Ahaan Panday's Bollywood debut in "Saiyaara" has taken the box office by storm, achieving a massive opening of approximately ₹15.51 crore on its first day, July 18, 2025. Early estimates suggest the film could collect around ₹20 crore net, potentially going even higher depending on spot bookings throughout the day. The film has already crossed the ₹10 crore mark, making it one of the biggest opening Hindi films of 2025.
Strong Occupancy and Advance Bookings
"Saiyaara" has shown impressive occupancy rates across India. Morning shows opened with a bumper 45-50% occupancy, a rare feat these days. Noon shows saw an outstanding 50-60% occupancy, while night shows jumped to an excellent 65-70%. The overall occupancy for the day is estimated to be around 55-60%.
The film also saw exceptional pre-release demand, with over ₹9.4 crore in advance sales on day 1. It sold approximately 380,000 tickets nationwide for the opening day. "Saiyaara" had the highest number of screenings in Delhi NCR, with 804 shows. This strong advance booking places "Saiyaara" as the third-highest among Bollywood movies in 2025, behind "Chhaava" and "Sikandar".
Breaking Records and Exceeding Expectations
Ahaan Panday's debut has not only surpassed Ananya Panday's debut film, "Student of the Year 2," but has also exceeded "Dhadak's" record as the biggest opener for a newcomer film. "Dhadak," starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, earned around ₹8.71 crore net on its opening day.
The film's performance has surprised many, exceeding expectations for a movie with newcomers. Some analysts predict the movie may witness a box office collection of ₹20-25 crore for the day.
Positive Reviews and Audience Reception
"Saiyaara" has been receiving positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film is directed by Mohit Suri, known for his expertise in romantic dramas. The movie stars Ahaan Panday as Krish Kapoor and Aneet Padda as Vaani Batra. The on-screen chemistry between the lead couple has been particularly praised.
Critics have lauded Ahaan Panday for his confident debut, capturing the swagger of a rising star and the vulnerability required for the role. Aneet Padda has also been commended for her impressive performance in both romantic and emotional scenes, with many calling her the next "national crush".
Music and Story
The film's music, composed by Mithoon, Sachet Tandon, Parampara Tandon, Rishabh Kant, Vishal Mishra, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami, has been described as evocative and seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The title track, sung by Faheem Abdullah, has already become popular.
"Saiyaara" is a love story about two youngsters, Vaani and Krish, who are poles apart in their lives but perfect for each other. The film explores themes of love, heartbreak, and redemption, with emotional depth.
Future Expectations
Given the strong opening and positive word-of-mouth, "Saiyaara" is expected to have a successful run at the box office. However, it is important to note that the film's collections may have been boosted by external factors like self-booking, so Saturday's box office numbers will be crucial to track.
"Saiyaara" has been made on a budget of Rs 60 crore. Netflix has acquired the post-theatrical digital rights of the film. To be declared a blockbuster, "Saiyaara" needs to earn Rs 90 crore gross.
