Director Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara attempts to recapture the emotional intensity of his earlier romantic dramas (Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain), delivering a story of heartbreak, healing, and fleeting hope. Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film follows two wounded souls who find solace in each other—only for fate to test their love in devastating ways. While the movie has moments of beauty and strong performances, it struggles to fully deliver the depth and emotional resonance expected from a Suri romance.
Plot & Themes
The story begins with Vaani (Aneet Padda), a young woman abandoned by her fiancé, drowning in grief until she crosses paths with Krish (Ahaan Panday), a brooding musician battling his own demons. Their connection is immediate—bonding over shared pain, dreams, and an undeniable chemistry. However, just as their love begins to heal their scars, tragedy strikes when Vaani faces a life-threatening health crisis, leaving their future uncertain.
The film explores themes of love as redemption, the cruelty of fate, and the fragility of happiness. While the premise is compelling, the screenplay falters in pacing—rushing emotional beats that needed more time to breathe. Certain plot twists feel unearned, and the climax, though poignant, doesn’t land with the emotional weight it strives for.
Performances – The Film’s Strongest Asset
Ahaan Panday makes an impressive debut, bringing raw vulnerability and quiet intensity to Krish. His portrayal of a struggling artist—torn between passion and despair—is convincing and layered. Aneet Padda matches him with a delicate yet powerful performance, balancing Vaani’s innocence with quiet resilience. Their chemistry feels organic, making their love story believable even when the writing falters.
The supporting cast adds warmth and depth—Alam Khan as Kiya, Krish’s loyal friend, provides much-needed comic relief, while veterans Varun Badola and Rajesh Kumar ground the film with their restrained yet impactful performances.
Direction & Technical Aspects
Mohit Suri’s signature style—melodrama set against stunning visuals—is present, but Saiyaara lacks the narrative tightness of his best works. The cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of scenic landscapes amplifying the film’s melancholic tone. The soundtrack, composed by Suri’s frequent collaborator, is soulful and elevates key moments, though it doesn’t quite reach the iconic status of Aashiqui 2’s music.
Verdict: Flashes of Brilliance, But Falls Short of Greatness
Saiyaara is a visually striking, well-acted love story that tugs at the heartstrings but doesn’t leave a lasting impact. While Ahaan and Aneet’s performances shine, the rushed storytelling and uneven emotional buildup prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of Suri’s brand of tragic romance may still find moments to cherish, but this isn’t the masterpiece it could have been.
Final Rating: 3/5 – A bittersweet tale with strong performances, let down by pacing and underdeveloped emotional arcs. Worth a watch for the leads’ chemistry and the music, but don’t expect Aashiqui 2 levels of heartbreak.
