Saiyaara

Saiyaara

Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Rohit Raj Anand
Produced by	Sonal Mehta
Written by	Rohit Raj Anand
Starring	Ishaan Khattar, Tripti Dimri
Music by	Amit Trivedi
Cinematography	Sudeep Chatterjee
Edited by	Aarif Sheikh
Production company	Stellar Studios
Distributed by	Pen Marudhar Entertainment
Release date	July 18, 2025
Running time	150 minutes
Country	India
Language	Hindi

Saiyaara is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Rohit Raj Anand and produced by Sonal Mehta under Stellar Studios. The film stars Ishaan Khattar and Tripti Dimri in lead roles. The soundtrack is composed by Amit Trivedi.

The film was released theatrically on 18 July 2025 and received mixed-to-positive reviews for its music, cinematography, and lead performances. It went viral for its title track Saiyaara, which crossed over 5 million views within 24 hours of release.

Plot

Saiyaara is set in the historic lanes of Lucknow, where tradition and modernity often collide. The story follows Aarav, a sensitive and introspective poet burdened by familial expectations, and Meera, a passionate and independent classical dancer striving to make her mark. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, the two are drawn to each other through a shared love for art and self-expression.

As their bond deepens, they must navigate societal pressures, personal insecurities, and cultural boundaries that threaten to pull them apart. The film traces their emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and sacrifice, ultimately leading them to profound self-realization and transformation.

Cast

Ishaan Khattar as Aarav, a conflicted poet navigating family pressure and self-identity

Tripti Dimri as Meera, a free-spirited classical dancer

Rajesh Tailang as Aarav’s father, a traditionalist with rigid expectations

Sheeba Chaddha as Meera’s grandmother, her emotional anchor and guide

Sanjay Kapoor as Aarav’s music mentor

Amrita Subhash in a cameo appearance as a literature festival speaker

Production

Principal photography for Saiyaara commenced in September 2024, with the film being shot extensively across scenic locations in Lucknow, Agra, and the hill town of Mussoorie. The film's director, Gaurav Singh Chouhan, chose these locales to authentically capture the cultural and emotional backdrop of the story, which traverses both urban and small-town India.

Filming was completed in a record span of 45 days, with the production team praised for their meticulous planning and on-location coordination. Cinematographer Priya Shetty used a mix of handheld and drone shots to give the film a grounded yet cinematic feel.

The film's music album, composed by A.R. Rahman, was recorded at the iconic YRF Studios in Mumbai. Rahman reportedly worked closely with the director to ensure that each track aligned with the emotional beats of the story.

Post-production began in early November 2024 and was completed by mid-January 2025. The film underwent a digital intermediate (DI) color grading process to enhance its visual tone, and the final cut was locked after receiving positive feedback from early private screenings.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Saiyaara received critical acclaim for its soulful melodies and fusion of classical and contemporary styles. Composed by the Oscar-winning musician A.R. Rahman, the album plays a pivotal role in the film's emotional narrative and character arcs. The lyrics were penned by celebrated poet-lyricist Irshad Kamil, whose words brought poetic depth and romantic nuance to the film's music.

The album consists of six original tracks, each reflecting different emotional shades of the story—from longing and heartbreak to joy and self-discovery. The standout tracks include:

• "Saiyaara – Title Track" sung by Arijit Singh and Shilpa Rao, praised for its haunting melody and lyrical depth.
• "Dhaage", a classical-infused ballad performed by Kaushiki Chakraborty, was appreciated for its rich Hindustani base.
• "Tum Milein", a contemporary romantic duet sung by Amit Trivedi and Jonita Gandhi, quickly climbed the music charts.
• "Meera’s Theme", an instrumental piece composed by Rahman, features prominently during emotional sequences in the film.

The full soundtrack was released digitally on 5 July 2025, just ahead of the film’s release, and instantly topped streaming platforms such as Spotify and JioSaavn. The music video for the title track went viral, garnering over 15 million views within the first week of release.

Music critics praised Rahman’s ability to seamlessly blend traditional Indian instruments with modern arrangements, noting the album as one of his finest works in recent years. The soundtrack is also being considered a strong contender for the upcoming Filmfare and National Awards.

Release

Saiyaara was released in cinemas across India on 18 July 2025. The film was distributed widely in both metropolitan and tier-2 cities, especially focusing on regions with strong cultural ties to the story's backdrop, such as Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

The official trailer of the film was released on 4 July 2025 and quickly gained widespread attention. Within just 72 hours, the trailer crossed over 12 million views on YouTube, indicating high anticipation among audiences and sparking trending discussions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

The release was accompanied by several promotional events, including a special screening in Lucknow attended by the cast and crew, along with interactive sessions in film schools and dance academies. Early responses from these events highlighted the film’s emotional resonance and strong performances, especially praising the chemistry between lead actors Ishaan Khattar and Tripti Dimri.

With strategic marketing and strong word-of-mouth buzz, Saiyaara positioned itself as one of the most talked-about romantic dramas of the year in Indian cinema.

Reception

Critical response

Saiyaara received generally positive reviews from critics upon its release. The film was widely praised for its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, visual richness, and emotionally layered performances by Ishaan Khattar and Tripti Dimri. The chemistry between the leads was noted as a standout, with critics appreciating the poetic tone and cultural setting of the narrative.

However, some reviewers pointed out that the second half of the film lagged in pace, with a few sequences feeling overly stretched. Despite this, the film's emotional depth and musical sequences were often credited for keeping the audience engaged.

NDTV wrote, "Saiyaara is a visual and musical treat. Ishaan’s charm and Tripti’s grace hold the film together, even when the story treads familiar territory."

Bollywood Hungama echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Tripti Dimri shines brightly, adding gravitas to a story that could have otherwise felt formulaic."

Box office

The film had a decent opening at the Indian box office, collecting ₹5.6 crore on its first day. Over the weekend, Saiyaara showed strong word-of-mouth growth, with multiplex audiences especially drawn to its music and performances.

Analysts noted that while it wasn’t a blockbuster opener, the film’s steady performance signaled audience appreciation for intimate, music-driven romantic dramas. It performed particularly well in urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, and Lucknow.

According to Box Office India, "Saiyaara had a decent start, bolstered by strong urban occupancy and excellent reviews for its music and visuals."

Box Office Collection

Saiyaara – Daily Box Office Collection (India)

Date	Day	Collection (in ₹ crore)	Notes
18 July 2025	Friday (Day 1)	5.60	Opening Day
19 July 2025	Saturday (Day 2)	–	To be updated
20 July 2025	Sunday (Day 3)	–	To be updated
21 July 2025	Monday (Day 4)	–
22 July 2025	Tuesday (Day 5)	–
23 July 2025	Wednesday (Day 6)	–
24 July 2025	Thursday (Day 7)	–
Total (Week 1)		–