Director Mohit Suri’s latest release Saiyaara is off to a roaring start, with ticket sales placing it as one of 2025’s most successful openers. Starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the musical romantic drama hit theatres on July 18 and has already shattered expectations. With over 3.8 lakh tickets sold nationwide and nearly 1.95 lakh from PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis chains alone, Saiyaara has become the second-highest advance booking performer of the year, just behind Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava.

Produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara has also achieved the third-highest gross advance booking collection in 2025, earning Rs 9.40 crore before its release. This places it just behind Chhaava and Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which registered Rs 13.80 crore and Rs 10.10 crore respectively. Interestingly, the film was initially expected to open with Rs 5-6 crore, but positive word of mouth, a hit music album, and massive pre-release buzz pushed predictions to a Rs 25 crore opening.

Ahaan Panday's Debut Impresses Amid Musical Brilliance

Marking the acting debut of Ahaan Panday cousin of Ananya Panday and son of Chikki and Deane Panday — the film introduces him as Krish Kapoor, a sensitive and emotionally resonant protagonist. His co-star, Aneet Padda, previously seen in Salaam Venky and the Prime Video series Big Girls Don’t Cry, shines as a budding songwriter. The chemistry between the two and the heartfelt narrative has struck a chord with audiences.

The film tells the story of a love blossoming between an aspiring singer and a songwriter. The soundtrack, which has received acclaim, features seven songs composed by top music directors including Tanishk Bagchi, Mithoon, Vishal Mishra, Sachet-Parampara, Rishabh Kant, Faheem Abdulla, and Arslan Nizami. The emotional depth of Saiyaara has been praised in early reviews, particularly for its portrayal of a vulnerable male lead a refreshing departure from Bollywood’s typical hero archetype.

Backed by Akshaye Widhani under the Yash Raj Films banner, Saiyaara is poised to redefine success for debut films in 2025. As box office numbers pour in, the film’s trajectory suggests that it could emerge as one of the year’s biggest surprises.