Forget Khans, forget Kapoors, Saiyaara brings a new era of love and loss, raw and unforgettable

LUCKNOW Forget Khans, forget Kapoors, Bollywood has just witnessed the arrival of two new powerhouses in the form of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, who have taken the silver screen by storm in Mohit Suri’s latest romantic drama, Saiyaara. Released this Friday, Saiyaara isn’t just another love story, it’s a moving tale of first love, heartbreak, and emotional healing wrapped in Suri’s signature melancholic storytelling style.

Set in the heart of Delhi and Kashmir, Saiyaara follows the journey of Armaan (Ahaan Panday), a free-spirited college student who believes in love the way poets write about it. When he meets Noor (Aneet Padda), a reserved and quietly intense girl dealing with personal trauma, a complex emotional dance begins. What starts as a gentle friendship soon evolves into a passionate love story, only to be tested by secrets, loss, and a decision that changes both their lives forever.

Mohit Suri, best known for Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, and Malang, returns to familiar ground, but with a refreshing narrative. Saiyaara is visually poetic, thanks to deeply symbolic frames, haunting backdrops, and a soundtrack that lingers long after the credits roll. The music, composed by Mithoon and Amaal Mallik, deserves a special mention, particularly the title track “Saiyaara”, which has already become a chartbuster and a reel-favorite on social media.

But the real stars here are the debutants.

Ahaan Panday, in his first-ever leading role, delivers a surprisingly mature performance. He balances charm with vulnerability, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of young love. He doesn’t lean on star-kid privilege, instead, he carves his own space with earnestness and raw energy. Aneet Padda, meanwhile, is a revelation. Her portrayal of Noor is layered, restrained, and deeply affecting. Together, their chemistry is palpable, tender, heartbreaking, and real.

What sets Saiyaara apart is its emotional honesty. Unlike over-stylised love stories, this one stays grounded in its characters’ pain and choices. The writing avoids melodrama, instead focusing on silences, glances, and moments left unsaid. There’s a certain Aashiqui 2 nostalgia in the heartbreak, but Saiyaara never feels like a copy, it creates its own identity.

Of course, the film isn’t without flaws. Some subplots feel underdeveloped, especially a side arc involving Noor’s family. A tighter edit in the second half would have elevated the pacing. But these are minor blemishes in what is otherwise a soulful, emotionally resonant debut film.

With a powerful box office opening, over ₹30 crore in two days, Saiyaara is not just a commercial win but a cultural moment. It proves that audiences are ready for fresh faces and stories told with heart.

In a season crowded with sequels, star vehicles, and action spectacles, Saiyaara dares to slow down, to make you feel, remember, and maybe even cry a little.

Verdict: ★★★★☆