Saiyaara Movie Review: Debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda deliver a captivating performance in this romantic musical

Ahaan Panday Carves His Own Path with a Stellar Debut in 'Saiyaara'

In an industry where legacy is both a blessing and a burden, Ahaan Panday had one of the most anticipated debut entries in recent memory. All eyes were on him, the nephew of superstar Chunky Panday and cousin of Ananya Panday, waiting to see if the acting genes had been successfully passed down. With the release of Saiyaara today, he doesn’t just answer that question; he silences it with a performance of surprising depth and vulnerability, announcing not an heir, but an original talent. Saiyaara, directed by the acclaimed musical visionary Advait Singh, is far more than a simple launchpad. It’s a sweeping, old-school romantic musical that dares to wear its heart on its sleeve. And at its core is a pair of debutants—Panday and the wonderfully expressive Aneet Padda—who don’t just share the screen; they share a palpable, captivating chemistry that becomes the film’s pulsating heartbeat.

The film follows the journey of Veer (Panday), a struggling but passionate musician in the bylanes of Delhi, and Ira (Padda), a Kathak dancer grappling with the weight of her family’s classical traditions. Their worlds collide in a cacophony of conflicting ambitions and art forms, only to find a harmonious rhythm in each other. It’s a classic tale of love versus duty, but told through a fresh, musical lens. What truly sets Saiyaara apart is its authenticity. Director Advait Singh avoids the slick, sometimes artificial gloss of typical debutant vehicles. Instead, he opts for a raw, almost tactile feel. The music, composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman, isn't a separate entity but the very language of Veer and Ira's relationship. Songs don’t just appear; they emerge organically from a strummed guitar in a dusty room or the rhythmic tap of ghungroos in a silent practice hall.

While the Panday name will get the headlines, it is Ahaan’s performance that will earn the respect. He embodies Veer with a restless, brooding energy that slowly melts away to reveal a tender core. His eyes do a significant part of the acting, conveying frustration, love, and despair with a quiet intensity that belies his newcomer status. He is, undoubtedly, a discovery. However, the film’s true revelation is Aneet Padda. As Ira, she is a force of nature. Her background in classical dance lends an undeniable authenticity to her performance. Every movement is graceful, every emotion deeply felt. She matches Panday scene for scene, and in the film’s more dramatic moments, it is her unwavering strength that anchors the narrative. Critics at the early screenings have praised the film for its bold return to the integrated musical format, with one noting that "in an age of item numbers and background scores, Saiyaara reminds us that music can be a character, a conflict, and a resolution."

The supporting cast, including seasoned actors like Shefali Shah and Vijay Raaz as Ira’s concerned but loving parents, provide a solid, grounding foundation for the central romance. Saiyaara is not a perfect film; its runtime feels a tad long, and the third act dips into familiar melodramatic territory. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a profoundly charming and heartfelt experience. Ultimately, Saiyaara is a triumph. It’s a triumph for director Advait Singh’s clear vision, for A.R. Rahman’s soul-stirring music, and most importantly, for its two leads. They don’t just deliver a captivating performance; they announce the exciting arrival of two genuine stars, ready to chart their own course in the landscape of Indian cinema.