Mohit Suri has made his return to cinemas after a three-year hiatus with his romantic drama, Saiyaara, which debuted on July 18. Backed by Yash Raj Films, the movie features newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in the lead roles. This film marks Mohit’s return to the romantic genre following his previous works: Awarapan, Aashiqui 2, and Ek Villain. Saiyaara has generated significant pre-release excitement, and the advance ticket sales suggest a powerful opening at the box office.
Story
The storyline of Saiyaara revolves around two lovers. Vaani Batra (played by Aneet Padda) is a budding poet preparing for her wedding when her fiancé cancels their court marriage at the last moment, leaving her heartbroken and unable to write. Six months later, she starts a job as a journalist and encounters Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), an aspiring singer filled with passion and inner turmoil. Captivated by Vaani’s poetry, Krish invites her to collaborate on songwriting. As they work closely together, they develop feelings for one another, but their romance faces numerous challenges. The unfolding of their journey constitutes the rest of the film.
Performances
Ahaan Panday delivers an impressive debut, showcasing a powerful screen presence, particularly in emotional moments. Aneet Padda surprises with her performance in a complex role that she navigates expertly. The chemistry between the two leads is highly appealing. Alam Khan (KV) makes a notable impact, while Geeta Agarwal (Vaani’s mother), Rajesh Kumar (Vaani’s father), Varun Badola (Krish’s father), and others provide solid supporting performances.
Behind the scenes
The film’s soundtrack plays a significant role in its appeal, with the title track standing out and being beautifully filmed, along with “Dhun.” Other songs such as “Barbaad,” “Tum Ho Toh,” and “Humsafar” are deeply moving. John Stewart Eduri’s background score complements the film’s emotional tone perfectly.
Vikas Sivaraman’s cinematography imparts a rich and colorful aesthetic to the film. The production design by Laxmi Keluskar and Rajat Poddar is impressive, while Sheetal Sharma’s costumes add a glamorous touch. Aejaz Gulab’s action sequences, though minimal, are entertaining, and yFX provides sophisticated visual effects. The editing by Devendra Murdeshwar and Rohit Makwana is satisfactory.
The story by Sankalp Sadanah is commendable, with a screenplay that is dramatic and engaging, though it evokes some familiarity with Mohit Suri’s past films. Rohan Shankar’s dialogues resonate emotionally, enhancing the overall narrative.
Final Verdict
Mohit Suri’s direction excels in this film. Known for his compelling storytelling, he exhibits remarkable growth here. His films often explore themes of loneliness and addiction, all of which surface in Saiyaara, yet there is more depth to the storytelling.
Fortunately, the trailer does not reveal the plot, and viewers will be surprised by the twists, especially during the interval. Memorable scenes include Krish’s dramatic entrance and Vaani’s confrontation with him over his inability to write lyrics, as well as her vulnerability as she shares her past while Krish plays cricket. The post-interval tension is palpable, leading to a gripping pre-climax and an emotional finale.
In conclusion, while Saiyaara may not introduce groundbreaking storytelling, it effectively strikes an emotional chord. The film resonates with its audience and is executed with heartfelt sincerity. It offers enough substance to evoke genuine feelings, which, at times, can be more than sufficient.
