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The Hindu
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Saiyaara' movie review: Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda make this bittersweet romance sparkle
After delivering logs of deadwood, Mohit Suri, who loves to paint doomed romance on celluloid, returns to his Aashiqui roots with a fresh coat of mush whose ebbs and flows make one feel volatile and vulnerable in equal measure. An uplifting tale of unalloyed love whose pathos leaves its soot on the young souls, Saiyaaracarries the brooding intensity of a Mahesh Bhatt romance in the body of a maudlin Yash Raj love story. With mental health as the villain of the piece, the story echoes the times when love is reduced to a lollipop by market forces. In the digital age, Mohit dials back to the pre-rom-com era, when heartache travelled through the screen on the wings of melodies, sacrifice was considered a virtue, and selfless love was celebrated. Led by Irshad Kamil's Saiyaara mera badla nahin hai, Mausam thoda badla hua hai (My love, you are the same, only the time has turned its back on us), the tripping soundtrack, put together by five composers, grows on your senses. At the core, Mohit follows his template where Krish, a hot-headed emerging singer-composer, finds a calming influence in Vaani, a journalist who has a way with words but no desire for social media likes. As she gives his tunes a meaning, memories get made and magic happens. But if the memory of the beloved fades, can we continue making new memories with the same partner? Mohit poses this question to the Instagram generation. Saiyaara (Hindi) Director: Mohit Suri Cast: Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda, Geeta Agrawal, Varun Badola, Rajesh Kumar, Alam Khan Runtime: 150 minutes Storyline: A headstrong singer grappling with daddy issues finds an anchor when a journalist gives words to his wandering tunes. As Krish and Vaani, the driving force is the young pair of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. After a long time, one has found two newcomers who portray the young generation not as giggly, curvy, angry cardboard cutouts, but as rooted, rational, responsible people in flesh and blood. While debutant Ahaan has a mercurial screen presence and combines the conviction of an actor with the charm of a star, Aneet shows shades of a dynamic performer who can make you laugh and cry. Not just a pretty, vulnerable face, she displays substantial dramatic depth in a complex role. As Vaani, she is the voice of the film, the conscience keeper of the tumultuous love story between a budding musician facing daddy issues and a songwriter damaged by a toxic relationship. As the two heal each other, we get on a roller coaster ride interspersed with gloom and glory. The proverbial spark that gives a kick to a love story is palpable between the two and keeps the narrative afloat even when cliches raise their head and digital designs obstruct the organic flow. Saiyaara is currently running in theatres
Mint
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Saiyaara' review: Mohit Suri romance offers familiar gloom and doom
Every generation deserves its Aashiqui, if only to show that audiences here will never tire of morose musicians neglecting their mental health and then singing about it. The crowd at my Friday morning screening mostly comprised college kids. Invariably, there was a good bit of wisecracking and talking back to the screen. But when it was time for the big concert number, many of them had their phones out and recording. Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri for Yash Raj Films, actually began life as a third Aashiqui that never worked out. It isn't a Bhatt production, but it's a Bhatt film in spirit. Which is to say, it's gloomy, emotionally charged, self-flagellating, and full of hummable rock ballads that all sound the same. Pitching a song to a popstar, aspiring singer Krish (Ahaan Panday) sets to music a partially written poem by fledgling writer Vaani (Aneet Padda), whom he barely knows. They're hired to work on it together (I winced when he snatches her notebook as she's working—a move that would earn you the lifelong enmity of any real writer). Initially, they seem to reinforce each other's sadness. He has an alcoholic father and a massive chip on his shoulder; she was dumped by her fiancée on their wedding day. But as the song takes shape, they start to trust, then encourage, each other. She opens up, he calms down, they grow closer. Mohit Suri has been around long enough for everyone to know he isn't one for innovation. He's happy to repeat the same beats, film after film, with minor variations. Angsty love stories are