Saiyaara Shines! YRF & Mohit Suri’s Blockbuster Wins Popular Choice Award At Yellowstone Film Fest 2025

Yash Raj Films' romantic blockbuster, Saiyaara, has achieved another milestone by winning the Popular Choice Award at the Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025. This accolade adds to its legacy as the highest-grossing romantic film in Indian cinema history. The award was accepted by Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, and Mohit Suri, the film's director, during a prestigious ceremony in Mumbai.

The film marked the debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, who have become beloved figures among Gen Z audiences. Saiyaara's impact on pop culture is comparable to Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel's debut in Kaho Na Pyaar Hai 25 years ago. The film has redefined romance for viewers worldwide, resonating deeply with both Indian and South Asian audiences.

Saiyaara's Record-Breaking Achievements

Saiyaara set multiple records, including the highest opening for debut actors. Its title track became the first Hindi song to enter the Billboard Top 10 List globally and remained number one across music streaming platforms for months. Additionally, it grossed an impressive 580 crore worldwide at the box office, a feat unmatched by any other debutant film.

The Popular Choice Award at YIFF 2025 is Saiyaara's first recognition as awards season begins. This win underscores its strong connection with audiences and highlights its role in reviving romantic films at the box office. The film's commercial and emotional success demonstrates that love stories remain a powerful genre.

Reflections from Akshaye Widhani and Mohit Suri

Akshaye Widhani expressed gratitude while receiving the award: "Thank you Yellowstone International Film Festival - this is a great honor. It's our first award for Saiyaara, so it's really special so thank you! I think Saiyaara is Mohit, Mohit is Saiyaara. It's been an amazing journey which started early 2024 and I'm glad that we're here today celebrating this moment. I think the film, being the highest-grossing love story of all time, is a testament and a moment that makes us really proud. I think Mohit's done an exceptional job with the film. Thank you to the audiences globally who've loved this film, the music, who've made it an emotion and accepted our two Gen Z stars, Ahaan and Aneet, who are just exceptional. This award is for the entire cast and crew that worked tirelessly to make this film what it is. A huge shout-out to Sumana, who brought this film to me when my only brief to her was to make a love story and then she goes and gets Mohit Suri and gets us Saiyaara. So, that was really special."

Director Mohit Suri shared his thoughts: "This is really special. I've been around for 20 years, and this is my first award. There have been a lot of firsts with this film - the actors were doing it for the first time, I was making my first film with YRF, and Akshaye was producing his first film. I still remember when I was a kid and went to watch Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in the theatre. That was the first time, the germ, the bug hit me. I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker."

The Creative Freedom Behind Saiyaara

Mohit further added: "This award is special for one more reason. When I gave the script to Akshaye and Adi sir they loved it and said they wanted to make it. Not once did either of them say - Make a hit film or a blockbuster. Their only brief was simple - Mohit we want your best film and best music." This creative freedom allowed him to craft a story he truly believed in without focusing on numbers.

Saiyaara's success reaffirms its status as both a commercial triumph and an emotional journey for audiences worldwide. Its achievements continue to inspire filmmakers by proving that staying true to one's vision can lead to recognition over time.