Alia Bhatt has showered accolades on the lead actors of the newly released romantic drama, Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, declaring them "two beautiful, magical stars". The film, directed by Mohit Suri, known for his emotionally charged love stories, marks the Bollywood debut for both Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda.
Bhatt shared her appreciation in a heartfelt note on Instagram, accompanied by a photo featuring director Mohit Suri and the debutants. She expressed immense admiration for the actors, stating she doesn't remember the last time she looked at two actors with such awe. Bhatt further praised their individuality and honesty, expressing her desire to watch them perform "again, and again, and again".
Saiyaara, produced by Yash Raj Films, has already created a significant buzz, with many drawing parallels to Suri's earlier hit, Aashiqui 2. The movie tells the story of Vaani (Aneet Padda), a budding journalist, and Krish (Ahaan Panday), an aspiring singer, as they navigate a tumultuous romance filled with ambition and drama.
The film's music, directed by Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, Rishabh Kant, Vishal Mishra, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami, has also garnered considerable attention. The title track, in particular, is rapidly climbing streaming charts, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film.
Saiyaara hit theaters worldwide on July 18, 2025, and has had a record-breaking opening day, collecting ₹21.25 crore in India. This marks a historic moment for a debutant-led film. The film has broken the record for debutant-led films on the opening day of its release. Furthermore, Saiyaara has also become director Mohit Suri's career-best opening, surpassing Ek Villain, which earned ₹16.70 crore on its opening day in 2014.
The success of Saiyaara is particularly noteworthy, as it achieved this without traditional publicity and marketing strategies. The film's strong advance bookings, with 90,000 tickets sold in national chains, further solidify its anticipated success.
Critics and audiences alike have lauded Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda for their performances. While Ahaan has been praised for his restraint and natural presence, Aneet is being hailed as the next "national crush" for her charm and emotional depth.
The positive reception extends beyond Alia Bhatt, with numerous celebrities congratulating the team. Chunky Panday, Ahaan's uncle, shared a touching Instagram post with a childhood photo of Ahaan and Ananya Panday, expressing his love and best wishes. Ananya Panday also shared her review of Saiyaara, writing "A star is born, my Saiyaara" on Instagram.
Madhur Bhandarkar praised the film for shattering myths about launching newcomers and highlighting the importance of raw talent and fearless storytelling. He congratulated Mohit Suri and YRF for backing the film, emphasizing that it's about what you bring, not who you know.
Saiyaara seems to have struck a chord with audiences, offering a blend of soulful music, an emotional storyline, and fresh faces. The film is poised to be a significant success, potentially revitalizing the romantic drama genre in Bollywood.
