19-07-2025
Why Has Saiyaara Starring Ahaan Panday And Aneet Padda Resonated With Gen Z?
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Saiyaara has resonated with Gen Z as Mohit Suri's directorial musical romantic drama starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda does impressive numbers at box office.
Fun activity: Name at least five Bollywood movies released in the last couple of months. Now, tell us something: Did you have to Google that, or are you well-versed in Hindi movies hitting the theatres and quietly leaving them without a trace? Saiyaara has, somehow, emerged to be an anomaly here. Directed by Mohit Suri, yes, the same director who launched Kunal Khemu 20 years ago with Kalyug, has returned to the scene and managed to collect the biggest opening for a movie in his career yet.
How did that happen?
What Is Saiyaara?
If clicking on this article made you go 'what is a saiyaara", you may be in the minority, but that's okay. Suri, the director, presented two new faces – debutant Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Saiyaara, under the Yash Raj Films banner, hit the theatres on Friday, 18th July to rave reviews online and offline. The fact that the movie's soulful music has received appreciation has only helped the movie get the legs despite the new faces the audience had to work with (yet again!) on the big screen. As for the plot, we wouldn't want to spoil it for you.
Why Saiyaara Has Worked For Gen Z
'Why is #Saiyaara getting such a crazy response?" an X user by the handle @NishitShawHere asked his fellow Bollywood buffs. The answers quickly poured in.
'Maybe Gen Z is tired of watching overly muscular, VFX heavy 50+ year budhha romancing actresses young enough to be their granddaughters (sic)," wrote one user in response.
A break from seeing old actors romancing actresses half their age has come as a breather, say fans.
'Man, let this generation have some youth romance contents (even if it's just mediocre) where the male actor isn't pushing 40 and the actress in 20s. Where male lead doesn't look like he hasn't taken a shower for years and the pathetic cringe 'heroic" dialogues (sic)."
'Gen Z is done with the same old faces & cringe tropes. We want fresh talent, age-appropriate stories, and relatable vibes no forced 'Dishoom Dishoom" or random songs, (sic)" remarked another user.
'Because people of our generation yearn for real love — the kind that says, 'I'll stay, I'll keep holding on to you even if you don't remember a thing about me.' Love that is not confused and weak. Love that endures through everything, in health and in sickness."
'Sick and tired of same old action and senseless movies. Nice to see a young romcom after long, that too with fresh faces! (sic)"
In summary, young fans appreciate that the movie captivates audiences without relying on heavy visual effects, major celebrities, or relentless, physics-defying action sequences. The age-appropriate romance is what they had been looking for and Saiyaara fulfils their demand on that front.
News18 Showsha gave the film 3.5/5 stars.
'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," an excerpt from the review read.
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According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Saiyaara has reportedly collected Rs 20.50 crore by 11:30 pm on Day 1. This is Suri's highest first-day opening for any film in his entire catalogue, including Murder 2 (2011), Aashiqui 2 (2013), Half Girlfriend (2017).
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Saiyaara
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Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 19, 2025, 10:12 IST
News explainers Why Has Saiyaara Starring Ahaan Panday And Aneet Padda Resonated With Gen Z?
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