his bread and butter, and Saiyaara progresses serenely from one setback to the next. For a while, it seems like Krish's temper and lack of control will be the stumbling block in their relationship. But there's something about Vaani's haunted expression that suggests she might have more complicated demons. [spoiler in the next paragraph] When Vaani offhandedly mentions she writes in her diary because she's forgetful, it felt like a significant detail. Sure enough, one day she collapses and is rushed to hospital. The diagnosis emerges on a subsequent visit: early onset Alzheimer's. Vaani's condition, almost unnoticeable till then, rapidly deteriorates until she's having frequent episodes where she forgets her past and present, including Krish. Even allowing for creative license, it's alarming how quickly Suri and screenwriter Sankalp Sadanah have Vaani with a knife in her hand, screaming at Krish. It's amusing to see Krish rage about 'nepo kids' early on, given that Ahaan is the nephew of actor Chunky Panday and son of Chikki Panday, a businessman with ties to Bollywood. He acquits himself well enough, locating a softness without losing the character's edginess. Padda, like so many actresses in Hindi film now, operates from a place of safety: stoic face, almost blank, letting emotions flicker across. Whether or not it was intended, she makes an already guarded character unknowable. After the big twist in the middle, the film does surprisingly little in its second half. Vaani recedes, into herself at first, and then from the narrative (that her caring, protective parents allow her to just leave home is difficult to swallow). Saiyaara becomes Krish's story, and is weaker for it. Apart from reiterating that love has made him a more responsible person, the film can't think of anywhere interesting for him to go (compare this to where Varun Dhawan's Dan ends up in October, a genuinely thoughtful trajectory).
News18
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Saiyaara Review: Ahaan Panday And Aneet Padda's Luminous Presence, Nuanced Performances Elevate This Bumpy Screenplay
Ahaan Panday's debut can best be compared to Ranbir Kapoor's. With those eloquent eyes and a low baritone voice, he surely has the potential to become the next big thing. Saiyaara Movie Review: Mohit Suri's Saiyaara is nothing that we haven't seen before. In fact, thematically, in parts, it bears a striking resemblance to two of his earlier directorial outings, Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain. At the same time, it may also remind you a little of Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal's cult classic, Aashiqui. It almost steers towards the 50 First Dates zone as well. So, is there anything original about this script that revolves around a budding rockstar and a sweet innocent girl as star-crossed lovers? Yes and no. Saiyaara tells the tale of Krish Kapoor and Vaani Batra. The film opens with Vaani waiting at the marriage registration office waiting for her boyfriend, Mahesh Iyer, to arrive. With hope in her eyes and love in her heart, she opens her diary that has pictures of them with beautiful notes attached. But a phone call from him changes everything. He informs her that he has to fly out to the USA for a business deal and that he has fallen in love with someone else and hence, can't marry Vaani. It breaks her heart and the already shy and reticent girl further retreats into a shell. Six months later, Vaani joins her first job as a music journalist with a magazine where she bumps into a rugged and brash Krish. Her first encounter with him encompasses a broil between him and one of the employees of the magazine. The reason? Krish didn't quite like the fact that a feature story on their rock band Josh only highlights the name of a 'nepo kid'. While leaving, Krish hands Vaani's diary back to her after reading her poems and couplets. An assignment brings Krish and Vaani close as she helps him pen a composition that he has been putting together in collaboration with an established rap artist, Prince. Opposites attract and Krish and Vaani end up finding emotional confidants in each other. Krish, though a desirable hunk and a competitive musician, has a vulnerable side to him and has been dealing with an alcoholic father. After their assignment ends, Krish requests Vaani to continue to be with him and help him become a better version of himself. The classic 'a woman is a man's rehabilitation centre' trope! But in the process, Krish ends up becoming her saviour. The film also attempts to explore the classic 'love or career' dilemma. 