Aditya Chopra’s Doubts on Ahaan Panday’s Saiyaara Revealed

The film Saiyaara, which debuted on July 18, 2025, has quickly become a significant topic of discussion in the entertainment industry. Marking the first major roles for actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the movie is directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Productions. Despite its successful opening, recent comments from Suri reveal that Chopra had initial doubts about the film’s viability.

In a candid interview with entertainment news outlet Just Too Filmy, Suri shared the challenges he faced when presenting the film’s storyline to Chopra. According to Suri, the producer expressed concerns about the film’s appeal, stating, “This script is for 25-year-olds. They don’t go to theatres anymore.” Chopra’s skepticism stemmed from a belief that contemporary audiences were primarily drawn to action films, making it a risky time to release a romantic film like Saiyaara.

Suri, however, remained steadfast in his vision for the film. He countered Chopra’s concerns by asserting, “I told him, ‘Sir, let me take the risk.’ I believed in the film and the performances. We weren’t trying to manufacture a hit. It was honest storytelling.” This determination played a crucial role in bringing Saiyaara to fruition, providing Ahaan Panday with a promising launch into the film industry.

Box Office Success of Saiyaara

The opening day performance of Saiyaara has been remarkable. According to early estimates from Sacnilk.com, the film grossed approximately Rs 17.96 crore on its first day, setting a new benchmark for movies featuring debut actors. As the final figures are still pending, initial reports indicate that Saiyaara has surpassed well-established films such as Sky Force and Sitaare Zameen Par, ranking among the top five highest opening day grossers of 2025.

The strong box office numbers not only reflect the film’s immediate success but also signify a potential shift in audience preferences. The positive reception indicates that there is still a substantial market for romantic narratives, even when competing against more action-oriented titles.

As Saiyaara continues to capture audience attention, it remains to be seen how the film will perform in the coming weeks. The initial success, coupled with the backstory of overcoming production doubts, adds an intriguing layer to its narrative. The film’s journey exemplifies the complexities of filmmaking in a rapidly evolving industry, where creative risks can lead to unexpected rewards.