Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, released on July 18, 2025, aims to capture the raw emotion and musical soul of his iconic Aashiqui 2. With debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda leading the charge, this romantic drama promises a modern love story laced with heartbreak and melody. But does it live up to the expectations set by Suri’s legacy? While the fresh pairing sparks moments of brilliance, the film’s familiar tropes and uneven execution keep it from reaching the heights of a true Aashiqui successor.
A Tale of Two Dreamers
Saiyaara introduces Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a fiery aspiring singer with a chip on his shoulder, and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a reserved poet-turned-journalist nursing a broken heart. The film opens with Krish’s hotheaded nature on full display, as he storms out of a potential gig after a clash, while Vaani faces workplace jabs for her lack of social media clout. Their contrasting worlds collide, setting the stage for a romance that’s as predictable as it is heartfelt.
As expected from a Mohit Suri film, music is the heartbeat of Saiyaara. Tracks like Saiyaara, Barbaad, and Humsafar, crafted by composers like Mithoon and Sachet-Parampara, weave seamlessly into the narrative, evoking nostalgia for Suri’s earlier hits. Yet, the film struggles to carve its own identity, leaning heavily on familiar emotional beats that feel dated in 2025’s cinematic landscape.
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda: A Promising Pair
For a debut, Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday, brings a raw intensity to Krish. His early scenes feel stiff, with dialogue delivery needing polish, but he grows into the role, especially in quieter, emotional moments. A cheeky nod to “nepo kids” early in the film, backed by Yash Raj Films’ Aditya Chopra, cleverly addresses the nepotism debate, letting Ahaan’s performance stand on its own merit.
Aneet Padda, with prior acting credits like Big Girls Don’t Cry, delivers a grounded performance as Vaani. Her natural charm shines through, despite occasionally mumbled lines that challenge audibility. Unlike typical Yash Raj heroines, her understated style—think simple kurtas over glamorous outfits—adds authenticity, though her spiky eyelashes are a distracting choice.
The chemistry between Ahaan and Aneet is a highlight, offering a rare spark that Bollywood romances often miss. Their shared moments, from songwriting sessions to tender silences, feel genuine, making you root for their love story despite its flaws.
Where Saiyaara Stumbles
Saiyaara aims for a bittersweet narrative but gets bogged down by Suri’s signature heavy-handed approach. The dialogue-heavy script, penned by Sankalp Sadanah, oscillates between poignant and overly melodramatic, with emo-laden lines that feel pulled from a 2010s playlist. Krish’s troubled past, tied to an alcoholic father (Varun Badola), and Vaani’s unresolved trauma from a failed engagement are introduced but handled unevenly, lacking the depth needed to resonate.
The film tries to comment on the social media-driven world of modern fame, with Krish navigating the pressures of being a rockstar. However, these themes feel half-baked, overshadowed by generic band drama and cliched visuals of rain-soaked streets and mountain vistas. A subplot involving Vaani’s ex feels particularly clunky, disrupting the emotional flow.
At 156 minutes, the pacing drags, especially in the second half, where repetitive emotional outbursts dilute the impact. While the music elevates key scenes, it can’t fully compensate for the inconsistent screenplay, which fails to balance Suri’s old-school romance with a fresh, contemporary edge.
Is It Aashiqui 3?
Comparisons to Aashiqui 2 are inevitable, given Suri’s history and the film’s Aashiqui-esque trailer. Saiyaara was initially conceived as Aashiqui 3, but Suri reworked it into a standalone story. Unfortunately, it lacks the emotional gut-punch of its predecessor. Where Aashiqui 2 felt raw and timeless, Saiyaara feels like a reprise of familiar notes, struggling to create new memories.
The Verdict
Saiyaara is a mixed bag—a film with heart but not enough originality. Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda deliver promising debuts, their chemistry a saving grace in a narrative weighed down by dated tropes and an overstuffed script. The soulful soundtrack, a Mohit Suri hallmark, keeps you engaged, but the film falls short of the transformative romance it aspires to be.
For fans of Suri’s brand of intense, music-driven love stories, Saiyaara offers enough to enjoy, especially on the big screen where its melodies shine. But those expecting a groundbreaking romance or Aashiqui 3-level magic may leave wanting more. It’s a decent watch, but not a chart-topper.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Runtime: 2 hours 36 minutes
Where to Watch: In theaters now; expected on Netflix post-theatrical run
Cast: Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda, Varun Badola, Geeta Agarwal, Rajesh Kumar
Director: Mohit Suri
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