Ahaan Panday is experiencing a career high with the release of his debut film, Saiyaara, alongside Aneet Padda. The film, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, has been described as a poignant love story, with Panday and Padda receiving praise for their performances.
The film's success has resonated throughout the industry, including Karan Johar, who shared his review of Saiyaara on social media. Johar admitted to being deeply moved by the film, saying he hadn't felt such a strong emotional response in a long time. He lauded the performances of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, calling them "beyond magical". Johar specifically praised Panday, stating that he "broke my heart and yet energized me as a filmmaker… your eyes spoke volumes and I can't wait to see your journey ahead…. You are spectacular!!!! Welcome to the movies !!!". He also commended Mohit Suri's direction and the film's music, considering the music a character in the film.
Panday, in response to Johar's praise, expressed that he was "shell-shocked" by the positive feedback. He stated that growing up watching Karan Johar's films, particularly Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, made the acknowledgment even more meaningful.
Saiyaara has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also achieved significant commercial success. The film earned ₹20 crore on its opening day, surpassing the opening-day collections of other films and becoming the biggest debutant-driven film launch in recent memory. The film has continued to perform well, with box office collections crossing ₹45 crore within the first two days. The film recorded a strong 44.33% occupancy across theaters nationwide on its release day. The film's success is particularly noteworthy because it stars two newcomers in the lead roles.
The film's narrative centers on Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), an aspiring singer, and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a journalist. Their love story unfolds amidst unexpected challenges as they navigate ambition and societal pressures.
While Saiyaara has generally received positive reviews, some critics have noted similarities to Mohit Suri's earlier film, Aashiqui 2. Despite mixed reviews, the audience has responded positively, with many praising the film's music and emotional depth. Some moviegoers have been seen singing, dancing, and cheering during screenings, indicating a high level of engagement with the film.
The success of Saiyaara has been a family affair for Ahaan Panday, with his cousin Ananya Panday and uncle Chunky Panday showing their support on social media. Ananya shared childhood photos and expressed her excitement for her brother's debut, while Chunky conveyed his love and support for his nephew.
Karan Johar's praise for Saiyaara also led to a response to a troll who accused him of nepotism. Johar, known for launching star kids, was labeled "nepo kid ka daijaan" (nanny for nepo kids) in the comment section of his post. The filmmaker responded sharply, defending the talent of the newcomers and urging the troll to focus on their own work. Johar's response was supported by other internet users, who appreciated his stand against negativity.
