Saiyaara Movie Review:

From “Just Another Film” to a Box Office Storm

By Chick Titus | July 24, 2025

When Sayara was first announced, nobody really batted an eye. No star power, no big names on the poster, and a trailer that was just “okay.” So why is this small-budget, low-key love story now one of the highest advance-booked films of 2025, second only to Chhava?

With over 200,000 advance tickets sold, Sayara has outperformed even big-banner films like Metro In Dino and Game Changer in early buzz. In fact, in smaller cities where it’s tough to gather a crowd for niche films, young audiences showed up in surprising numbers — especially college students and 20-somethings. Something about Sayara’s marketing clearly clicked.

A Simple Story with Familiar Magic

The plot revolves around Krish, an aspiring singer who dreams of stardom, and a mysterious female writer grappling with serious trauma. Their worlds collide in a moment that feels both chaotic and cinematic — think speeding cars, cigarette smoke, and simmering rage. He’s clearly a walking red flag, she’s emotionally fragile. And yet, their journey unfolds into something emotionally charged.

That should sound familiar to you. For good reason, Sayara, which was directed by Mohit Suri, has an emotional resemblance to his previous hit, Aashiqui himself. influence is unmistakable, though Sayara doesn’t feel like a copy-paste job. It shares the emotional DNA of Aashiqui 2, but walks its own path.

Music Is the Soul of Sayara

Let's get right to the point: the music is the true star of this song. From the very first song, it’s clear that the film leans heavily (and wisely) on its soundtrack. The romance, emotional beats, and even plot progressions often happen through the songs themselves.

While I didn’t count every track, there are easily five to six songs, and many of them are the kind you'll want to stream again after leaving the theater. Some even say the music is what truly “sells” this film — and I agree. Without the strong soundtrack, Sayara might have struggled to hold interest.

Meet the Faces Behind the Film

You won’t find any A-listers here — and that’s part of the charm.

Ahaan Pandey, in what seems to be his debut, carries himself well. His acting is still raw in places, but his body language is impressive. He has potential and does better than many recent debutantes.

Anit Padda, the female lead, is a revelation. She doesn’t come across as a newcomer at all. Her screen presence, emotional delivery, and command over intense scenes leave a lasting impression.

Interestingly, in certain angles, she reminded me of a young Aditi Rao Hydari, which only adds to her screen appeal.

The Little Things That Matter

Yes, there are a few technical hiccups:

Lip-syncing issues in a few songs.

Slight timing mismatches between dialogue delivery and camera cuts.

Some heavy-handed product placements (we see you, Harley Davidson and Sonata watches).

But these are minor blemishes on an otherwise emotionally satisfying film. Even some questionable creative choices — like an unexpectedly bold romantic scene that surprisingly made it past the censor board — don’t distract too much from the bigger picture.

Who Is Sayara For?

If you’re in the 25 and under age group, especially a fan of romance and music, Sayara will likely strike a chord. It’s melodramatic in parts — maybe too much for someone like me at 27 — but it works for its target audience. The film has an advantage because of the emotional pull that the music provides.

It doesn't aim to be a masterpiece and isn't one. But it does succeed in creating a genuine emotional connection, especially through the soundtrack and the chemistry between the leads.

Final Verdict

Rating: 3.8/5

Sayara surprises you — not because it reinvents storytelling, but because it takes familiar ingredients and makes them feel fresh. With heartfelt performances, an emotional core, and a fantastic soundtrack, this film quietly wins you over.

It may not reach the classic status of Aashiqui 2, but it doesn’t have to. For a film with zero expectations, Sayara delivers far more than expected.

Should You Watch It?

Yes — if:

You love romantic musicals.

You enjoy Mohit Suri’s past works.

You're in the mood for powerful music and poignant storytelling.

Maybe not — if:

You dislike melodrama.

You expect tight editing and top-tier technical polish.

Final Words

In a market dominated by sequels and star vehicles, Sayara proves that a heartfelt story with great music and authentic performances can still pull people into theaters. Go in with an open heart and a love for music, and you might just walk out humming the tunes.

Liked this review? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned for more honest takes on the latest releases!