically built in its narrative, just like it was in the old times. There may be a strong possibility that this film is not an original work of art. And even if that is true, it is still a work of art. If it moved the viewer or kept them engaged in an era where the attention span is evaluated in terms of a reel, ranging from 15 seconds to 3 minutes, Saiyaara is worth the attention and applause it is garnering. According to trade website Sacnilk, the film -- starring debutant Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda -- has already raked in Rs 83 crore within three days of its release. It is on the list of the top five highest opening weekends of 2025. Saiyaara is also a few crores away from leaving behind 2018's Dhadak, which earned Rs 95.12 crore net during its lifetime run in theatres. It has become the highest grossing film by Mohit Suri, following Ek Villain (Rs 16 crore) and Aashiqui 2 (Rs 6.1 crore). Separate reports have quoted the budget of Saiyaara ranging from Rs 40-60 crore. If trade websites are to be believed, the film is already a bona fide superhit. Is Saiyaara A Copy Of A Moment To Remember A section of social media users have accused Mohit Suri of plaigiarising the 2004 Korean film A Moment To Remember. Starring popular Korean actors Son Ye-jin and Jung Woo-sung, the movie was itself a film adaptation of the 2001 Japanese television drama Pure Soul. While there are similarities between Saiyaara and A Moment to Remember such as an ex-lover who cheats on the heroine, the female lead being diagnosed with the early-onset Alzheimer's disease and her decision in the third act to leave home thinking the male lead is better off without her, there is no reason why the new film should be relegated to the status of a certified copy. Why only A Moment To Remember? There are at least three more films that come to mind if one has to nitpick. In 2004, 50 First Dates, a romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, released. This Hollywood film revolved around Henry Roth, a womanising marine veterinarian who falls for an art teacher named Lucy Whitmore, who has amnesia. Lucy forgets Henry when she wakes up the next day and Henry keeps at it to win her over again, every day. Few months later in the same year came The Notebook, an intense romantic drama based on Nicolas Sparks 1996 novel of the same name. The movie had the heroine Ally (Rachel McAdams/ Gena Rowlands) suffer from dementia in her old age with her husband Noah (Ryan Reynolds/ James Garner) hand hold her through the disease. In 2008, Ajay Devgn and Kajol starred in his directorial U Me Aur Hum. The film's revolved around Kajol's character Piya, who is diagnosed with the Alzheimer's disease while she is also pregnant with Ajay (Ajay Devgn)'s child. At the time, U Me Aur Hum also made headlines for allegedly being the copy of The Notebook. Why Saiyaara Works Ahaan Panday's association with Saiyaara was looked at by many with disinterest and disgust as many were unhappy about yet another nepo baby making his debut as a lead in a movie by a big banner like Yash Raj Films and director like Mohit Suri. Not many really knew who Aneet Padda was despite her previous roles in Salaam Venky and Big Girls Don't Lie. And, nobody expected these newcomers to be able to act and deliver. Trade expert Taran Adarsh also broke down lessons from the performance of Saiyaara at the box office. 'SAIYAARA' REBOOTS - RE-ENERGISES - REJUVENATES THE INDUSTRY... Yes, #Saiyaara is rewriting the record books… It's drawing audiences in hordes – and that, in itself, is a hugely positive sign for the industry... But more than just the numbers, the learnings from #Saiyaara are… — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) July 21, 2025 Mohit Suri's goes big on the broad strokes of emotion -- anger, grief, disappointment, love, hurt, and heartbreak. A heady cocktail of emotion that is in part responsible for the Saiyaara fever. The film may be directed at the Gen-Z audience of today, but the feelings strike a chord with people across ages. Rooted performances and solid chemistry between Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda makes us believe in the make believe that Saiyaara is, along with the angle of the early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The craze of Saiyaara is far from over. If all goes well, the film may soon cross the Rs 100-crore mark at the box office. It's something the Hindi film industry needed for a really long time. The success of Saiyaara is like a shot in the arm for the exhibitors and producers. While the story is not unique, for sure, but the emotions are true and music still haunts those who have watched the film in cinema halls. For those who are waiting for Saiyaara to come on OTT, Netflix is where the film will premiere after its theatrical run is over.
