Saiyaara Movie Review: Romance Rekindled or Retread?
Introduction
Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara (released July 18, 2025) marks the much-anticipated debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, set to revive the classic Bollywood romantic drama. With a runtime of 156 minutes, this musical love story has already generated waves—thanks to strong advance booking and early buzz on social media. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive in.
Plot and Premise
Storyline Overview
Saiyaara follows Krish (Ahaan Panday), a hot-headed musician, and Vaani (Aneet Padda), a shy journalist with a broken past. After Krish stumbles upon her diary of lyrics, he adapts them into hit songs, prompting budding love. However, emotional scars and life events test their fledgling relationship. The film weaves themes of love, heartbreak, redemption, and healing.
Familiar Tropes with a Fresh Cast
The plot, while familiar, adds freshness thanks to the newcomer factor. Mohit Suri leverages his signature style—akin to Aashiqui 2 or Ek Villain—blended with soulful music and emotional depth.
Performances and Chemistry
Ahaan Panday as Krish
Ayaan emerges strongly despite debut jitters. He portrays Krish’s intensity and passion convincingly, earning praise as a “knockout performance” with intense debut charisma.
Aneet Padda as Vaani
Aneet delivers a layered and grounded portrayal—a shy journalist coping with trauma. Critics have noted her assertive emotional nuance, which contributes depth to Vaani’s character.
Their on-screen chemistry shines, reminiscent of classic romantic pairs. Many reviews describe it as “electrifying” and “organic,” reinforcing the film's appeal .
Direction, Screenplay & Pacing
Mohit Suri’s Vision
Suri’s directorial style remains intact: emotionally driven storytelling, sweeping camera movements, and a focus on music. Saiyaara feels like a spiritual sibling to Aashiqui 2, having once been considered for the franchise before evolving independently .
Strengths and Shortcomings in Writing
The first half gradually builds the chemistry between leads but drags at times. The second half, packed with emotional twists, boasts powerful payoff and stronger pacing . However, critics note occasional lapses—like contrived character arcs (e.g., retreat to an ashram) and dialogues that occasionally feel forced .
Music and Cinematography
Soulful Soundtrack
With composers like Mithoon, Vishal Mishra, and Sachet–Parampara, Saiyaara delivers a compelling soundtrack. Songs like Saiyaara, Barbaad, Tum Ho Toh, and Humsafar enhance the narrative’s emotional tapestry. Critics agree—it's the strongest card in the film’s hand .
Visual Aesthetic
Cinematographer Vikas Sivaraman captures intimate moments and musical performances with a lush, dreamy feel. Social media praise highlights the film’s aesthetic and emotional visual depth.
Audience Reception & Box Office Buzz
Pre-release Hype
Advance bookings surpassed Salman Khan's Sikandar and Housefull 5, making it one of the top non-franchise openings of 2025 . Social media reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been overwhelmingly positive, especially about the lead pair and music.
Mixed Reviews
While many praise the film’s emotional pull, others criticize it for being formulaic. Indian Express critic Shubhra Gupta rated it 2/5, citing inconsistent writing and dated execution. Moneycontrol and Filmibeat offered mid-range reviews around 3.5/5, emphasizing forgiveness for cliché thanks to strong performances and music .
Comparative Review Table
| Aspect | What Works Well | What Falls Short |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Emotional resonance, classical love story framework | Predictable beats, occasional dialogue-heavy scenes |
| Performances | Confident debut from Ahaan & nuanced portrayal by Aneet | Minor lip-sync issues, delivery inconsistencies |
| Chemistry | Natural and compelling pairing | None significant reported |
| Music | Soulful, highlights emotional depth | No instant chartbuster, subtle appeal |
| Direction | Mohit Suri’s emotional understanding pops | Familiar narrative style feels rehearsed |
| Cinematography | Lush visuals that accentuate mood | Visuals sometimes melodramatic |
| Pacing | Strong second half delivers emotional punch | First half can feel slow |
List of Key Highlights & Lowlights
Pros of Saiyaara
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Debut energy: Leads are confident and natural.
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Emotional depth: Second half resonates with heartbreak and hope.
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Musical strength: A strong soundtrack that stays with the viewer.
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Aesthetic visuals: Cinematic moments that appeal emotionally.
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Retro appeal: Rekindles old-school romantic vibe.
Cons to Consider
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Clichéd elements: Storyline feels familiar and formula-driven.
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Pacing misfire: Lags in the first half.
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Script issues: Dialogues can feel overwritten and melodramatic.
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Convenience plot arcs: Some character resolutions feel rushed.
Verdict – Should You Watch Saiyaara?
With a mix of heart and heartbreak, Saiyaara will resonate deeply with fans of traditional Bollywood romance. It's not transformative cinema—but delivers a satisfying emotional ride for those open to nostalgia, soulful music, and new on-screen pairings.
Ideal for:
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Viewers who enjoy melodious, emotion-driven love stories
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Fans of Mohit Suri’s previous romantic dramas
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Audiences looking for a fresh debutant pairing with strong chemistry
Not ideal for:
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Viewers seeking originality or narrative novelty
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Those preferring tightly-paced scripts or minimalist storytelling
Final Rating
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Critical Consensus: Mixed–Positive (Approx. 3 to 3.5★)
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Audience Buzz: Highly favorable, especially among young viewers and music lovers
Conclusion
Saiyaara may not redefine romance for 2025, but it reclaims the sentimentality and emotionality of classic Bollywood love stories, powered by music and fresh talent. For many, it will feel like a long-awaited Aashiqui-style revival—heartfelt, a little operatic, yet undeniably touching.
If you're in the mood for tear-jerking melodies, heartfelt chemistry, and a dose of old-school Bollywood romance, Saiyaara is worth that big-screen experience.
