The romantic drama Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri, has taken Bollywood by storm, grossing over ₹300 crore and captivating audiences with its emotional storytelling and soulful music. Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film has sparked a cultural phenomenon, with viral videos showing fans crying, cheering, and even dancing in theatres. However, these passionate reactions have led to speculation about whether they were staged as part of a paid promotional campaign. Mohit Suri has now responded to these claims, defending the authenticity of the audience’s emotions.

The Viral Phenomenon of Saiyaara

Since its release on July 18, 2025, Saiyaara has been a box office juggernaut, earning praise for its heartfelt narrative and the chemistry between its young leads. Social media platforms have been flooded with clips of theatregoers reacting intensely—some sobbing uncontrollably, others clapping mid-scene, and one notable video even showing a man watching the film with an IV drip. These displays of raw emotion have fueled the film’s hype, turning cinema halls into spaces of collective catharsis. Yet, the intensity of these reactions has raised eyebrows, with some online critics questioning their authenticity.

Allegations of Paid Promotions

The buzz around Saiyaara took a controversial turn when a podcast from The Asymmetric Crew suggested that the film’s makers had paid audiences to stage emotional outbursts in theatres. The claim, echoed by some social media users, alleged that these reactions were orchestrated to amplify the film’s appeal and drive ticket sales. Such accusations are not uncommon in an industry where marketing strategies often blur the line between organic buzz and manufactured hype. The speculation gained traction, prompting Mohit Suri and the film’s team to address the issue head-on.

Mohit Suri’s Response to the Claims

In a candid interview with Zoom, Mohit Suri firmly denied the allegations, emphasizing the sincerity behind Saiyaara’s emotional impact. “We have tried to be honest all through this film. People think the viral theatre videos were created, but we have not done that,” he stated. Suri attributed the audience’s reactions to the film’s ability to forge a deep emotional connection, a hallmark of his filmmaking style seen in previous hits like Aashiqui 2. Supporting Suri’s stance, YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani told India Today, “None of those people were planted in theatres. Whether it’s the person on a drip or the one dancing shirtless, these are genuine fans reacting with real emotions.”

The Power of Saiyaara’s Storytelling

The controversy has not dimmed Saiyaara’s shine. The film’s unconventional zero-promotion strategy, relying solely on word-of-mouth and its evocative soundtrack, has been a key driver of its success. By focusing on authentic storytelling rather than celebrity-driven marketing, Suri has crafted a narrative that resonates with the youth. The performances of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, combined with a haunting score by composers like Tanishk Bagchi, have made Saiyaara a standout in a year dominated by big-budget spectacles.

A Testament to Genuine Emotion

As Saiyaara continues to break box office records, Mohit Suri’s response to the controversy underscores his commitment to creating Sistine storytelling. The viral theatre reactions, whether spontaneous or not, reflect the film’s profound impact on audiences. For Suri, the accusations of paid promotions are a minor hiccup in a journey that has rekindled Bollywood’s love for heartfelt romance. With its soaring success, Saiyaara proves that genuine emotion can still triumph in the age of skepticism.

Read Also: Faisal Malik Stands by Anurag Kashyap’s Social Media Outbursts: Honesty Fuels Passion

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