10 ways Mohit Suri's Saiyaara captures Gen Z vibe through Ahaan-Aneet's love story

India Today

3 days ago

If there were a Gen-Z-backed award show, all the trophies would be lying with the 'Saiyaara' team. The recent romantic film by Mohit Suri has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly among young audiences. Social media is already flooded with reels and videos of young people sobbing in theatres, hailing the film. Many are also calling Saiyaara a 'healer for broken hearts' and 'a Gen Z love letter'.The way the Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday film explores love, heartbreak, creative collaboration, mental health, and emotional silences makes it deeply resonate with the new generation.No wonder Gen Z is calling Saiyaara raw, real, and emotionally magnetic -- it mirrors their version of love. Or as they say: 'It's the vibe.' Let's find out why.advertisement1. Romance that speaks their languageWhen was the last time we saw a love story with two 20-somethings in charge? With most stars well into their 30s, Bollywood often focusses on millennial-centric or mature love stories. After a very long time, the college-going audiences are experiencing a relatable romance on screen, which is told in their own language.
2. Love with a purposeWhile Gen-Z has been blamed for being flaky in matters of heart, they claim to be the only ones who love with a purpose. Their emotions are not just driven by passion, intimacy or loneliness, but rather by the belief of making an impact in their partner's life. Similarly, in Saiyaara, both Krish and Vaani try to add value to each other's lives, making them a poster couple for the Gen Z school of romance.3. Soft boi >>> Alpha malesIn the last couple of years, cinema has celebrated alpha males like never before. From Kabir Singh to Ranvijay (Animal), these characters have projected the dominant and domineering qualities of a male partner. However, in 'Saiyaara', Krish may come across as the angry-toxic man-child. As a lover, he is what's colloquially known as the 'soft boi'. From giving up his career to being a prime caregiver at a young age, he was ready to go to all lengths for his lady love. That's exactly why Gen Z can't help but simp hard!4. Found family over blood tiesMillennials have grown up with their parents breathing 'blood is thicker than water' over their necks. We have been told that friends are great, but family is better. However, Gen Z has realised that just because you are related, it doesn't make you relatable. It's the bond that you find on the way that truly stands by you. The strong bond that Krish shares with his friends, unlike his relationship with his father, challenges our inherited beliefs about family. 5. Personal playlistThe music of Saiyaara seems to be the dream playlist for young romantics. From the title track acting as the closure no one's asked for to 'Phir Se Tum' playing like a love letter you were too scared to send, and 'Barbaad' emerging as the breakup anthem: There's one song for everyone in love, for each level.advertisement6. The power of journalingIf it weren't for Gen Z, the production of diaries and pens would have seen a decline. The craze of journaling and writing personal diaries is back, and the film beautifully portrays the same. Vaani believes in expressing herself through written words, and those go on to become a pivotal element in the plot.7. Pinterest-core aestheticsFrom fairy lights, notebooks, handwritten journals, to washed-out tones and simple romantic dates, the Gen Z mood board comes alive in Saiyaara. Full credit to Mohit Suri for keeping the aesthetics of his film in tune with the new-age vision. 8.Self-sabotage for loveAfter her diagnosis, Aneet distances herself from Krish because she thinks it's the right thing. That's what's termed emotional self-sabotage, which Gen Z often justifies as 'healing' or 'protecting others'. While relationships are tough to handle in today's time, their sacrificing nature is nothing short of their lack of crisis-handling skills.advertisement9. Living for the momentWhat would you do if you knew your memory was fading? What would you do if your lover fails to recognise you? 'Saiyaara' also delves into Gen Z's belief of living for the moment, knowing well that love, like life, is fleeting. Even when there's a risk of losing everything, Krish continues to fight, living each day for love and for Vaani.10. Romanticising painKrish and Vaani seem to cling to melancholy at times. There's a quiet glorification of suffering, the kind Gen Z often turns into aesthetics. There are ample sad songs, visuals of rain, and usage of poetry, things that young broken hearts thrive on.- EndsTrending Reel