The minute I heard the song Saiyaara, I knew I had to watch this film on a big screen, says Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff about director Mohit Suri's first collaboration with Yash Raj Films.
My hunch was not wrong. The movie has set the box office ablaze, crossing Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion) in just a week, and the best acting, as one wag put it, was by the audience. I loved it. My 7 reasons why.
A fresh pair. Kya chemistry!
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda bring a refreshing new energy to the screen -- a strong match. Their chemistry feels organic, making their love story engaging right from the get-go. (My mom also loved the cute pairing.)
Story and Direction
Written by Sankalp Sadanah & Rohan Shankar, the film captures beautifully the highs and lows of modern relationships. Mohit Suri sure knows how to handle romance and emotional depth.
Gaana-Baja
What magic the lyricists, composers and singers have created! Songs Humsafar, Barbaad and Dhun are soulful. Emotional. And maha-addictive.
Saiyaara gives concert vibes
The song Saiyaara was my reason to book the movie ticket. Disappoint it did not. The way it was shot+performed felt like I was at a live concert. Mom enjoyed that part too... Looks like I will have to take her for more concerts now :).
Some scenes just make your heart ache
There are many of them! Particularly in the 2nd half: Ahaan prepares to leave for a meeting and Aneet says, 'I love you, Mahesh' (Mahesh is Aneet's ex in the film). Made me teary-eyed... Well almost!
Aamchi Mumbai
It's always lovely to see your city on the big screen -- a few locations from south Mumbai like the St Xavier's College, Ballard Estate. M2M ferry to Mandwa has a bit role too.
Ahaan Pandey
This boy is on his way to becoming a star. Good looks. Screen presence. Emotional depth. I hope Saiyaara is the movie that kickstarts the 27-year-old's journey to fame.