Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Romantic Drama
Director: Arvind Prakash
Cast: Ayaan Khanna, Kritika Rao, Anupam Kher, Zarina Wahab
Music: Mithoon
Language: Hindi
Runtime: 2 hours 17 minutes
Introduction: A Tale Penned by Fate
Every once in a while, Bollywood delivers a film that transcends the traditional love story, offering something more soulful, poetic, and emotionally immersive. “Saiyaara“, the latest romantic drama that hit theatres nationwide, is exactly that. Named after the iconic word meaning wanderer or beloved, the movie explores the journey of two individuals who are drawn together by serendipity, separated by circumstances, and reunited by destiny.
Directed by debutant Arvind Prakash, Saiyaara takes audiences on a sweeping ride through the landscapes of Ladakh, Delhi, and Paris, capturing not just the breathtaking visuals but also the raw emotional terrains of its characters. Let’s dive into this heartwarming cinematic experience.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Saiyaara follows the story of Vivaan (Ayaan Khanna), an aspiring travel photographer who leads a carefree, nomadic life, and Meher (Kritika Rao), a classical music prodigy bound by responsibilities and family expectations.
Their paths cross in Leh, where Vivaan is capturing snow peaks and stories, and Meher is on a spiritual retreat to heal from a recent personal loss. A chance encounter turns into a connection. Their bond grows over late-night conversations, music, and stargazing under the Ladakh sky. But fate has other plans.
Just as love begins to bloom, a twist pulls them apart—leaving both to pursue their lives in different directions: Vivaan in Paris and Meher in Delhi. Years later, another stroke of fate rekindles what was never truly extinguished.
Performance: Stellar Acts That Stay With You
Ayaan Khanna as Vivaan
Ayaan Khanna, known mostly for his supporting roles, steps into the spotlight with a mature, nuanced performance. He brings depth to Vivaan—making him more than just a charming drifter. His silences speak volumes, especially in scenes where he photographs strangers to process his own emotions.
Kritika Rao as Meher
Kritika Rao is the soul of the film. As Meher, she delivers an emotionally rich performance. Her character’s transition from a guarded, obedient daughter to a woman who chases her dreams is beautifully portrayed. Kritika’s expressions in scenes involving music and heartbreak are particularly compelling.
Supporting Cast
Veterans Anupam Kher and Zarina Wahab shine in their limited but important roles as Meher’s conflicted parents. Their arc adds depth to the generational divide between duty and desire.
Direction & Screenplay: Subtle, Soulful, Symbolic
Director Arvind Prakash has shown remarkable restraint in storytelling. He avoids melodrama and instead uses subtlety to depict complex emotions. The screenplay is laced with poetic moments, metaphors, and natural dialogue that reflect real human interactions. The pace is slow but deliberate—meant to let viewers absorb the emotional layers.
One standout moment is the parallel sequence where Vivaan clicks photos of strangers in Paris while Meher plays Raag Yaman in Delhi. It visually portrays how they’re both trying to find meaning while subconsciously seeking each other.
Cinematography: Visual Poetry
Cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee (known for Padmaavat and Chak De India) elevates Saiyaara to a visual treat. From the majestic mountains of Ladakh to the cobbled streets of Montmartre, every frame feels like a canvas.
The use of natural lighting, especially during sunrise and twilight, adds warmth and realism. Drone shots of the Himalayas juxtaposed with tight close-ups of tear-filled eyes make the narrative both expansive and intimate.
Music: The Soul of Saiyaara
If Saiyaara is the body, music is its soul. Composed by Mithoon, the soundtrack features 5 songs that blend classical, contemporary, and folk genres.
Notable Tracks:
- “Saiyaara Re” – The title track sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, is a melancholic ballad that captures the essence of longing.
- “Raahon Mein” – A fusion of Hindustani vocals and soft rock, reflecting Vivaan’s journey.
- “Meherbaan” – A minimalist piano piece with haunting female vocals.
- “Dil Ka Safar” – An upbeat number that shows the pair’s lighter moments in Ladakh.
- “Waqt Ki Baatein” – A poetic monologue turned into song, sung by Kritika Rao herself in a surprise cameo.
The background score is subtle, never overpowering the scenes, but always enhancing the emotion. The use of silence in emotional scenes is also commendable.
Themes Explored: Beyond Romance
Saiyaara isn’t just a love story. It’s a meditation on time, loss, individuality, and reunion. It explores:
- The conflict between passion and practicality
- The pain of letting go and the joy of rediscovery
- Cultural clashes between modern love and traditional expectations
- The power of art—photography and music—as healing mediums
These themes resonate strongly with today’s youth, many of whom face similar dilemmas in balancing dreams with reality.
Dialogues: Poetic Yet Relatable
The film’s dialogues are a mix of poetic lines and everyday conversation. Lines like:
- “Pyaar sirf milne ka naam nahi… kabhi-kabhi bichhadna bhi ek mohabbat hoti hai.”
- “Har tasveer mein ek kahani hoti hai… par sab kahaniyaan poori nahi hoti.”
…stick with you long after the credits roll. The use of Urdu-Hindi poetry in some dialogues adds an old-school charm reminiscent of Gulzar’s work.
Box Office & Reception
Released across India and on select international screens, Saiyaara opened to moderate box office numbers but received rave critical reviews. Word-of-mouth has steadily pushed its popularity, especially among urban audiences and OTT viewers.
Critics praised its emotional depth, visual storytelling, and mature performances. It currently holds an IMDb rating of 8.3/10, and discussions are underway for an international film festival run.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for the Soul
In a market flooded with loud actioners and fast-paced thrillers, Saiyaara dares to be soft, slow, and soulful. It appeals to those who love cinema for its ability to mirror human emotion and experience.
It may not be for everyone—especially those expecting quick plot twists or commercial masala—but for lovers of poetic romance and heartfelt cinema, Saiyaara is a gem.
FAQs
Q1: Is Saiyaara based on a real story?
A: No, it’s an original fictional script written by Arvind Prakash, though it’s inspired by real emotions and situations.
Q2: Where was Saiyaara filmed?
A: Primary locations include Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley), Delhi, and Paris.
Q3: Is Saiyaara available on OTT?
A: As of now, it’s in theatres. A digital release on Netflix or Amazon Prime is expected by September 2025.
Q4: Who sang the Saiyaara title track?
A: Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal have lent their voices to the title song.
Q5: Is this film family-friendly?
A: Yes, it is rated U/A and contains no explicit content, making it suitable for families.