Mohit Suri is known for his signature love stories filled with passion, longing, and dreamy melodies. His latest film, Saiyaara, sticks to that formula and takes viewers on a sentimental journey through memories, heartbreak, and romance.
Saiyaara: A Story of Music, Memories & Melancholy
Right from the start, Saiyaara sets the tone as a film about memories and moments. Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a gentle poet, explains to musician Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday) why some songs are unforgettable—they make you “travel back in time,” reminding you of old loves or rainy afternoons. Watching Saiyaara, many millennials will feel just like that: a little sad, a little nostalgic, and wrapped up in the emotions of earlier Mohit Suri hits like Kalyug, Awarapan, or Aashiqui 2.
The film doesn’t break new ground, but that’s actually what makes it special. Saiyaara is more of a tribute to Suri’s classic style than a brand-new track. It feels familiar, comforting, and a bit like flipping through a scrapbook of old Bollywood love stories.
Aneet Padda makes her debut as Vaani, a shy, thoughtful poet struggling with pain after being abandoned at the altar. Vaani is quiet, often lost in her own thoughts, and always carries a diary—both for her poetry and to jog her sometimes forgetful memory.
Ahaan Panday plays Krish, a bratty young musician from a privileged background. In his introduction, Krish lashes out at a journalist and complains about “nepo kids,” an ironic touch given Ahaan’s real Bollywood family connections (he is Chunky Panday’s nephew and Ananya Panday’s cousin).
Vaani and Krish’s relationship starts as a creative team: she writes lyrics, he puts them to music. Slowly, their partnership leads to friendship, support, and eventually, romance. She brings him inner calm; he helps her become bolder. Their love grows the old-fashioned way, built on connection and shared emotions rather than through texts or dating apps.
Mohit Suri’s Trademark Touches
Fans of Mohit Suri will recognize his familiar formula here—a moody hero, a gentle heroine, emotional baggage, and at least one tragic twist. There are dramatic scenes of loneliness, heartbreak, and self-discovery, all wrapped up in soulful music.
Saiyaara also chooses to keep the story rooted in tradition. Though Vaani and Krish are modern, urban characters, their romance avoids social media and online dating. In a subtle joke, Vaani’s ex is the owner of a dating app called “Soulmates,” playfully poking fun at today’s tech-driven love lives.
Instead, the film focuses on classic Bollywood romance—stolen glances, late-night poetry, and slow-burning chemistry. Aneet and Ahaan, both new to the big screen, share an honest and likeable connection that helps make the story believable, even if their performances are a bit uneven at times.
Aneet Padda impresses as the reserved and sensitive Vaani, fitting comfortably into the “Suri heroine” mold. Ahaan Panday’s performance is promising, though he’s definitely more natural in quiet moments than in over-the-top dramatic scenes. While some lines are softly spoken and easy to miss, both young actors succeed in giving their roles genuine feeling.
The film’s music stands out most when it plays alongside the story. Like many Mohit Suri movies, the songs ARE emotional, moody, and likely to remind you of your own bittersweet memories.
Verdict: A Sweet Throwback for Bollywood Fans
Though Saiyaara doesn’t offer any big surprises, it delivers what it promises: classic romance, dreamy music, and heartfelt emotion. It’s not aiming for revolution, just comfort—a reminder of how love stories used to be told in Bollywood.
If you grew up loving Suri’s past films or miss the days when Hindi movies focused on poetry, heartbreak, and melody, Saiyaara will feel like a warm and rainy afternoon from your youth. For younger viewers, it might just inspire them to skip a class and take a chance on old-school love. All in all, Saiyaara is a cozy, nostalgic watch for anyone hungry for some classic Bollywood feels.