Saiyaara Surpasses Expectations, Outpaces Salman’s Sikandar in Just Five Days

In a surprising turn at the box office, Saiyaara, featuring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has outperformed big-budget releases and crossed the ₹130 crore mark within just five days. The film, which entered theatres with moderate buzz, is now making headlines for edging past Salman Khan’s Sikandar, despite the latter’s massive pre-release hype.

A Slow Start, Then a Surge

Saiyaara opened to a decent response on Day 1, earning ₹14 crore, but the real momentum picked up over the weekend. With strong word-of-mouth, especially from young audiences in Tier 2 cities like Indore, Nagpur, Surat, and Jaipur, the film saw a consistent rise in footfalls. By Day 5, it collected ₹130 crore worldwide, outpacing Sikandar, which stood at ₹118 crore.

What’s Driving the Success?

There are a few factors at play. First, the film’s relatable storyline—a coming-of-age romance set against the backdrop of small-town aspirations—has struck a chord with viewers outside metros. Second, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s fresh pairing has been well-received, especially among Gen Z. Their chemistry has become a talking point on social media, boosting digital engagement and repeat viewings.

The timing also helped. With no other major releases in its week, Saiyaara faced minimal competition. Screens were added post-release, thanks to positive audience feedback, allowing collections to stay strong even on weekdays.

How It Compares with Sikandar

While Sikandar had a star-studded cast and a larger marketing budget, it struggled to hold audiences beyond the opening weekend. Critics pointed to its predictable storyline and lack of emotional depth. In contrast, Saiyaara leaned into sincerity and simplicity—a gamble that’s clearly paid off.

What’s even more notable is how a film led by newcomers has managed to outdo a Salman Khan starrer, something rarely seen in Bollywood’s current landscape.

A Wake-Up Call for the Industry?

The early success of Saiyaara might signal a shift in audience preferences. Viewers in smaller towns are now shaping the box office more decisively, and content with emotional connect seems to be resonating more than star power alone.

With more such films in the pipeline and streaming platforms backing young talent, this could be a pivotal moment for Bollywood’s next generation.

What Lies Ahead

If Saiyaara continues its upward trend, it could cross ₹200 crore in the coming weeks. More importantly, it sets a precedent for how strong storytelling and new faces, when executed well, can challenge the traditional formula of big names and bigger budgets.

For now, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are clearly names to watch—and Saiyaara is the sleeper hit no one saw coming.