Bollywood’s newest romance drama, Saiyaara, swept the box‐office on July 18, 2025—its ₹20 crore opening day collection not only broke expectations, but also created a record of sorts for its newcomer leads, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda.
A Dream Launch for Newcomers
On a day when star-studded movies and high-end franchises usually ruled, Saiyaara was the exception. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, the movie had one distinct angle: two new faces in the leads. But all apprehension was removed by the figures.
Trade analytics site Sacnilk posted a remarkable ₹20 cr nett collection on opening day, with overall occupancy at around 50%, reaching a 67% during night shows. Cities such as Jaipur and Lucknow particularly welcomed the movie, each recording over 76% occupancy.
Such prodigious performance makes Saiyaara the top four biggest openers of 2025, surpassing several star-supporting releases.
What Sparked the Sensation?
A number of reasons powered the movie’s blockbuster opening:
* Music that strikes a chord: Glimpses of earlier Mohit Suri hits (remember *Aashiqui 2*) are easily discernible. The critics and masses alike admired the album, with one publication labelling the title track “chartbuster” material which brought emotional depth and wistfulness.
* Powerful word-of-mouth: Even as newcomers, Ahaan and Aneet made an impression on audiences with a strong emotional trajectory. NDTV reported that their performances possessed “promise and a fire in the belly,” infusing intangible value on the opening of the film.
* Pre-release buzz: Ticket trends leading up to the release were optimistic about the movie’s prospects—BMS witnessed a jaw-dropping **263% spurt in pre-bookings** within 24 hours, making it the **#3 highest day-one advance booking** for the year.
* Mohit Suri’s romance charm: Known for heartfelt love stories, Suri’s direction delivered the emotional fidelity audiences expect. The film’s visuals, pacing, and storytelling struck a chord.
Records Toppled & Barriers Broken
Day 1 of Saiyaara wasn’t just strong—it broke barriers:
* Ranked as the 4th largest Bollywood opener of 2025, trailing only blockbuster titles.
* Became the highest opening by a debutant-lead film to beat older records set by Dhadak and other debutant-led ventures.
* Logged 419K tickets sold through BookMyShow on opening day, which is the 2nd highest opening-day ticket sale after Chhaava.
What the Trade & Critics Are Saying?
Even industry experts are amazed. Mint described the opening as “massive” and expects weekend collection to jump to ₹70–80 cr nett, tipping it into blockbuster territory.
Critics were in agreement. Hindustan Times acclaimed the film as a “stirring musical saga,” while India Today highlighted its “smashing start” and top charting music.
Why This Matters?
The triumph of Saiyaara has implications far beyond weekend box office:
* It’s a win for romantic musicals, a genre whose big hits have dwindled in recent years. The film proves there’s still a strong audience out there for expertly made, emotionally engaging love stories.
* The outcome is a breakthrough for newcomers. Ahaan and Aneet’s blockbuster debut could signal a new generation of star-making films—and it highlights audiences’ acceptance of talent over heritage.
* Finally, it emphasizes the constant power of music. With powerful tunes and a passionate center, *Saiyaara* demonstrates how a soundtrack can be the igniting that sets a film ablaze.
What’s Next?
With Day 1 success in the bag, attention now turns to the weekend. Will positive word-of-mouth sustain the momentum? Will Suri’s storytelling hold in the coming days? Early signs—additional screenings and midnight shows added due to demand—suggest the movie is set for a hearty weekend jump.
Saiyaara is not only a movie—it’s a statement. One day, it changed expectations: momentum through newcomer talent, and real emotion can still dominate the box office in 2025. Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda did not merely debute—they declared themselves.
If the buzz grows, this could just be the beginning of a new chapter in Bollywood romance.
