Filmmaker Kunal Kohli recently stirred conversation in the industry with his strong praise for the upcoming romantic drama Saiyaara and his sharp critique of modern Bollywood trends. Sharing his thoughts on social media, Kohli hailed Saiyaara as a refreshing change that brings back the essence of classic Bollywood storytelling, particularly through its music. He described its release as a “legendary day in Indian cinema,” pointing to how the film marks the return of full-fledged albums and emotional resonance in an era where item numbers have often taken center stage.
Directed by Mohit Suri and produced under the Yash Raj Films banner, Saiyaara stars debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. The film has already generated impressive buzz, reportedly achieving over 1.9 lakh ticket bookings before release. Kohli credited this excitement to the film’s commitment to powerful music and storytelling, elements he feels have been sidelined in recent years by the rise of formulaic content driven by star power.
He emphasized that the trend of today’s heroes reducing the importance of heroines and believing that item songs are sufficient for a hit has contributed to the decline in musical quality. Kohli called for a shift back to creative decision-making led by filmmakers rather than by actors and their entourages. “The change has begun,” he wrote, celebrating the resurgence of complete music albums and emotionally driven narratives.
The Saiyaara soundtrack features contributions from composers like Mithoon, Sachet–Parampara, Tanishk Bagchi, Vishal Mishra, Arslan Nizami, and Faheem Abdullah — a lineup that has already drawn praise from both fans and critics. As the film gears up for its July 18 release, Kohli’s sentiments echo a growing desire among audiences and creators for cinema that balances soul, substance, and storytelling.
