Bollywood film Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by YRF, has become the highest-grossing Hindi love story of 2025 in overseas markets. Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film earned $10.8M in 12 days, with record-breaking numbers in Dubai and other global cinemas.
Bollywood's latest romantic drama Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), has taken the international box office by storm. The film has officially become the highest-grossing Hindi love story of 2025 in overseas markets, earning a massive $10.8 million in just 12 days—a feat that has set a new benchmark for Indian romantic films globally.
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What makes this success more impressive is the film’s outstanding performance in non-traditional overseas markets, particularly Dubai, the UK, Australia, and parts of North America. In the UAE alone, Saiyaara has outpaced major Hollywood blockbusters like Fantastic Four in terms of audience turnout and per-screen average. Its wide emotional appeal, combined with soulful music and a strong narrative, has struck a deep chord with the Indian diaspora and global audiences alike.
A striking aspect of Saiyaara’s success is that it features two newcomers in the lead: Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Neither actor participated in traditional promotional activities, interviews, or media appearances. YRF made a bold decision to let the film speak for itself, and the gamble paid off.
This unconventional approach allowed the audience to focus on the story and music, rather than celebrity hype—a move that has been widely praised in the industry.
Director Mohit Suri, known for emotional blockbusters like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, has returned to form with Saiyaara. The film blends poetic storytelling with a soulful soundtrack, which has become a viral sensation on music platforms and social media.
From love ballads to emotional flashbacks, the storytelling has been called “timeless,” appealing to both young couples and older viewers nostalgic for old-school Bollywood romance.
Trade analysts believe the film could easily cross the $12–13 million mark overseas before ending its theatrical run. With no major Indian romantic releases competing in the near term, Saiyaara is expected to hold its top position for weeks to come.
YRF is reportedly planning a global fan event to celebrate the film’s success, and talks are underway for OTT streaming rights, with major platforms vying for exclusivity.
Saiyaara is not just a film—it’s a cultural moment for Indian cinema in 2025. Its success reaffirms that a good story, emotional depth, and powerful music can still lead the box office, even without big names. As love stories go, this one is setting the gold standard for what Bollywood romance can look like in the modern era.
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