Why This is Trending
Saiyaara, a 2025 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama, has taken the Bollywood scene by storm, grossing over ₹255 crore worldwide and becoming the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film introduces debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in a heart-wrenching love story that’s resonating with audiences. Its soulful soundtrack, featuring artists like Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, has dominated social media, with tracks like “Saiyaara” and “Barbaad” going viral. However, controversy over alleged similarities to the 2004 Korean film A Moment to Remember has sparked heated debates online, fueling its trending status. Recent interviews with Suri and record-breaking advance bookings have kept Saiyaara in the spotlight, making it a must-watch for romantic drama fans.
Summary: Saiyaara captivates with its emotional depth and music but stirs debate over originality, driving massive online buzz.
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Image Source: x. Saiyaara Film.Recent DevelopmentsSaiyaara hit theaters on July 18, 2025, and its opening day alone earned ₹28.75 crore worldwide, marking the highest opening for a Hindi film with a debutant male lead. By the end of its first week, it amassed ₹255 crore, outpacing major releases like Salman Khan’s Sikandar and Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force to become the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. Advance bookings were unprecedented, with 97,000 tickets sold across 4,300+ shows before release, as reported by PVR-INOX and Cinepolis. The film’s unconventional marketing strategy, which avoided pre-release interviews and focused on its music and trailers, paid off, creating a mystery around its debutant leads that drove audience curiosity. The film’s Netflix release is anticipated after its eight-week theatrical run, expected around September 12, 2025, further amplifying its reach. Meanwhile, a viral video comparing Saiyaara’s emotional scenes to A Moment to Remember has ignited plagiarism allegations, with fans of the Korean film pointing out striking similarities in key moments. Director Mohit Suri has defended the film, insisting it’s an original script inspired by universal themes of love and loss, but the controversy continues to trend on platforms like X. Background & BiographySaiyaara tells the story of Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a tempestuous musician grappling with personal turmoil, and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a shy poet recovering from a broken engagement. Their creative partnership blossoms into a passionate romance, but a devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease for Vaani introduces a tragic twist. The film, produced by Yash Raj Films under CEO Akshaye Widhani, was initially conceived by Suri as a potential Aashiqui 3. After creative differences with producers Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt, Suri reimagined it as an independent project, drawing inspiration from the Netflix documentary The Romantics and guidance from filmmaker Luv Ranjan. Ahaan Panday, cousin of actress Ananya Panday, makes a bold debut as Krish, showcasing both swagger and vulnerability. Critics have praised his natural dialogue delivery and compared his intensity to Hrithik Roshan’s debut in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. Aneet Padda, known for roles in Big Girls Don’t Cry and Salaam Venky, brings grace and emotional depth to Vaani, earning accolades for her commanding screen presence. The soundtrack, featuring seven songs by composers like Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi, and Vishal Mishra, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil and others, has been a major driver of the film’s success, with tracks like “Humsafar” and “Tum Ho Toh” resonating deeply with audiences. Social Media ReactionOn X, Saiyaara has sparked polarized reactions. Posts like those from HimeshMankad celebrated its ₹19–20 crore opening day as “extraordinary,” while SumitkadeI highlighted its 90,000+ ticket pre-sales as “unprecedented.” Fans have lauded the film’s emotional intensity and music, with NishitShawHere calling it “mesmerizing” and giving it 3.5/5 stars. However, not all reactions are positive. UmdarTamker slammed it as “bakwas” (nonsense), labeling it one of the “worst Hindi romantic films” with “pathetic direction” and “zero chemistry.” The plagiarism controversy gained traction after a viral video on X compared scenes to A Moment to Remember, with users debating whether Saiyaara is a heartfelt homage or a blatant copy. Public SentimentThe public’s response to Saiyaara mirrors its social media divide. Audiences, particularly younger viewers and couples, have flocked to theaters, drawn by the film’s emotional resonance and melody-driven storytelling. The U/A certificate from the CBFC ensured broad accessibility, contributing to its ₹119 crore opening weekend. Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes reflect a 79% approval rating from 14 critics, with an average score of 5.1/10. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave it 4.5/5 stars, praising its “stirring musical saga” and “stellar lead performances.” However, some viewers, like those on IMDb, rated it lower (6/10), citing a predictable storyline and lack of emotional depth compared to Suri’s earlier works like Aashiqui 2. The plagiarism allegations have cast a shadow, particularly among fans of Korean cinema. Yet, the film’s box office dominance and social media buzz suggest that its emotional core and music have overshadowed these criticisms for many. Ahaan Panday’s heartfelt Instagram post praising Aneet Padda as a “new star” further endeared the duo to fans, amplifying their appeal as relatable newcomers. What Experts Are SayingCritics have largely celebrated Saiyaara for its execution, despite its familiar narrative. Rishil Jogani of Pinkvilla (3.5/5 stars) called it a “beautifully crafted romantic drama” that triumphs through its performances and music. Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times noted that while it “may not break new ground,” it “strikes the right emotional chords” with sincerity. Radhika Sharma of NDTV (3/5 stars) described it as a classic “bad boy meets good girl” story, while Vinamra Mathur of Firstpost praised the leads for sailing through a “messy, imperfect love story.” On the controversy, Mohit Suri addressed the comparisons to A Moment to Remember in a PTI interview, stating, “In love, there will be pain… If love is not real, it’s not felt. I believe in it more than I fantasize about it.” He emphasized that Saiyaara is an Indianized story with a unique cultural lens. Industry analyst Taran Adarsh highlighted the film’s marketing strategy on X, noting its reliance on music and trailers over traditional promotions, which “shocked and surprised” the industry with its success. FAQs About Saiyaara Film
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