Mumbai: Since the release of the trailer for Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, comparisons with the iconic Aashiqui have been pouring in. Celebrated filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who directed the original 1990 classic, has now shared his thoughts, expressing joy over the nostalgic parallels and calling Saiyaara “the most definitive romantic film” of this generation.
The original Aashiqui, a musical romantic drama, starred Rahul Roy, Anu Aggarwal, and Deepak Tijori. It went on to become a cult hit. Its sequel, Aashiqui 2, directed by Mohit Suri and featuring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor, was released in 2013 and achieved similar success.
Reflecting on Saiyaara, Bhatt said in a statement:
“Every generation has a love story that defines it. Saiyaara, to me, will be the most defining romantic film of this generation. When I made Aashiqui, I poured my heart into it, and audiences connected deeply with its honesty, turning two newcomers into overnight stars. I expect Mohit to accomplish something similar with Saiyaara.”
He continued, “It’s heartening to see people feel the nostalgia of Aashiqui when watching Saiyaara. But I believe this film will redefine romance for today’s audience. Each generation must evolve, and I’m excited to see Saiyaara set a new standard. Mohit is my prodigy, and if he surpasses me, I’ll be the happiest.”
The trailer introduces debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Ahaan plays Krish Kapoor, an aspiring singer, while Aneet’s character is a lyricist. Their romance begins to blossom, but tension erupts when Aneet’s character threatens Krish at an event, leading to heartbreak and emotional turmoil. In a pivotal scene, Krish is consoled by Varun Badola’s character, who advises, “Apne pyaar ke liye na khud ko khatam mat kar lena.” The trailer ends with Krish achieving stardom through electrifying performances.
Praising director Mohit Suri, Bhatt said, “Saiyaara marks a bold new direction for Mohit. It’s unlike anything he’s done before and showcases the depth of romance he carries within. I’m proud of how he has brought that to life on screen. Emotional intensity is crucial for audiences to connect with love, and Saiyaara seems to deliver that in abundance.”
Bhatt revealed he had long encouraged Mohit to work with fresh talent, and he’s glad the director partnered with Yash Raj Films for this project. “It’s thrilling to see him take the leap with two incredibly promising newcomers who truly shine on screen. Having a studio like YRF supporting him—known for their cinematic legacy—only strengthens the film’s promise.”
He added, “Saiyaara feels like a breath of fresh air, and that freshness comes from its newcomers. The film exudes a unique energy, and my hopes for its success are sky-high.”
Saiyaara marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, cousin of actress Ananya Panday, and is set for a worldwide theatrical release on July 18, 2025.
