In a surprising turn for the industry, Saiyaara has quietly become one of the highest-grossing films in Hindi cinema history — now standing at the 26th spot on the all-time list. Directed by Mohit Suri and starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film has edged past big-ticket titles like Dunki and Singham Again, both of which had veteran stars and massive pre-release buzz.
Despite its relatively low-profile release, Saiyaara has had steady traction since opening weekend. While early reviews were mixed, word-of-mouth pushed the film into wider visibility, especially in Tier 2 cities where audiences connected with the emotional storyline and music-driven narrative.
Unlike action-heavy or franchise-based blockbusters, Saiyaara leans on interpersonal relationships, heartbreak, and redemption — themes that often resonate beyond the metro crowds. The performances by the lead pair, especially Ahaan Panday’s screen presence in his debut, caught many by surprise.
Crossing the collections of Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki and Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again is no small feat. Both films were positioned as major releases, backed by aggressive promotions and massive fan expectations. In contrast, Saiyaara took the slow-burn route — gradually expanding its reach without the weight of superstar baggage.
Its climb to the top-30 list signals not just a box-office success, but also a shift in how audiences are engaging with content. Viewers are showing up for stories, not just stars.
For Mohit Suri, known for hits like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, Saiyaara marks a return to emotional storytelling and music that defines much of his early work. His ability to draw out performances from fresh faces while keeping the story grounded has paid off.
The soundtrack, too, has played a major role in the film’s rise — with several tracks trending across platforms and finding popularity among younger audiences.
The film’s success offers two key takeaways. First, there’s clear appetite for content that speaks to emotions, even without headline-grabbing stars. Second, there’s growing support from audiences outside the metros who are driving sustained box office numbers.
For cities like Indore, Nagpur, Surat, and Lucknow, Saiyaara has become more than just a movie — it’s a surprise success story that proves good storytelling still has weight.
Saiyaara may not have arrived with the noise of a blockbuster, but it’s left a mark that many big-budget films couldn’t. As it continues to hold its ground at the box office, it serves as a quiet reminder that heart — not just hype — still sells in Indian cinema.