'Apne pyaar ke liye khud ko khatam mat kar lena,' cautions Krish's friends and father when they learn that he has decided to give up on his blossoming career to be with Vaani. Much like most of Mohit's earlier works, Saiyaara too delves deep into the raw messiness and grimy complexities of love. The self-destructive nature of a relationship is once again glorified, but hey, who are we to judge! In Mohit's world, love languages may not be as extreme as that in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's but he takes it too far with acts of services. Here, Krish ends up losing himself completely. But that's perhaps how he's wired and that's why he's a true 'saiyaara' or a lonely star that burns itself but lights up the world. At first, it was his self-destructive dad that he had to take care of and now it's Vaani, who's slowly walking towards death. Maybe the hard life that he has seen has given him a saviour complex. But whatever said and done, Krish is no red flag. When he loves, he loves with all his heart and soul, until his spirit has been rendered completely dry. While Saiyaara is high on the Aashiqui 2 hangover, it's rarely as heart-wrenching and melancholic as the former. But that's not to say that you won't find yourself getting misty-eyed once in a while. What becomes Saiyaara's weakest link is its bumpy screenplay. The whole climax involving Vaani and her ailment is predictable and that makes the rest of the narrative predictable too. Saiyaara tries to become too many things all at once but ends up becoming a rip off. Sometimes, it burns bright and sometimes, it fizzles. It's packed with some beautiful moments but the rest of it too simplistic. The music, however, deserves a mention, particularly the title track put together by Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami. But what truly elevates the screenplay is the scintillating chemistry between the lead pair. Mohit taps into the rawness and naivety of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda and weaves a story with a beating heart. Saiyaara isn't experimental, it isn't novel and it isn't spiffy but it has a lot of heart. Ahaan as Krish does a fantastic job. What an incredible debut! He delivers an act that can make even the experienced and seasoned envious. With those eloquent eyes and a low baritone voice, he surely has the potential to be the next big thing. Ahaan's debut can best be compared to Ranbir Kapoor's. Both these performances – Ahaan in Saiyaara and Ranbir in Saawariya – bear a testament to the fact that if you have talent that sparkles and shines all the way even in a bumpy film, you're sure to soar. Aneet also delivers a beautifully nuanced performance. In the second half, when Vaani psychologically spirals, she will move you. She's perfectly restrained even in the emotionally chaotic scenes and moments. Saiyaara, like Saawariya, will be remembered for not much but for giving us some head-turning talents to count on. So, if you're in the mood to wallow in the blues and let it all out, go for Saiyaara, because let's face it, nobody can romanticise heartbreaks as well as Mohit! And let's not forget that it's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. First Published: July 18, 2025, 16:19 IST 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.
Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Saiyaara Review: Mohit Suri gifts Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda a dream debut in his intense love story
Plot: The story of Saiyaara is about Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday) and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda). Vaani gets ditched by her ex on the day of her marriage, and she remains depressed until she meets Krish at the publication where she's interning. Krish, who's tired of not receiving accolades for the efforts he puts into the music band he's part of, allegedly because of a certain 'nepo' kid in the band, storms into the media office over the visible bias. Krish sees Vaani's diary, where she writes her feelings, and is impressed by her writing. Krish's friend Kiwi (Alam Khan) finds Krish an opportunity to compose a song for a famous singer, with a deadline of three days. Vaani, who has come to interview the singer, is approached by Krish to write the song so that both can benefit from it. Love blossoms between the two. Vaani understands Krish closely and sees the family issues he faces. She supports him through and through. Vaani's family is overprotective of her because of the heartbreak she suffered. Krish must prove his love for Vaani by being ready to marry her. A mishap changes the dynamics of their love forever. Can Krish and Vaani overcome what stands between them? Can Krish become the big singer he always wanted to be? Watch Saiyaara to find out. What Works for Saiyaara The chemistry between Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda is the beating heart of Saiyaara. Their onscreen romance feels authentic and effortless. The music, a hallmark of Mohit Suri's films, is a standout, with soulful tracks like Saiyaara, Tum Ho Toh, Dhun, Barbaad, Humsafar and others resonating deeply. Each song is not only melodious but also seamlessly woven into the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth. The picturization of these tracks is breathtakingly lovely, with lush visuals that capture the vibrancy of new love. Mohit Suri 's direction is spellbinding, as he masterfully balances romance, drama, and music. The emotional arc of the story is compelling. It portrays Krish's struggles with his family and Vaani's battle with past heartbreak, convincingly, apart from the main issue that forms the film's edifice. The superb supporting cast, including Alam Khan as the lively Kiwi, and Geeta Agrawal and Rajesh Kumar as Vaani's parents, make Saiyaara all the more credible. What Doesn't Work for Saiyaara While Saiyaara excels in many areas, its story feels familiar. The narrative, though executed with finesse, treads a predictable path. This might leave viewers craving a touch of originality. However, these minor flaws are overshadowed by the film's overall polish and execution. The storytelling, direction, and performances are so well-crafted that the familiarity of the plot doesn't detract from the experience. Watch The Saiyaara Trailer Performances in Saiyaara Ahaan Panday delivers a stellar performance as Krish. He perfectly captures the frustration of an overlooked artist and the vulnerability of a man in love. Aneet Padda shines as Vaani, portraying her character's journey from heartbreak to hope with remarkable sensitivity. She is a great find. The two share an electrifying chemistry. The supporting actors, particularly Alam Khan as Kiwi is awesome. Geeta Agrawal and Rajesh Kumar add gravitas. All other actors do well with the limited time they get to leave a mark. Final Verdict of Saiyaara Saiyaara is a beautifully crafted romantic drama that triumphs through its stellar performances, enchanting music, and Mohit Suri's masterful direction. Despite a familiar storyline, the film's emotional depth and heartfelt chemistry make it a must-watch. Saiyaara plays in theatres now. Go watch!
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vaani Kapoor's STRONG response to her film ‘Abir Gulaal' with FawadKhan getting banned in India: 'There's so much toxicity…'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Vaani Kapoor 's film 'Abir Gulaal' with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was set to release in India; however, it was banned due to boycott calls after the Pahalgam attack. Sharing her thoughts on the film not releasing in Indian theatres, the actress recently stated that she is "so not into censorship. " Vaani on 'Abir Gulaal' In an interview with PTI, the actress expressed that giving a certificate is understandable, but on the other hand, there is no limit to censorship. Vaani added, "I don't know that as an artist, as a filmmaker, or as a performer, how much are you willing to then explore a new territory because then you're controlled and there's a boundary set for you." She further shared that then the artist is compelled to bring up something new and refreshing within limits that are set. The actress even talked about cancel and boycott culture. She said, "This whole cancel culture, 'ek cheez galat bol di,' cancel karo, boycott karo." The Raid 2 actress stated that she doesn't get the "volatile behaviour." 'Mandala Murders' Trailer: Vaani Kapoor and Vaibhav Raj Gupta starrer 'Mandala Murders' Official Trailer In the same interview, Vaani also mentioned that she feels everyone is being harsh with each other and there's a lot of toxicity and hate around. She said, "Aaj isko boycott kar do, aaj isko cancel kar do.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Mat karo yaar, have room and let people be." Vaani on ' Mandala Murders ' Vaani is all set to make her web show debut with 'Mandala Murders.' The psychological thriller will be out on Netflix. And even during the trailer launch event of the series, the actress addressed the issue of social media platforms spreading negativity. She shared how everyone, including school and college kids, is getting affected by it. Kapoor said, "It leaves a psychological impact; you are making people doubt before they've even understood who they are. They've not fully bloomed yet; they've not figured out who they are." Meanwhile, 'Mandala Murders' also stars Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, and Shriya Pilgaonkar. It will start streaming from July 25, 2025.
