When the trailer of Saiyaara dropped, not many expected it to become one of the biggest openers of 2025. A love story with two newcomers, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, in the lead? Sounds risky, right? But Mohit Suri, the man who gave us Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, seems to have recreated the old-school Bollywood magic once again. And now, after just one day at the box office, Saiyaara has stunned everyone with its performance.
On its first day in theatres, Saiyaara has collected a jaw-dropping ₹20 crore across India, making it the fourth biggest opener of the year and the biggest debutant-led film opening of all time in Bollywood. Yes, it has beaten films with far more established stars. That’s not just impressive—it’s historic.
Ahaan Panday’s Dream Debut
For those wondering who Ahaan Panday is—he’s the nephew of Chunky Pandey and cousin of Ananya Panday. Bollywood insiders have had their eyes on him for a while, but with Saiyaara, he’s finally made his debut—and what a debut it is. The audience has connected instantly with his innocent charm and raw intensity, and social media is already buzzing with fan edits, clips, and praise.
And let’s not forget Aneet Padda, who complements Ahaan beautifully on screen. Their chemistry, though fresh, doesn’t feel forced. People are calling them the next big Bollywood pair, and if Saiyaara continues to do well over the weekend, that tag might just stick.
Music That Touches the Soul
One of the biggest reasons for Saiyaara’s popularity is its music. The title track “Saiyaara,” composed by Mithoon and sung soulfully by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, has become an anthem for lovers across the country. The soundtrack has been trending on all major music platforms even before the film’s release, and now with the visuals, it hits even harder.
There’s something very old-school Bollywood about this album. It reminds people of Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 or Tera Ban Jaunga from Kabir Singh. That kind of music connects with the masses, and clearly, it’s worked its magic again.
A Strong Start Despite Limited Expectations
No one really saw this coming. A romantic drama with no big stars collecting ₹20 crore on day one? That’s not normal. But Saiyaara had a few things going for it even before release. First, the film had a strong marketing push from Yash Raj Films—one of the biggest banners in Bollywood. Second, Mohit Suri’s name still carries weight when it comes to romantic dramas. And third, the music acted like a slow-burn promotion tool, building emotional anticipation.
Even the advance bookings were strong. According to trade analysts, Saiyaara sold nearly 3.8 lakh tickets in advance, raking in close to ₹9.4 crore before the first show even began. That’s the third-highest pre-booking for a Hindi film in 2025, behind only Chhaava and Sikandar. That’s no small feat.
Audience Response: Occupancy Speaks Volumes
Reports suggest the overall Hindi occupancy on Day 1 was around 49–50%, with some night shows touching 66%. That’s not just good; that’s excellent for a film without major stars. Cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Indore saw houseful boards early in the day. Even in metros like Mumbai and Delhi, the evening and night shows went almost full.
And here’s the most surprising part—Saiyaara is doing well across single screens and multiplexes. Usually, romantic films do better in multiplexes, but this one has found its audience even in smaller cities and towns, thanks to its emotional storyline and melodious songs.
A Win for Bollywood
In a time when big-budget action films are flopping and the audience is getting tired of remakes and sequels, Saiyaara is a breath of fresh air. It proves that people still crave simple love stories with good music, heartfelt performances, and genuine emotions. You don’t always need VFX and massive set pieces to create impact—sometimes, all you need is a love story that feels real.
Trade analysts have already started predicting that Saiyaara could cross the ₹80 crore mark by the end of its first weekend. If word-of-mouth remains strong (which it currently is), the film might even aim for the ₹100 crore club in its first week itself. That’s the kind of run even seasoned actors would dream of.
Final Thoughts
Saiyaara is more than just a box office number. It’s a statement. A statement that says fresh stories and fresh faces can still work in Bollywood if done right. Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have officially arrived, and Mohit Suri has proven again that he understands the pulse of Indian romantics.
Whether you’re in love, nursing a heartbreak, or just missing someone from your past, Saiyaara has something for everyone. If you haven’t watched it yet, this might just be the weekend plan you didn’t know you needed.
