Review of the film Saiyaara

Mohit Suri is the director.

Cast: Aneet Padda, Ahaan Panday

Rating: 3.5 stars

The advance bookings for Saiyaara have been remarkable, almost too good to be real. When was the last time a film with entirely new cast members sold out every show? With a good deal of doubt, I entered, but I was pleased by what I saw.

Young love is exciting. You may be reckless when you have the urge to ignore everything and be with the person you love. In the heat of the moment, you frequently make decisions that you later regret, but at the time, they give you a sense of omnipotence. The heartbeats are synchronized. For years, filmmaker Mohit Suri has been capturing this exhilarating feeling—take, for example, Half Girlfriend, Ek Villain, and Aashiqui 2. He successfully regurgitates the same recipe here, but with a twist.

What is the story about?

Krish Kapur (Ahaan Panday) is a haughty, hot-headed performer looking for his big break. He runs across Vaani (Aneet Padda), a timid, aspiring journalist who was abandoned at the altar. Krish discovers her diary, which is full of lyrics. He transforms them into songs, and they are a success. After that comes love. However, fate steps in and divides the couple. Are they meant to be star-crossed lovers, or will they get back together?

Saiyaara's plot isn't very original. The movie Sanam Teri Kasam, which had a second existence when it was re-released in 2024, took a similar route. Additionally, the majority of Mohit's romantic movies adhere to well-known rhythms; you can frequently predict what will happen next.

The film has a naturally emotional second half, and the first half here establishes the tone nicely. The majority of Mohit's audience consists of couples or groups of friends, which he is well aware of. Despite being traditional, author Sankalp Sadanah manages to maintain a sense of beauty..

What works?

Therefore, what aspects of the movie are in its favor if we've already seen it before? There are three things: a superb ensemble, poignant music, and some exquisitely written moments.

Recently, Mohit was correct in claiming that Saiyaara might have been the basis of Aashiqui 3. The movie seems like a natural addition to the Aashiqui world. Additionally, the fact that it wasn't named after the franchise could be for the best since it allows the story to stand out on its own.

As Krish, Ahaan Panday makes a strong debut. He deserves kudos for performing so well in his debut role. He has great body language and exudes the passion of a romantic protagonist. It will be intriguing to observe how he manages other genres in the future.

The complex role suits Aneet Padda. She looks wonderful on camera, and Ahaan and Aneet have a believable rapport. Saiyara is sustained by their performances.

Mohit's movies have always had a strong musical component, and he doesn't let us down this time either. Faheem Nizami, Arslan Abdullah, and Tanishk Bagchi write genuinely moving songs. Personal selections: the title tune and Tum Ho Toh, sung by Vishal Mishra and beautifully filmed.

In general, Saiyaara may not be groundbreaking in terms of narrative, but it does hit the correct emotional notes. The movie is genuine in its delivery and has a good understanding of its audience. It has just enough to make you feel something, and sometimes that's plenty.

Additionally, if you're still focused on the nepotism argument, Ahaan's performance is evidence that having a movie family name may help you get in the door, but that talent is necessary to remain there.

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