Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has lauded the success of "Saiyaara," starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, as a pivotal moment for Hindi commercial cinema. Ghai emphasized the film's triumph as a testament to the power of heartfelt storytelling, smart casting, and balanced production values, which can outperform films burdened by exorbitant star fees and marketing gimmicks.
Ghai took to social media to express his views, congratulating Aditya Chopra and Mohit Suri for proving the fundamental principles of filmmaking. He stated that "Saiyaara" has made history by reaffirming that a good producer, director, story, script, music, and appropriate casting – whether with established or new faces – coupled with a sensible budget, are the key ingredients for success. He believes that audiences are ready to embrace heartwarming films with the right cast.
"Saiyaara" has indeed become a box office sensation, setting new opening-day records for debut actors. The film's success has been attributed to its strong direction, tight script, melodious music, and balanced production values. Ghai specifically pointed out that the film's accomplishment sends a clear message to investors and producers: avoid overspending on stars and prioritize a good story. He cautioned against investing in main actors more than the production cost, spending money on stars' whims, or অতিরিক্ত spending on marketing stunts.
The film has already surpassed ₹100 crore worldwide within just three days of its release, becoming the 8th highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025. In India alone, "Saiyaara" opened with ₹21.5 crore on its first Friday and continued its strong performance, reaching ₹83.25 crore in its first weekend. By its fifth day, the film had collected ₹132.25 crore, outshining Salman Khan's "Sikandar" and Akshay Kumar's "Sky Force" in their lifetime collections.
Mohit Suri, known for his expertise in the romance genre, revisits familiar territory with "Saiyaara". The movie embraces its genre wholeheartedly, incorporating heartbreak and soulful music, elements that resonated with audiences in his earlier hit, "Aashiqui 2". The positive word-of-mouth and packed theaters have contributed to the film's strong performance.
Subhash Ghai's perspective underscores a growing trend in the industry, where audiences are increasingly drawn to films that prioritize storytelling over star power. He believes that both newcomers and established actors can contribute to a film's success, provided the project is well-executed and emotionally engaging. "Saiyaara" success reinforces the idea that quality storytelling can triumph in an industry often dominated by star-driven projects.
