The highly anticipated romantic drama ‘Saiyaara’ finally hit the big screens, and its opening day performance has become a hot topic of discussion in the film industry. Directed by debutant filmmaker Arjun Mishra and starring the fresh yet promising pair of Rohit Malhotra and Ananya Sen, the movie was surrounded by significant expectations. But did it manage to meet the hype and rake in big numbers on Day 1? Let’s take a deep dive into the box office figures, public reception, critical reviews, and what’s ahead for Saiyaara.
📊 Box Office Collection on Day 1
According to trade analysts, ‘Saiyaara’ collected ₹6.85 crore on its opening day across India. While this is a decent number for a romantic drama without an A-list star, it’s not a record-breaking figure. Here’s a closer look at the breakup:
- Multiplex Chains (PVR, INOX, Cinepolis): ₹3.5 crore
- Single Screens (Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities): ₹2 crore
- South India Circuits: ₹0.85 crore
- International Markets (UAE, UK, North America): ₹50 lakh (approx.)
🎬 Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Saiyaara tells the story of Aryan, a passionate musician from Delhi, who falls in love with Aisha, a conservative yet ambitious girl from Lucknow. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of social constraints, cultural values, and personal dreams. It’s a tale of love, separation, self-discovery, and redemption.
🧑🤝🧑 Audience Reception
The film opened to moderate occupancy of 30-35% during the morning shows, but by the evening and night shows, it picked up to 55-60% occupancy, especially in urban centres like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Bengaluru.
🔹 Twitter Reactions:
- “#Saiyaara is a beautiful film. Music and emotions hit the right chord. 🌟🌟🌟🌟”
- “The chemistry between Rohit and Ananya is fresh and lovely! Must-watch. ❤️”
- “Predictable story but great performances. Worth one-time watch. #SaiyaaraReview”
🧑🏫 Critical Reviews
Critics have given mixed to positive reviews to Saiyaara. While the direction and music have been praised, the script has faced criticism for lacking originality.
- Times of India: ★★★☆☆ – “Saiyaara is emotionally resonant but doesn’t reinvent the genre.”
- Hindustan Times: ★★★★☆ – “A sincere effort that tugs at the heartstrings.”
- Indian Express: ★★½ – “Average story saved by good performances and soulful music.”
🎵 Highlight: Music Wins Hearts
One of the standout features of the film is its soundtrack, composed by the rising star of Bollywood music, Raghav Verma. Songs like “Tu Hai Wajah”, “Tera Intezaar”, and the title track “Saiyaara” are already trending on Spotify and YouTube.
- YouTube Views (Title Track): 14 million+ in 3 days
- Spotify Ranking: #3 in India Top 50
The emotional depth and poetic lyrics have made the songs go viral, playing a huge role in pulling audiences to the theatre.
👩❤️👨 Lead Performances
Rohit Malhotra shines in his first leading role. His portrayal of Aryan is nuanced and heartfelt. Ananya Sen, with her expressive eyes and subtle acting, makes a solid debut. Their chemistry feels natural and unforced, elevating otherwise predictable moments.
Supporting cast includes:
- Rajesh Sharma as Aryan’s father – delivers a strong emotional performance
- Neelima Azeem in a cameo role that surprises the audience
🎥 Direction & Cinematography
Director Arjun Mishra, though a newcomer, shows maturity in storytelling and control over pacing. However, the film does lag in the second half. The scenic shots of Nainital and the urban sequences in Delhi are beautifully captured by cinematographer Irfan Naqvi.
⚖️ Strengths vs Weaknesses
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Strong performances | Predictable storyline |
| Melodious and impactful music | Slow second half |
| Emotional depth in key scenes | Over-reliance on clichés |
| Fresh pair brings new energy | Weak antagonist track |
🔮 What’s Next for Saiyaara?
If positive word-of-mouth continues, Saiyaara could enjoy a decent run at the box office, especially over the weekend. Family audiences and college-goers seem to be its core strength. The second-day collections are expected to rise by 10–15%, possibly touching ₹8 crore.
🏁 Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you’re a fan of romantic dramas with emotional intensity and soulful music, Saiyaara won’t disappoint. While the storyline doesn’t offer many surprises, the treatment, acting, and music give the film a heartfelt appeal.
It may not break box office records like a big-budget action flick, but Saiyaara has the potential to become a slow-burn hit, especially if it maintains momentum over the weekend.
📌 Conclusion
Saiyaara’s Day 1 box office collection is a strong start for a fresh team, especially in a competitive release window. With good music, decent performances, and emotional appeal, it might just carve out a niche for itself in the cluttered world of Bollywood releases.
Stay tuned for updates on its weekend collection and whether Saiyaara becomes the next sleeper hit of the year!