The romantic drama 'Saiyaara,' starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has spectacularly defined the start of 2025 as a certified box office superhit. The film, a heartfelt tale of love and destiny, has not only captivated audiences but also shattered expectations, proving that fresh talent can achieve monumental success. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film has raked in a staggering over Rs 500 crore worldwide, with its India collections alone crossing the Rs 300 crore mark.
From Theatrical Triumph to OTT and TV Domination
'Saiyaara's' victory lap extended far beyond the silver screen. Following its blockbuster theatrical run, the film's release on OTT streaming platforms was met with overwhelming viewership, winning over audiences in the digital space. Adding another feather to its cap, Mohit Suri's directorial hit made its highly anticipated television debut on Sony Max on December 20, 2025. The TV premiere sparked a frenzy on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where fans enthusiastically shared clips, particularly reveling in the unveiled making of an unforgettable beach sequence.
The Gruelling Beach Shoot: A Tale of Tears and Fire
Recalling the challenging shoot for that iconic beach scene, Aneet Padda shared a harrowing yet funny account of the ordeal. She revealed that the sand was scorching hot, and despite crews pouring water before each take, it would evaporate within minutes. The situation intensified during a drone shot that required the actors to run. "I was just running when suddenly I think I tripped and fell. I was writhing there like a fish out of water," Aneet recounted. "And then Ahaan had to pick me up, and his feet were burning too. We were both fighting for our lives. That drone shot was so beautiful—we weren't running around laughing and playing, we were running while crying our eyes out."
Ahaan Panday echoed the sentiment, vividly remembering the first day on that beach set. "First day when we went on the set, we removed our shoes and placed our foot on the sand and it was very very hot. In the second I ran and we kept running but it was too hot," he said, highlighting the physical demands of filming the romantic sequence.
Stellar Ensemble and Critical Acclaim
While Ahaan and Aneet led the charge, 'Saiyaara' boasted a strong supporting cast including Geeta Agrawal Sharma, Rajesh Kumar, Varun Badola, Shaad Randhawa, and Alam Khan in key roles. Upon its initial release, the film garnered a positive response from both critics and fans, praised for its fresh narrative and earnest performances. The project was produced by Akshaye Widhani, with its memorable soundtrack composed by a talented team including Faheem Abdullah, Tanishk Bagchi, and Bohemia.
The unprecedented success of 'Saiyaara' stands as a significant moment for the industry, signaling a warm embrace for new faces and authentic storytelling. Its multi-platform dominance—from cinemas to OTT and now television—cements its status as a true pan-India entertainer of the year.
