Saiyaara Review: Ahaan Panday Makes Confident Debut In Mohit Suri-Style Romance

Saiyaara review: Powered by strong performances—especially from its leads—and a treatment that finds emotional depth in familiar territory, it’s a solid debut for Ahaan Panday. Rating: 3.5

By : Amit Bhatia | Updated at : 18 Jul 2025 02:11 PM (IST)

Saiyaara review: It is far from the hype created around it, but it is an earnest and watchable film.
Source : IMDb

Saiyaara review: There was an overwhelming buzz around 'Saiyaara' long before it hit the screens, one that created the illusion of a cinematic revolution in the making. The film rode high on this hype, and it translated well into advance bookings. But the real question is: does 'Saiyaara' live up to the noise? The answer lies somewhere between expectation and execution.

Saiyaara plot

At its heart, 'Saiyaara' is a love story. Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday) dreams of becoming a singer, while Vaani (Aneet Padda) aspires to be a journalist. They meet under unusual circumstances, and what follows is the gradual unfolding of their emotional journey. To avoid spoilers, let’s just say the plot evolves with a blend of predictability and poignancy that gradually pulls you in.

How is Saiyaara?

Helmed by Mohit Suri, 'Saiyaara' bears all the trademarks of his brand of cinema, emotional arcs, stylish characters, and an undercurrent of intensity. While the story itself may not break new ground, what elevates the film is the sincerity of its leads and the emotional depth in its treatment.

The first half plays out like your standard romantic drama, but by the interval, the film finds its emotional anchor. The second half is where 'Saiyaara' begins to tug at your heartstrings. That said, the hype comparing it to landmark debut films of Bollywood’s biggest names feels excessive. 'Saiyaara' is a good film, but not a genre-defining masterpiece. Its distinction lies in the way it introduces a fresh face without the usual PR blitz or media overexposure. In that sense, it marks a refreshing change.

Performances

Ahaan Panday delivers a surprisingly mature and compelling performance for a debutant. Whether it’s action, emotion, or romance, he handles each with a natural ease and an undeniable intensity. He is clearly the film’s driving force.

Aneet Padda, too, impresses with both her screen presence and performance. She looks gorgeous and acts with conviction, making her mark in every scene. Rajesh Kumar, playing her father, is endearing and relatable—expect Gen Z audiences to label him the “ideal dad.” Geeta Agrawal breathes life into her role as Aneet’s mother, while Varun Badola fits perfectly as Ahaan’s father. Shaan Grover adds complexity to a character with grey shades, and Kota Factory’s Alam Khan wins hearts in a brief yet impactful appearance.

Direction and writing

The story has been penned by Sankalp Sinha and directed by Mohit Suri. While the narrative is simple and could’ve used more layers, Suri’s direction brings a polish and emotional gravitas that works well for a newcomer-led film. He draws out solid performances from the cast and ensures the film stays engaging.

Music

Despite the hype surrounding the film’s music, the soundtrack is underwhelming. Barring the title track, the rest of the songs fail to leave a lasting impression. For a film banking so heavily on emotional impact, this feels like a missed opportunity.

Final verdict

'Saiyaara' is far from the hype created around it, but it is an earnest and watchable film. Powered by strong performances—especially from its leads—and a treatment that finds emotional depth in familiar territory, it’s a solid debut for Ahaan Panday. It may not be a masterpiece, but it’s definitely worth a watch.

Rating: 3.5

Published at : 18 Jul 2025 02:05 PM (IST)
Tags :
Ahaan Panday Saiyaara Aneet Padda

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