Saiyaara

Director Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, starring debutant Ahaan Panday, has pulled off a box office surprise no one saw coming. Despite a modest star cast and mixed reviews, the film opened with a massive Rs. 21.25 crore on day one.

This makes Saiyaara the third biggest opening for Yash Raj Films after the pandemic, trailing only behind Pathaan (Rs. 55 crore) and Tiger 3 (Rs. 43 crore). It has outperformed several big-hero releases and become the studio’s most successful small-cast opener in recent times.

Trade circles are buzzing, and with this kind of momentum, Saiyaara is well on its way to joining the Rs. 100 crore club in no time. Keep watching this space, the Saiyaara wave is only getting stronger.

In a surprising twist, War 2, one of Bollywood’s most anticipated films of 2025 starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, is trailing behind a smaller romantic comedy in audience interest.

Despite being a high-budget spy thriller from Yash Raj Films and directed by Ayan Mukerji, it has 172.9K BookMyShow interests. Meanwhile, Saiyaara, featuring debutant Ahaan Panday and directed by Mohit Suri, leads with 257.4K interests ahead of its release this Friday(July 18, 2025).

The gap in buzz has caught many off guard, especially since War 2 topped IMDb’s most-awaited list. Saiyaara’s emotional trailer and fresh cast seem to have struck a stronger chord, while War 2 suffers from a lack of promotional momentum with just a month left before its release on August 14, 2025.

With both films backed by Yash Raj Films, the contrast highlights how audience priorities are shifting. Big names and franchises are no longer enough without consistent hype and relatable storytelling. Saiyaara’s lead is not just a fluke, it signals a clear change in what today’s viewers want.

Saiyaara Shocks the Industry, Right Behind Pathaan, Tiger 3 in Day 1 Collections

Saiyaara Beats War 2 in Audience Buzz: A Shocking Upset Ahead of July 18 Release