‘Saiyaara’ Breaks Indian Box Office Records with Massive Opening
- By Aqsa
- Reading Time: 5 mins
The Bollywood romantic drama Saiyaara has taken the Indian box office by storm, setting new records and captivating audiences nationwide. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), this love story starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda has become a sensation, earning $17.2 million worldwide, including $15.2 million in India alone, within just a few days of its release on July 18, 2025.
A Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
Saiyaara made history with a stellar opening weekend, grossing $11.9 million globally, including $11.3 million in India and $664,000 in North America. In India, it secured the second-highest opening weekend of 2025, just behind Chhaava, the year’s top-grossing Indian film. The movie’s opening day alone raked in INR 25 crore ($2.9 million) with 975,000 footfalls across just 8,000 screenings—a remarkable feat compared to the usual 18,000 screenings for major releases.
This makes Saiyaara the biggest opening day for a debutant-led film since Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), which launched Hrithik Roshan, and Refugee, starring Kareena Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan. For director Mohit Suri, known for hits like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, this is his career-best opening.
Why Is Saiyaara a Hit?
The film’s success lies in its heartfelt story and fresh faces. Ahaan Panday plays Krish Kapoor, a talented musician navigating the challenges of the music industry. Aneet Padda, seen in Prime Video’s Big Girls Don’t Cry, shines as Vaani Batra, a principled songwriter. Their on-screen chemistry, filled with passion and emotion, has won over audiences, especially the youth. The movie’s unique promotional strategy—keeping the lead actors away from interviews, social media, and influencer campaigns—created curiosity and let the story speak for itself.
With strong advance bookings and sold-out shows across major markets, Saiyaara has proven that a compelling narrative and minimal screenings can still drive massive success. It’s also the first post-COVID Bollywood love story to cross $2 million in a single day.
Day 4: Biggest First Monday of 2025
Saiyaara continued its unstoppable run on its first Monday, pulling in the biggest Monday collection for Bollywood in 2025. The film earned an impressive 84.5 crores over its opening weekend in India, making it the fourth-biggest Bollywood opener of the year, surpassing films like Raid 2 and Sky Force. By day 4, it had overtaken the lifetime collections of Jaat and Kesari Chapter 2, cementing its place as the seventh highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.
Box Office Highlights
Metric | Amount |
Opening Day Collection (India) | INR 25 crore ($2.9 million) |
Opening Weekend (India) | $11.3 million (84.5 crores) |
Total India Collection (4 days) | $15.2 million |
Worldwide Collection (4 days) | $17.2 million |
North America Collection | $664,000 |
Number of Screenings (India) | 8,000 |
Opening Day Footfalls (India) | 975,000 |
Saiyaara is winning hearts ❤️💕
— Vivek Keshwani (@i_amvivek_) July 21, 2025
What a Fantastic Movie - full of emotions, love and amazing performances. From the story to the music l, everything just touches your heart ✨.
One of the best films of the year... Don't miss it pic.twitter.com/H8pmh8uu1u
A New Era for Bollywood Romance
Saiyaara has not only broken box office records but also sparked a renewed interest in romantic dramas. Its unconventional approach, combined with the star power of newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has made it a cultural phenomenon. The film’s music, emotional storytelling, and relatable characters have resonated with audiences, particularly younger viewers, making it a must-watch.
Produced by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, Saiyaara is a testament to the power of fresh talent and bold storytelling. As it continues its theatrical run, the film is poised to climb higher on the list of 2025’s top-grossing Indian films.
What’s Next for Saiyaara?
With its record-breaking performance and growing buzz, Saiyaara is expected to maintain its strong hold at the box office. The film’s success has already turned Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda into household names, and fans are eagerly awaiting their next projects. For now, Saiyaara remains the talk of the town, proving that love stories still have a special place in Bollywood.