Saiyaara Shines Overseas Despite Coolie And War 2 Clash, Hits USD 6 Million Mark
Mohit Suri's Saiyaara, starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has gone on to become one of the biggest overseas success stories of Indian cinema this year. The romantic drama, which opened to positive word of mouth in India and abroad, has now surpassed the coveted $6 million mark in North America, becoming the third-highest-grossing Indian film in the territory.
Having collected USD 5.1 million by August 15, Saiyaara continued its solid momentum at the box office. On August 18, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda's film crossed the USD 6 million milestone, meaning it added nearly a million dollars in just 13 days – a rare feat that highlights its consistent pull despite stiff competition.
In the North American rankings, Saiyaara now sits at No. 3 among Indian films. Leading the chart is Chhaava, the historical epic starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, which stands at USD 6.4 million, followed closely by Rajinikanth's Coolie at USD 6.22 million.
For Hindi films specifically, Saiyaara's is now the second-highest-grossing Hindi film ever in North America, trailing only Chhaava.
Did you know it was Aditya Chopra who wanted a fresh casting for Saiyaara?
Mohit Suri was one of the guest speakers at CNN-News18's Mumbai Townhall even t where he said that it was YRF Head Aditya Chopra who told him that the film would flop if it were made with 'established names".
'I really had put in a lot of my voice into the film," Suri shared. 'In this atmosphere where everyone was blowing up cars, I was making this love story with new people. I put in a lot of myself in writing the film, along with my assistant. I sent the script to YRF during the December holiday weekend and I chickened out. I thought, let me give him some solution—in the sense, provide some actors and known names who would back me and make this film. I so badly wanted to make this film," he explained.
The filmmaker admitted that his original vision was to work with newcomers, but market realities made him doubt the decision. 'When I wanted approval, I said okay, I have this list of actors who are willing to do this film with me. I wrote it for new people but I really want to make this film. I don't know in this market who will put in this much money to make it with new people," he continued.
That's when Aditya Chopra stepped in with a bold perspective. Mohit Suri shared, 'It was Adi Sir who told me, 'Why are you making this film? My distribution and marketing team will be very happy that you are selling me this film with known faces, but I am telling you your film will flop if you make this with established names.
Saiyaara released on July 18.
First Published:
August 19, 2025, 14:19 IST
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