Saiyaara

I'm not against anyone else's review, and I respect that everyone has their own perspective when it comes to movies. However, after watching this film, I couldn't help but feel that most of the reviews floating around seem overly hyped and, frankly, a little too positive to be genuine. It's a Yash Raj movie, so expectations were naturally high, but in my honest opinion, it doesn't quite live up to the buzz.

Let me start by saying that I went into the movie with an open mind. Yash Raj Films has given us some unforgettable classics, and their name alone usually guarantees a certain level of quality. That said, just having a big banner and a great cast doesn't automatically make a movie exceptional. For me, this one fell short in many areas, especially when it comes to the story.

The plot felt like something we've seen before-a romantic drama that brings nothing new to the table. In fact, the whole vibe reminded me a lot of Aashiqui-the same old tragic love story template, only with a slightly happier twist at the end. There's no harm in using familiar themes if they're executed well, but here, the narrative lacked depth. The emotions didn't hit as hard as they should have, and the dialogues were pretty average. Honestly, I was waiting for that one moment that would make me go, "Wow, this is why everyone is praising it," but it never came.

What surprised me even more is how every review I've seen calls this a "masterpiece" or "one of the best romantic films in recent times." That feels exaggerated. Sure, the cinematography was beautiful, the music was decent, and the lead actors delivered solid performances. But if we're talking about storytelling-the backbone of any film-I found it lacking originality. Everything felt predictable, from the first meeting to the conflict to the eventual resolution.

Now, I completely understand that everyone has different tastes. What might seem dull and repetitive to me could be deeply moving for someone else. And that's okay. Movies are subjective experiences, and that's what makes art beautiful. However, I can't shake the feeling that some of these glowing reviews are either influenced by the big production house backing the movie or are part of an intentional push to create hype. It's something we've seen happen before-manufactured buzz to draw crowds to the theater.

I also want to be fair. The movie does have its positives. Like I mentioned earlier, the visuals are stunning, and some of the songs are genuinely good. If you're someone who just wants a light romantic film with glamorous sets and beautiful faces, you might enjoy it more than I did. But if you go in expecting something groundbreaking or emotionally intense, you might walk out feeling a bit underwhelmed.

At the end of the day, this is just my personal opinion. I could be completely wrong, and maybe I'm missing something that others connected with deeply. I'm sharing this not to discourage anyone from watching the film, but to add a different perspective to the conversation. Reviews, whether positive or negative, should always reflect honesty, and this is mine.

So, if you're planning to watch it, go with an open mind. Don't get carried away by the hype-experience it for yourself and decide. Who knows, you might end up loving it! For me, though, it's just an average film that doesn't justify the overwhelming praise it's getting online.

Again, this is just my thought. It may not be right, but I felt like sharing.

Rockstar and Ashiqui 2 were works of art, this is not. It's just a successful effort to rekindle the emotion of being in relentless love. There are only three kinds of films that are hit. Ones that touch your heart, that make you ponder, and those that do both. It falls in the first category, and just because the audience has been long deprived of a good love story. An opportunity.

What would have made it a great film then?

Had Mohit Suri not answered the question in his mind: what's worse, life sentence, or a death penalty. Great effort, but not a Kubrickan one. He'd do better subsequently.

In an era where films constantly strive to surprise with twists and unconventional storytelling, Mohit Suri's Saiyaara chooses a different route, it leans into the familiar with confidence. Instead of chasing innovation, it opts for emotional depth and storytelling sincerity. At its heart, Saiyaara is a love story you may have heard before but it's the way it's told that makes all the difference. The narrative might be predictable, but it's infused with genuine emotion that connects.

There are moments in Saiyaara that unmistakably echo the emotional essence of Mohit Suri's earlier works like Aashiqui 2 and Hamari Adhuri Kahani. Yet, instead of coming across as repetitive, the film feels like a heartfelt continuation of that emotional lineage. It stays within the bounds of conventional storytelling, but does so with such conviction that it keeps you hooked especially during the interval and the deeply moving climax, which are bound to stir even the most reserved hearts. Rohan Shankar's dialogues are another strength, providing the emotional spine to the film.

Debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are the soul of Saiyaara. In a film that depends more on emotional resonance than narrative twists, their performances hold the weight of the story. Ahaan brings vulnerability & charm to Krish. Aneet Padda matches him beat for beat, portraying Vaani with grace and quiet strength. Their chemistry crackles on screen, making their love story feel heartfelt and lived-in. Alam Khan, Geeta Agrawal, Rajiv Kumar, and other supporting actors provide strong support, adding emotional gravitas without overplaying their roles.

Director Mohit Suri knows his audience intimately. No Mohit Suri film is complete without a memorable soundtrack, and Saiyaara is no exception. The title track "Saiyaara" is undoubtedly the standout. Other tracks like "Dhun," "Barbaad," "Tum Ho Toh," and "Humsafar" are equally soulful, each one placed perfectly to elevate the emotional beats of the story. Saiyaara is worth your time, the movie proves that sometimes, storytelling isn't about reinventing... it's about resonating.

Direction 3.5/5 Acting 3.5/5 Music 4/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 3.5/5.

Saiyaara , feels like a nostalgic yet fresh dive into Bollywood romance that hits you right in the feels. The story follows Krish, a fiery, ambitious musician, and Vaani, a shy lyricist recovering from heartbreak. The chemistry of lead pair, built through soulful songwriting sessions and raw emotional moments, is the heart of the film. The music is a standout, with tracks like Humsafar and Barbaad weaving seamlessly into the story, amplifying every emotional beat. The visuals rain-soaked streets, moody studios, and tender close-ups create a cinematic vibe that's both gritty and poetic. Both debutant did very good job.

Romantic drama enthusiasts especially fans of Mohit Suri's signature style like Aashiqui 2 or Ek Villain will adore the emotional intensity and music-driven storytelling. It might not click for those who prefer fast-paced plots or dislike predictable arcs. Overall something fresh for young audience after long time.

There are really two kinds of people watching this film: one group genuinely loves it with all their heart, and another shows up mainly to mock it and not so much the film itself, but the so-called cringe audience that enjoys it. Then there's a third category: people who just want to judge it fairly, on its own merits and flaws, without picking a side. Here's an honest take for that third group.

Merits

1. The Songs Easily the film's strongest point. Every song is woven seamlessly into the story, they don't feel forced, they carry it. It's the kind of album you'll replay on your own. Solid 8/10.

2. The Acting Both debutants deliver more than decent performances for their first outing. Sure, some moments feel a touch dramatic or raw, but they do land scenes that make you feel their pain and love. Credit where it's due: 6.5/10.

4. The Pacing Overall, the film moves well. The first half drags a bit, but that slower buildup works to establish the characters. The second half picks up enough to balance it out. 7/10.

4. The Chemistry The leads genuinely have spark. Aneet looks effortlessly stunning throughout, and Ahaan pulls off the classic lover boy vibe convincingly. Their chemistry does a lot of heavy lifting. 8/10.

Demerits

1. The Screenplay This is where things stumble. It's basically a loose rehash of the Korean film A Moment to Remember, and it shows painfully so if you've seen the original. The emotional beats are there but the stitching is weak. 4/10.

2. The Direction Typical Mohit Suri hit or miss. Here it's mostly average. Some characters wander in and out with no real purpose. A tighter grip on the story could have elevated this so much more. 3.5/10.

3. The Emotional Depth While the film tries hard to tug at your heartstrings, it doesn't always land the emotional punches it aims for. Some scenes feel melodramatic instead of genuinely moving, and the payoff isn't as strong as it should be for a story like this. The result: moments that should break you end up just feeling nice instead of unforgettable. 5/10

Verdict

In the end, this film is exactly what it looks like: a decent one-time watch. If you love the songs and have a soft spot for star-crossed lovers, you'll find moments to enjoy. Just don't expect a masterpiece and skip the fan wars.

Final word: Watch it for the music, the chemistry, and a few heartfelt moments then move on.