Mahesh Bhatt Praises 'Saiyaara,' Sees 'Aashiqui' Nostalgia and Predicts a New Era for Romantic Films
One of India’s most celebrated filmmakers of all time, Mahesh Bhatt, is expressing immense satisfaction as audiences and critics draw parallels between Mohit Suri’s 'Saiyaara' and his own blockbuster romantic film, Aashiqui. Bhatt feels a sense of pride that 'Saiyaara' is evoking the same nostalgic sentiment that defined a generation.
A New Generation's Definitive Love Story
Mahesh Bhatt’s Aashiqui famously launched Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal into overnight superstardom, becoming a cultural phenomenon for its fresh, deep, and ahead-of-its-time romantic narrative, complemented by a blockbuster music album. Similarly, 'Saiyaara' serves as the grand launchpad for Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as the next YRF hero and heroine. The film's songs are already chartbusters, with the 'Saiyaara' title track emerging as a monster hit.
Bhatt stated, “Every generation has a love story that defines it. 'Saiyaara,' to me, will be the most definitive romantic film of this generation. When I made Aashiqui, I did it with a lot of purity, and I was fortunate that people connected to it deeply and made the two newcomers into overnight stars. I expect Mohit Suri to do the same with 'Saiyaara.'”
He added, “It is amazing to see that people have the nostalgia of Aashiqui when they are seeing 'Saiyaara,' but I can tell you that 'Saiyaara' will rewrite the rules of what a romantic film should be in today’s time and for today’s generation. Every new generation must surpass the earlier generation in everything, and I’m excited for 'Saiyaara' to do the same. Mohit is my prodigy, and I couldn’t be happier if he surpasses me in every way possible.”
Mohit Suri's Evolution: A Proud Mentor
Mahesh Bhatt believes that Mohit Suri, whom he mentored as a director, has truly come into his own with 'Saiyaara.'
He remarked, “I’m proud to see Mohit come out of his mould for 'Saiyaara.' It is refreshingly different from whatever he has made in his entire career, and the film seems to have incredible depth of romance which Mohit has within him. I’m glad he has put it all out there for the world to see and embrace. Intensity is necessary for people to connect with the emotion of love, and I’m very excited about 'Saiyaara.'”
The veteran filmmaker revealed he was always pushing Mohit to make a film with newcomers and is delighted that Mohit partnered with YRF for 'Saiyaara.' He enthused, “I’m thrilled to see him take the plunge with 'Saiyaara' with two really talented actors who are simply sparkling on the screen. I’m also very happy that he has a studio like YRF beside him and behind him for this project, who have such a rich cinematic legacy.”
He concluded, “'Saiyaara' is looking incredibly fresh, like a breath of fresh air that only happens with newcomers. The energy of 'Saiyaara' is palpable, and I have very high expectations from this film to soar. I can’t wait for the country to see it on July 18th!”
"Saiyaara": The Hottest Debutant Film of the Year
'Saiyaara' has quickly become the hottest debutant film in the Hindi film industry after a long time. This much-anticipated intense romantic film brings together Yash Raj Films and Mohit Suri, both known for creating timeless love stories, for the very first time.
'Saiyaara' has also delivered the best album of the year, with all its songs making significant waves on the musical charts of India:
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Faheem-Arslan’s 'Saiyaara Title Track'
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Jubin Nautiyal’s 'Barbaad'
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Vishal Mishra’s 'Tum Ho Toh'
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Sachet-Parampara’s 'Humsafar'
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Arijit Singh & Mithoon’s 'Dhun'
Produced by YRF’s CEO Akshaye Widhani, 'Saiyaara' is set to release on July 18, 2025, in theaters worldwide.
