“Saiyaara (2025): Mohit Suri’s Melodic Return to Romance” Movie Sets the Tone for a New Generation of Romance in Bollywood
In a cinematic landscape increasingly dominated by action-packed blockbusters and high-concept thrillers, Saiyaara (2025) marks a tender, emotional shift. Directed by Mohit Suri, best known for hits like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, this romantic musical reaffirms his flair for portraying raw, melancholic love stories. But Saiyaara isn’t just a nostalgic throwback it’s a fresh reintroduction of classic Bollywood romance tailored for a new generation.
Released on July 18, 2025, Saiyaara stars newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, both delivering emotionally grounded performances that have garnered praise across the industry. Ahaan plays Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician battling inner demons. Aneet shines as Vaani Batra, a quiet lyricist recovering from heartbreak after being abandoned at her marriage registration. Their on-screen chemistry is electric, gentle, and deeply felt a rarity in today’s love stories that often skip past emotional build-up.
The story follows their creative collaboration, which slowly evolves into a soulful romance. But just as they find solace in each other, tragedy strikes: Vaani is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Krish must then choose between chasing his musical dreams or holding on to the love that changed him. The film’s second half takes a more introspective, poignant turn pushing audiences to reflect on memory, love, and loss.
What truly sets Saiyaara apart is Mohit Suri’s signature visual style. He crafts a mood that is poetic yet restrained rain-drenched roads, sunset-lit studios, and quiet breakdowns replace over-the-top declarations. Suri leans into subtlety, a choice that elevates the storytelling without drowning it in melodrama. It’s a cinematic tone that speaks directly to Gen Z’s preference for realism and emotional nuance.
The music, of course, is the heartbeat of Saiyaara. With composers like Mithoon, Arslan Nizami, Tanishk Bagchi, and Vishal Mishra at the helm, and vocals by Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, and Jubin Nautiyal, the soundtrack is both haunting and beautiful. Songs like “Barbaad,” “Humsafar” and the title track “Saiyaara” have already become staples on playlists and reels, signaling the film’s cultural impact beyond the theatre.
While the screenplay draws some criticism for being predictable or melodramatic in moments, it’s hard to deny the film’s emotional pull. It doesn’t rely on grand stardom or gimmicks. Instead, Saiyaara lets its emotion breathe, its performances shine, and its music speak. In an era of spectacle, it’s a film that chooses sincerity and that choice resonates.
In many ways, Saiyaara is not just a film but a statement: that romance in Bollywood is far from dead it’s simply evolving. With fresh faces, emotional storytelling, and music that lingers long after the credits roll, Saiyaara sets a new tone for modern love stories. It reminds us that even in an age of fast love and fleeting moments, some emotions deserve to be sung slowly and felt deeply.