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘After Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday will be known as a lover': Director Mohit Suri says it's ‘amazing how things have fallen into place for the new boy'
Mohit Suri's romantic film Saiyaara has now earned Rs 83 crore over its opening weekend. It's the biggest opening for a Hindi film with newcomers ever. Suri is also glad that it's worked out well not only for him, but also the film's lead cast, newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. 'It's amazing how things have fallen into place for a new boy,' said Suri in the latest edition of Creator X Creator edition on SCREEN. He also credited longtime collaborator and music composer Mithoon for coming up with the apt introduction song for Panday in the form of Dhun, sung by Arijit Singh. 'I couldn't have asked for a better song to introduce a new boy into this world. He's going to be known as a lover even when he had nothing! It's got a lot to do with the song you gave for the situation,' said Suri in an intimate conversation with Mithoon. Suri and Mithoon have collaborated for 20 years now, and delivered hits like Woh Lamhe Woh Baatein in Aksar (2005), Aadat in Kalyug (2005), Phir Mohabbat Karne Chala Hai Tu in Murder 2 (2011), Tum Hi Ho in Aashiqui 2 (2013), Humdard in Ek Villain (2014), Main Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga in Half Girlfriend (2017), and most recently, Dhun in Saiyaara. ALSO READ | Karan Johar slams troll for calling him 'nepo baby ka daijaan' after he praises Ahaan Panday's Saiyaara: 'Khud kuch kaam kar' 'It's like life's come a full circle after 20 years. We're still here, and we're still working with newcomers. If Aashiqui was the midpoint, we were working with newcomers even then, and we're working with newcomers even now,' pointed out Suri. He recalled telling 'the great' Tabu that it feels like he's been on this treadmill, in the sense that he's constantly running, but isn't going ahead. 'But you're so much fitter today,' she said in response. 'Sometimes, I miss the innocence of when we started off in 2005, when we didn't know anything,' said Suri, adding, 'When we started this film (Saiyaara), I always wanted to go back to the core of how we did things. In a pure way, there's no trapping, there's no big actor, there's no controlled way of making a film, but have a lot of heart and love in the way we made it.' Saiyaara, produced by Akshaye Widhani, and backed by Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films, revolves around the turbulent relationship of a budding singer and a lyricist.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mithoon Talks Trends in Music and Latest Hit 'Dhun' from 'Saiyaara'
Renowned music composer said that he doesn't create music to challenge trends but follows the director's vision. Mithoon's latest composition, 'Dhun' from 'Saiyaara' is winning hearts. However, does he think songs like 'Dhun' challenge the fast-paced, high-stimulation nature of today's music consumption? The music composer told IANS: "A song is a song whether fast or slow or whatever one wants to categorize it as. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now I do not subscribe to that and never consciously attempt to create something thinking it is different from what is happening. All my inspiration is derived from the director's vision." What was going through Mithoon's mind while composing 'Dhun' and was there a personal emotion that shaped the soul of the track? He said: "The tune, as always, gets conceived from the story idea/script/situation and the characters. Of course, Mohit and I go back 2 decades so we don't necessarily have to dip into a personal moment or emotion to carve out a piece of work but I'm glad that it's resonating with the listeners." Mithun had composed the Hindi song 'Tum Hi Ho' from the 2013 Bollywood romantic film Aashiqui 2. He wrote and composed one of the most streamed Hindi songs on YouTube, 'Sanam Re'. Talking about Saiyaara, a romantic drama, the film is directed by . The film stars debutant Ahaan Pandey as Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician, alongside Aneet Padda as Vaani Batra, a young writer diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The story talks about love, loss, and memory through the evolving relationship. The soundtrack of Saiyaara features contributions from composers such as Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi, Sachet-Parampara, Vishal Mishra, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami. Artists such as Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal have lent their vocal prowess.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mithoon reveals why nobody can easily deconstruct his songs
Music composer , who has composed the song 'Dhun' from the recently released movie 'Saiyaara', has said that it's nearly impossible to deconstruct his songs because he keeps them very minimalistic in terms of orchestration. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The music composer recently spoke with IANS, and said that he believes in maintaining the essence of a song through minimal programming. He told IANS, "For me, usually, you can't deconstruct my song. Because it is already very minimalistic. I feel that the song, and its emotion are the identities of the song. No matter how much programming you do, or don't do". He further mentioned that this bent of mind to make the track sound great with less means is courtesy director with whom he has been working for 20 years. He said, "Many times, Mohit has heard my compositions only on the piano, and he gave an immediate approval. He has that knack to identify the impact of a song just from the piano. And many times, he finds it better. I feel that this is the speciality of Mohit Suri. Because I am a poet, a composer, an arranger. So, many times, my passion for music can empower me. Mohit doesn't let me use it". "I tell him that I want to add violins to it, he says, 'No, don't do it'. I want to add a chorus to it. He goes, 'No, don't do that'. But it is a music composer's passion. So, when I do another film, I put everything there". He then spoke about how Mohit fine tuned the song with his inputs, as he shared, "That is Mohit's speciality. I am saying this for the first time. When I overstepped on 'Dhun' before the shoot. He called me. He told me that he missed the silences in the first draft. And that is the beauty of singing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Where he climbs and where he descends. The protagonist is not a confident character, he is vulnerable. That silence is very important". "If it was someone else, he would have been impressed. That the track sounds better because of more layers. Some other director would have been impressed. But this person is not impressed. He just wants to connect. I think that aspect enriches my music", he added. 'Saiyaara' is currently playing in cinemas. Is 'Saiyaara' The Next 'Aashiqui'? Public Review Is Divided
