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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD AUGUST 08, 2025 | The Indian Eye 44

Fresh Faces, Full Hearts:

Saiyaara Sparks a New Era

in Bollywood

The emotional blockbuster Saiyaara is not just a box office triumph — it’s a cultural reset,
proving that powerful stories and fresh talent can rule hearts and theatres alike

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai

n a cinematic landscape saturated with sequels,
superheroes, and formula-driven spectacles,
IMohit Suri’s Saiyaara has emerged as an un-
expected and heartfelt triumph — a film that has
captured the zeitgeist and, in the process, ushered
in a wave of fresh talent that’s turning heads across
the industry.
At the center of this success story are two
debutants: Ahaan Panday, cousin of actress Anan-
ya Panday, and Aneet Padda, both of whom have
stunned audiences with performances rooted in
emotional truth and raw vulnerability. The film,
a love story between a singer and a lyricist, trac-
es their journey through music, heartbreak, and
growth — a narrative that resonates especially
with younger viewers navigating love in an uncer-
tain world.

Director Mohit Suri, known for hits like
Aashiqui 2, took a risk in an era of high-oc- The success of two completely new faces — launched not through glitzy posters but through story and soul — has restored

tane action flicks. “Post-COVID, it felt like some faith in Bollywood’s ability to reinvent itself
everyone was chasing larger-than-life he- chemistry between the leads, the music, the vi- some faith in Bollywood’s ability to reinvent itself.
suals — everything clicked. And when the trailer
roes,” Suri said. “I wanted to go in a differ- dropped, people decided they had to see this film.” “When you launch newcomers with a narrative in-
stead of a look, you give them a real shot,” said
ent direction — something quieter, more Music, long a signature in Suri’s films, plays Suri.
personal.” Collaborating with assistant a defining role here too. Against conventional Ahaan Panday, in particular, is being hailed
wisdom, Suri launched promotions with a mel- as a breakout star to watch. With his understat-
Sankalp Sadanah, and backed by YRF’s Ak- ancholic song. “Everyone wants peppy numbers ed charm and intense emotional range, he’s win-
shaye Widhani, Suri poured his own youth- these days,” he said. “But I’ve always believed in ning comparisons to early Hrithik Roshan. Aneet
sad songs. They linger longer.” And linger they did Padda, meanwhile, has earned praise for her ex-
ful heartbreak into the screenplay. “This — songs from Saiyaara are dominating charts and pressive vulnerability, a quality rare in an industry
film is full of little pieces of my own life,” reels, bringing back the era when Bollywood love often fixated on glamour.
Together, they’ve not just delivered a block-
stories were as much about melody as they were
he admitted. about emotion. buster — they’ve signaled a generational shift.
Audiences have responded not just with ap- Saiyaara proves that stories still matter. That
The gamble has paid off beyond expectation. plause, but with tears and joy. Viral videos show music still matters. That feelings — honest, unfil-
Saiyaara has crossed `400 crore globally, surpass- viewers sobbing in theatres and even breaking tered, and beautifully portrayed — can still bring
ing the lifetime earnings of Kabir Singh to become into spontaneous dances during screenings. Some people to cinemas, even in an age of streaming and
the highest-grossing romantic Hindi film of all time. called it “post-promotion,” suggesting the reac- spectacle.
Trade analyst Komal Nahta likened the impact to tions were orchestrated. Nahta brushed those As the film continues its dream run, Bolly-
that of Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, calling it “one of claims aside: “You don’t need AI or algorithms to wood insiders are calling it a much-needed boost
the finest films to have come out of Bollywood in tell you this film is real. Just go to a theatre.” for the industry, creatively and commercially. And
25 years.” Importantly, Saiyaara also marks a turning perhaps most importantly, it offers a blueprint for
So what explains this runaway success? point for the industry. The success of two com- what comes next: a cinema where the new gener-
According to Nahta, it began with the teaser. pletely new faces — launched not through glitzy ation tells its own stories, in its own voice — and
“They hit the nail on the head from day one. The posters but through story and soul — has restored finds millions ready to listen.

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