Saiyaara: Anurag Basu Calls Mohit Suri's Film His Best Work Yet: ‘Cried Like A Teenager'
In a cinematic landscape often driven by massive promotional blitzes, Saiyaara quietly entered theatres on July 18, 2025—with no starry press tours, no viral marketing campaigns, and no loud declarations of grandeur. And yet, the Mohit Suri-directed romance is turning out to be the surprise hit of the season. Backed by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara has not only minted ₹21.25 crore on its opening day but has also left audiences and the industry buzzing with admiration for its lead pair—debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda.
Among those moved by the film was director Anurag Basu, who recently wrapped Metro In Dino and is currently preparing for Aashiqui 3 with Kartik Aaryan. Basu didn't hold back his praise. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, 'Mohito @mohit11481!! Tight jhappi! You're an absolute rockstar! Hands down, this is your best work yet. I legit cried like a heartbroken teenager during the climax. Thank you for giving us two incredible actors! Bravo, maestro. #Saiyaara @yrf."
Mohito @mohit11481!!tight jhappi ! you're an absolute rockstar! Hands down, this is your best work yet. I legit cried like a heartbroken teenager during the climax. Thank you for giving us two incredible actors!Bravo, maestro #Saiyaara @yrf — anurag basu (@basuanurag) July 19, 2025
Mohit Suri, known for emotionally charged musical dramas like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, was quick to respond with affection, 'Love you dada! Forever and ever and ever!!"
But the acclaim hasn't stopped at peer recognition. Saiyaara has shattered Suri's previous opening day records. It outperformed Murder 2 (₹6.95 crore), Aashiqui 2 (₹6.10 crore), Half Girlfriend (₹10.30 crore), and even the 2014 hit Ek Villain (₹16 crore), becoming his biggest opener to date. With a nationwide occupancy of 41.07% across 3,523 shows, the film's reach was especially dominant in Mumbai (649 shows) and Delhi-NCR (804 shows).
News18 Showsha awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, writing, 'What truly elevates the screenplay is the scintillating chemistry between the lead pair. Mohit taps into the rawness and naivety of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda and weaves a story with a beating heart. Saiyaara isn't experimental, it isn't novel, and it isn't spiffy, but it has a lot of heart. Ahaan, as Krish, does a fantastic job. What an incredible debut! He delivers an act that can make even the experienced and seasoned envious."
Saiyaara's unexpected success lies in its restraint—both in form and promotion. Rather than flooding digital spaces with teaser clips and promotional interviews, the makers chose to let the chemistry unfold on the big screen. This 'quiet release" strategy seems to have amplified audience curiosity and allowed the storytelling to take center stage.
With its haunting music, understated emotion, and the raw vulnerability of two promising newcomers, Saiyaara has managed to pierce through the noise. For Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film marks not just a debut, but a powerful arrival. And for Mohit Suri, it seems Saiyaara might just be the most heartfelt chapter in a filmography already rich with emotional resonance.
If Aashiqui 2 defined a generation of cinematic romance, Saiyaara could well become the modern echo of that legacy.
First Published:
July 19, 2025, 20:04 IST
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