Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Saiyaara: An emotional blockbuster
Saiyaara is a word derived from Arabic, used to describe a traveler, wanderer, a lone star among stars. Newcomers Aneet Padda and Ahaan Pandey starred in this superhit Hindi film and left an indelible yet painful mark on their audience and a neat profit at the box office. Saiyaara raked in $46.8 million (₹ 390 crore) worldwide in under two weeks of its release in July, making it only the second most successful Indian film of the year. The film continues its successful run six weeks after its release. It has also triggered hilarious memes on how Gen Z is “crying, obsessing, and heartbreak-posting” about the film.
The film weaves a dramatic love story that heavily reflects the emotional intensity, undying sacrifice, and tragic romance in Aashiqui 2. In fact, Mohit Suri, the director behind both films, had originally intended to use his idea for Saiyaara as the basis for Aashiqui 3 (now being helmed by Anurag Basu). Nevertheless, what truly matters is the feeling Suri left his audience with as they walked out of the theater.
A familiar plot
The plot is simple: Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Pandey) is an aspiring musician, stuck in a band, Josh, where he isn’t recognized for his talent. Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda) is a writer who is six months into recovering from her biggest heartbreak—her fiancé leaving her at the altar and running off with the daughter of the CEO of a successful company. They eventually cross paths when Vaani must write the lyrics for Josh’s new song. Feelings emerge as Krish and Vaani work together to create a musical sensation that captures the world’s attention.
An unimpressive trope turns around
The first fifteen minutes of the movie were not impressive. Vaani was too shy and quiet to relate to or understand, and Krish found every chance to start a fight. It was a typical bad-boy-meets-heartbroken-girl trope, and it was illustrated in the most stereotypical ways. However, like many good movies, the plot becomes much more elaborate at the halfway mark. Vaani and Krish hit an unforeseen obstacle that tests their blossoming relationship. Vaani sees Krish as a saiyaara and believes he needs to chase his success rather than stay with her. Krish is the definition of a man who yearns, staying by her side no matter how much she protests. This leads up to the most heart-wrenching moments of the film, where love and loyalty conflict with letting go and prospering.
Although this film is a typical Bollywood romance, defined by its melodramatic scenes, over-the-top performances, and unrealistic events, there are moments of depth that really stick with you. Days have passed since I first saw the movie, yet a few scenes linger in my mind. One of them in particular earns its place in the most cinematic moments I’ve ever seen: the top half of Vaani’s face is projected on the colossal screen of Wembley Stadium, her eyes heavy with regret, sorrow, and despair, as Krish falls onto his knees beneath it.
Is Saiyaara worth it?
Despite being criticized for its cringy moments, it’s clear why Saiyaara is a success: the well-crafted plotline and emotional depth balance out the melodrama. I would even go so far as to say I’d watch this movie again because I know there are some details I missed. If you want to know if this movie is for you, I suggest you look into some of the audience reviews. One of them said Saiyaara is a cross between 50 First Dates (Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore) and Rockstar (Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri). I agree with their description.
Saiyaara is in movie theaters now and is expected to release on Netflix in September.