Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

From the moment its trailer dropped, Saiyaara felt like more than just another romantic release — it felt like a movement. Now, with the film finally in theatres, it has not only lived up to the sky-high expectations but in many ways, exceeded them. Add to that the staggering advance bookings — which broke records before the first show even began — and Saiyaara has officially cemented its place as one of 2025’s cinematic landmarks. (saiyaara movie review)

Advance Booking Frenzy: Saiyaara Breaks Records Before Release (saiyaara movie review)

Before Saiyaara even hit theatres, it was already rewriting box office history. In just a few days of advance bookings, the film sold over 1.2 million tickets, a staggering figure for a romantic drama. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad saw shows sell out within hours, prompting theatres to add late-night and early morning screenings to meet the demand. (saiyaara movie review)

The wave of excitement wasn’t limited to metros. Tier-2 cities like Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Bhopal reported near-full occupancy in advance, a rare sign of widespread national buzz. Internationally, cities such as London, Melbourne, and Dubai responded with packed shows and extra screenings — a testament to the film’s global appeal.

Trade experts estimate a ₹54 crore Day 1 collection worldwide, placing Saiyaara among the biggest opening-day earners in the romantic genre, and setting the stage for a massive opening weekend.

 The Story: Eternal Love Across Lifetimes (saiyaara movie review)

At its core, Saiyaara is a timeless love story — one that stretches across lifetimes, memory, and fate. The film follows Aarav, played by Rivan Kapoor, a reclusive yet emotionally intense artist who’s haunted by dreams and fragments of a love he can’t explain. His world changes when he meets Meher, portrayed by debutante Zara Haider, a graceful and enigmatic woman whose presence feels achingly familiar. (saiyaara movie review)

As their paths entwine, Saiyaara unravels a poetic tale of love lost and rediscovered. The narrative delicately shifts between eras — weaving in flashbacks from a bygone era with the present day — exploring themes of reincarnation, soul connections, and the idea that some bonds never truly break.

Director Aryan Khurana handles the material with emotional restraint and visual elegance. He lets the story unfold gently, avoiding over-the-top spectacle and allowing the characters’ emotions to take center stage. It’s this subtle, soulful storytelling that elevates Saiyaara from a simple romance to an immersive, emotionally resonant experience.

Performances: Rivan & Zara Shine Bright (saiyaara movie review) (saiyaara movie review)

In Saiyaara, the performances are as heartfelt as the story itself. Rivan Kapoor delivers perhaps his most mature and restrained performance to date. As Aarav, he embodies a quiet intensity — his pain, longing, and emotional confusion conveyed through subtle expressions and silences rather than heavy dialogue. It’s a deeply internal performance, and Rivan carries it with poise and conviction. (saiyaara movie review)

But it’s Zara Haider, in a stunning debut as Meher, who truly leaves a lasting impression. She brings a natural grace to the screen, balancing vulnerability with quiet strength. Whether it’s a lingering glance or a single tear, Zara communicates volumes — and does so with remarkable control for a first-time lead. Her chemistry with Rivan is undeniable, lending authenticity to a love story that spans lifetimes.

Supporting the lead pair are seasoned actors who add depth and gravitas. Tabu, as Aarav’s emotionally complex mother, is a scene-stealer in her brief but powerful role. Kumud Mishra brings warmth and mysticism as a spiritual guide who anchors the film’s reincarnation theme with wisdom and sincerity.

Together, this cast elevates Saiyaara beyond just a love story — they make it feel lived-in, believable, and emotionally rich. (saiyaara movie review)

 Music & Cinematography: Pure Poetry on Screen (saiyaara movie review)

Few films in recent memory have blended sound and visuals as seamlessly as Saiyaara. The soundtrack is the soul of the film — and its heartbeat is the now-iconic title track, “Saiyaara”, a hauntingly beautiful duet by Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh. In the context of the story, the song transcends its chartbuster status, echoing through key emotional moments and leaving a lingering ache that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.

Each track in the album complements the film’s narrative — from soft, acoustic ballads to lush orchestral pieces that heighten the emotional stakes without ever overpowering the scene. (saiyaara movie review)

On the visual front, Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography is nothing short of masterful. He crafts every frame like a painting, capturing the ethereal beauty of the film’s contrasting timelines. The misty landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, where present-day Aarav and Meher connect, are shot with a dreamlike serenity. In contrast, the sepia-toned flashbacks to colonial-era Kolkata carry a rich, nostalgic warmth, immersing the audience in the timeless quality of the story,

Together, the music and cinematography create a mood that is both romantic and meditative — a cinematic poem that invites you to feel, reflect, and lose yourself in its world.

The Shortcomings: A Few Flaws in an Otherwise Mesmerizing Tale (saiyaara movie review)

As emotionally resonant as Saiyaara is, it isn’t without its imperfections. The film’s second half tends to lose a bit of momentum, with a few scenes lingering longer than necessary. While the slow pacing might work for some — allowing space for the emotions to breathe — others may find it slightly dragging, especially when the narrative begins shifting back and forth between timelines more frequently.

The reincarnation theme, though central to the story, may feel a touch predictable to seasoned viewers who’ve seen similar tropes in past romantic dramas. A few moments tread familiar ground, and the film occasionally risks slipping into melodrama — though it never quite crosses the line. (saiyaara movie review)

A tighter edit in the latter part of the film could have enhanced the overall flow, sharpening the impact of key reveals and emotional beats. Still, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise beautifully crafted experience, and they don’t detract significantly from the film’s emotional power or visual richness.

Final Verdict: A Heartfelt, Haunting Love Story (saiyaara movie review)

Saiyaara isn’t just a film — it’s an emotion that unfolds gently, leaves you with a lump in your throat, and stays with you long after the lights come back on. In a cinematic landscape often dominated by spectacle and speed, Saiyaara dares to slow down, to let love breathe, and to let silence speak as loudly as dialogue.

With its record-breaking advance bookings, soulful music, evocative visuals, and deeply felt performances, the film is more than just a box office success — it’s a cultural moment for lovers of emotionally driven storytelling. (saiyaara movie review)

Yes, it has its flaws — a slightly stretched second half and a familiar reincarnation arc — but these are easily overshadowed by the film’s sincerity and artistic depth.

Verdict: Go for the story, stay for the soul. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming “Saiyaara, Saiyaara…” long after you’ve left the theatre.

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