In a remarkable show of resilience at the box office, Mohit Suri’s emotional drama ‘Saiyaara’ continues to charm audiences and defy expectations. On its 20th day (third Wednesday) in theatres, the film clocked in higher collections than Ajay Devgn’s action-packed sequel, ‘Son of Sardaar 2’, signaling its stronghold over family audiences and urban centers alike.
Day 20 Box Office Report: ‘Saiyaara’ Maintains Its Momentum
As per industry estimates, ‘Saiyaara’ earned ₹3.46 crore on Day 20, a surprising uptick considering it’s competing with multiple new releases. In contrast, ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ managed ₹2.91 crore on the same day, despite boasting a larger release footprint and star-heavy promotions.
This places Saiyaara’s total domestic collection at ₹124.88 crore, solidifying its place among the most profitable mid-budget films of 2025.
What’s Driving ‘Saiyaara’s’ Success?
1. Emotional Depth Over Spectacle:
Mohit Suri has returned to his romantic-thriller roots, blending heartbreak and hope in a story that resonates deeply with viewers. The film’s soul-stirring soundtrack and poignant narrative have clicked with the youth as well as older audiences.
2. Stellar Performances:
The chemistry between lead actors Aneet Padda and Ishaan Khatter has received glowing reviews, with critics praising their emotional depth and subtlety. Supporting roles by seasoned actors like Tabu and Rajat Kapoor have added gravitas.
3. Word-of-Mouth Triumph:
While not a marketing juggernaut, ‘Saiyaara’ has benefitted from exceptional word-of-mouth publicity, particularly in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities where viewers are increasingly prioritizing content over star power.
‘Son of Sardaar 2’: Star Power Fizzles Out
Despite a strong opening weekend, ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ has faced a sharp decline in footfalls post its second week. The film, led by Ajay Devgn and newcomers from his production stable, is being criticised for relying too heavily on nostalgia without delivering fresh content.
With mixed reviews and dwindling audience interest, the sequel has so far managed a domestic total of ₹111.67 crore, slipping behind ‘Saiyaara’ in overall performance.
Comparison Snapshot: Day 20 Collections
| Film | Day 20 Collection | Total Collection (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Saiyaara | ₹3.46 crore | ₹124.88 crore |
| Son of Sardaar 2 | ₹2.91 crore | ₹111.67 crore |
Industry Reactions
Trade analysts have lauded Mohit Suri’s film for “reviving the soul of Bollywood romance” in an era dominated by remakes and VFX-heavy blockbusters.
Renowned trade expert Taran Adarsh commented,
“‘Saiyaara’ is the surprise package of 2025 — its longevity at the box office is proof that strong storytelling and heartfelt performances still hold sway.”
Looking Ahead: Week 4 Projections
With no major releases scheduled in the coming week, ‘Saiyaara’ is expected to comfortably cruise past the ₹130 crore mark by its fourth weekend. If the current trend holds, it could even challenge some big-banner films in lifetime collections.
‘Saiyaara’ has officially cemented its position as one of the biggest surprise hits of the year, outperforming films backed by larger budgets and star power. Its ascent past ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ marks a win not just for Mohit Suri, but also for audience-driven cinema.
