The romantic drama Saiyaara, starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Anit Padda, has taken the Indian box office by storm. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film is not only earning love from audiences but is also breaking commercial records in its very first week. The film’s emotional storytelling and fresh casting have become a sensation among youth and families alike.

In just nine days, Saiyaara has outperformed recent releases featuring Bollywood giants Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn, both of whom had new films in theatres recently. Despite their massive stardom and loyal fanbases, Saiyaara has proven that strong content and sincere performances can win the race, regardless of the cast’s popularity.

Saiyaara’s Earnings on Day 9 and Total Box Office Performance So Far

Released on 18 July 2025, Saiyaara continues to attract large crowds to theatres across the country. On Day 9 (Saturday), the film collected ₹26.5 crore at the domestic box office. On Day 8 (Friday), the movie had registered ₹18 crore in collections. The combined domestic gross earnings now stand at ₹217.25 crore within just nine days.

Globally, the film is quickly approaching the ₹300 crore mark, signaling massive success. Trade analysts suggest that Saiyaara could soon become one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of the year. What’s more impressive is that the film has achieved this on a relatively modest budget of ₹50 crore.

Saiyaara is now officially ahead of Ajay Devgn’s film Red 2 and Aamir Khan’s drama Sitare Zameen Par in terms of box office numbers. This achievement is significant, considering the star power and expectations attached to those films.

The Fresh Pairing of Ahaan Panday and Anit Padda Wins Audience Hearts

The biggest surprise of Saiyaara is the electrifying chemistry between Ahaan Panday and Anit Padda. Both actors are making their mainstream debut, yet their on-screen presence has captivated the audience. The response from the public and critics alike has been overwhelmingly positive.

Viewers have taken to social media to praise the emotional depth of their performances. Many have stated that the couple brought freshness and sincerity to their roles. Theatre-goers across metro cities and tier-two towns have shown strong word-of-mouth support, often calling it this year’s breakout love story.

Celebrities too have shown support, with several attending screenings and reportedly becoming emotional during the film. Photos of well-known actors wiping tears after watching the film have gone viral, boosting the film’s credibility and buzz.

Mohit Suri Returns with a Strong Emotional Love Story

Director Mohit Suri, known for crafting emotionally intense romantic dramas, delivers once again. Saiyaara carries his signature storytelling style—full of deep emotions, poignant character arcs, and soul-stirring music.

In Saiyaara, Suri explores the fragility of relationships, the weight of secrets, and the strength of love. The storytelling is sensitive, yet impactful. Unlike many commercial films, Saiyaara relies more on its emotional graph than gimmicks or spectacle.

Suri’s handling of new actors has been praised, with industry veterans noting how authentically he has shaped Ahaan and Anit’s characters. The way he has used silence, expression, and subtle dialogue makes this film stand out among recent romantic releases.

Storyline: When Love Meets Secrets

The plot of Saiyaara centers around Krish Kapoor, played by Ahaan Panday, a young and aspiring musician struggling to find his identity in a competitive world. He is passionate about music but emotionally distant, carrying the weight of past struggles.

Enter Vani Batra, played by Anit Padda, a calm, introspective journalist with a strong sense of empathy. The two meet under unusual circumstances and are slowly drawn to each other. Vani becomes Krish’s emotional anchor, encouraging him to pursue his dreams and overcome his inner demons.

Their relationship blossoms, but a shocking truth from the past surfaces, threatening to destroy the bond they have built. The film then moves into its emotional climax, asking questions about trust, destiny, and personal redemption.

It is this mix of vulnerability and strength that makes the story resonate with audiences across age groups. The film’s simplicity becomes its biggest strength, bringing tears to many eyes and leaving a lasting emotional impact.

Music Becomes the Soul of Saiyaara

One cannot talk about Saiyaara without mentioning its exceptional music. In true Mohit Suri fashion, the soundtrack is integrated deeply into the storytelling. Every song not only enhances the narrative but also amplifies the emotions.

Music critics have lauded the background score and original tracks for their lyrical quality and emotional resonance. The romantic ballads and soulful duets have become chartbusters, especially among younger audiences who are sharing the songs across social media platforms.

Streaming numbers for the songs have soared in the first week itself, with tracks trending on various platforms. Some viewers have even cited the music as the reason for watching the film multiple times.

Why Saiyaara Is Winning the Box Office War

There are several factors behind Saiyaara’s extraordinary success. First, the emotional storytelling has struck a chord with the audience. At a time when many films rely on action and spectacle, Saiyaara delivers raw human emotion, making it deeply relatable.

Second, the new lead pairing of Ahaan Panday and Anit Padda offers a breath of fresh air. Their performances are natural, heartfelt, and free from pretense, which makes them instantly likeable.

Third, Mohit Suri’s direction and music have always found a loyal audience. Saiyaara builds on that goodwill and delivers a well-packaged, emotionally satisfying film.

Finally, the film’s success is boosted by strong word-of-mouth publicity. Viewers who watched the film in the first weekend are encouraging others to go, creating a positive cycle of audience engagement.

What the Numbers Say: Saiyaara’s Success Is No Fluke

The numbers tell a story of their own. Within nine days, the film has collected over ₹217 crore in India. With each passing day, it continues to attract a strong audience base.

Analysts now predict that Saiyaara may enter the ₹300 crore club globally within its second weekend. If this pace continues, the film could emerge as one of 2025’s top-grossing romantic dramas, challenging films with far higher budgets and bigger names.

The film has also outperformed expectations in overseas markets, with large turnouts in the UAE, UK, and North America. Many overseas screens have added extra shows to meet the demand.

Saiyaara is not just a box office winner; it’s a reminder that content-driven films still rule. Ahaan Panday and Anit Padda’s performances, paired with Mohit Suri’s experienced direction and a gripping musical narrative, have proven that audiences value emotion over extravagance.

The film’s ongoing success sends a clear message to the industry: audiences are ready for new faces and fresh stories—as long as they are told with heart. Saiyaara is now more than just a film; it has become a cultural talking point.

As the second week unfolds, all eyes are on Saiyaara to see how far it can go. But one thing is already certain—the film has carved its name in the list of unexpected box office champions of 2025.