‘Saiyaara’ Breaks Records with ₹83 Crore Opening Weekend

Mohit Suri’s incredible directorial film Saiyaara, featuring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has delivered a historic performance at the Indian box office. Over its opening weekend, the romantic musical drama earned an impressive ₹83 crore in net domestic collections.

A Landmark Debut for New Talent

Produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara is redefining the trajectory of launch vehicles in Bollywood. With a compelling storyline and a strong emotional core, the film has not only resonated with audiences across the country but also demonstrated that well-crafted narratives can transcend star power.

Ahaan Panday’s performance as Krish, a gifted musician navigating personal loss and artistic ambition, has been widely appreciated. Equally noteworthy is Aneet Padda’s portrayal of Vaani, a poet and singer whose character anchors much of the film’s emotional weight.

Record-Breaking Advance and Day-One Momentum

Industry reports indicate that the film opened to ₹21 crore on Day 1, driven by strong advance bookings and word-of-mouth buzz. In the days that followed, it maintained momentum with robust footfalls, culminating in a ₹83 crore weekend. The film outperformed expectations, surpassing previous records held by Student of the Year and Jaat—both of which had more established stars at the time of release.

A YRF Strategy That Paid Off

Yash Raj Films’ strategy of investing in new talent, backed by a strong directorial vision and an emotionally rich soundtrack, appears to have paid off. Prior to its release, the studio had already recovered a large portion of its investment through digital, music, and satellite rights. This pre-release monetization, coupled with the film’s theatrical success, has ensured that Saiyaara is already considered one of the most profitable films of 2025 so far.

Critical and Audience Reception

Beyond box office numbers, Saiyaara has received acclaim for its music, visual storytelling, and emotional depth. Mohit Suri’s signature style—intimate storytelling underscored by a powerful soundtrack—is evident throughout the film. The chemistry between the two leads and the authenticity of their performances have been particular points of praise among critics.

Redefining Bollywood Launches

The film’s performance suggests a broader shift in the Hindi film industry, where audiences are increasingly receptive to fresh faces and content-led cinema. Saiyaara’s success serves as a compelling case study for how new actors, when backed by a credible production house and a strong narrative, can deliver results on par with major commercial stars.