Entertainment Correspondent
info@impressivetimes.com
Saiyaara, the highly anticipated romantic drama directed by Mohit Suri, has taken a remarkable start at the Indian box office. Featuring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film collected an estimated ₹20.07 crore on its opening day, making it one of the strongest debuts of the year and a significant milestone for a film led entirely by newcomers.
The film’s impressive performance exceeded all early estimates, which projected an opening between ₹9.5 to ₹12.5 crore. Strong advance bookings, positive word-of-mouth, and the popularity of its soundtrack contributed to the film’s successful launch.
Ahaan Panday, cousin of actress Ananya Panday, makes a confident and compelling first impression in Saiyaara. His chemistry with co-star Aneet Padda has been praised by audiences and critics alike. With the film focusing on themes of love, loss, and memory, the duo’s emotionally nuanced performances have resonated widely.
Ananya Panday took to social media to express her pride in Ahaan, calling him “a star is born.” The Panday family, including actor Chunky Panday and Bhavana Pandey, also shared heartwarming posts in support of Ahaan’s cinematic debut.
Directed by Mohit Suri, known for his work on films like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, Saiyaara explores the emotional journey of young love challenged by memory loss. The film’s narrative has drawn comparisons to the 2004 Korean classic A Moment to Remember, although no official confirmation has been made regarding adaptation.
The title track, sung by Faheem Abdullah, has emerged as one of the most streamed songs this month. Its widespread appeal, reminiscent of classic Bollywood romance, has played a major role in the film’s box office traction.
Produced under the YRF banner, Saiyaara reportedly had a production budget of ₹30 crore. The success of its opening day places the film on track to become a sleeper hit, especially if current momentum continues through the weekend.
Notable industry figures, including filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, have praised the film for its storytelling and courage to cast fresh talent without relying on star power. Director Kunal Kohli also lauded the lead pair and advised them to remain grounded in their newfound success.
Box Office Summary: Day 1 Performance
Date | India Net Collection |
---|---|
July 18 | ₹20.07 crore (approx.) |
With over 90,000 tickets sold in advance, packed evening shows, and growing viewer interest, the film is projected to earn ₹55–60 crore by the end of its opening weekend.
Is ‘Saiyaara’ Inspired by ‘A Moment to Remember’?
Online speculation continues around Saiyaara’s similarity to A Moment to Remember, a film that tells the story of a young woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and the emotional fallout in her relationship. While the core themes are similar, Saiyaara has been framed as an original Bollywood narrative, grounded in Mohit Suri’s signature romantic style.
With a strong debut at the box office, a compelling soundtrack, and a well-received cast of newcomers, Saiyaara is proving to be a significant moment for new-age Bollywood storytelling. The film not only marks a successful launch for Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda but also signals the return of emotional, music-driven cinema that connects deeply with audiences.
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