Saiyaara (2025) — A Journey Through Love, Stars, and Solitude

The world of cinema is no stranger to love stories, but Saiyaara — released this year — manages to offer something unique: a poignant, meditative look at love that transcends space, time, and self. Directed by Ayan Malhotra in his much-anticipated debut, Saiyaara is as much about longing and loss as it is about love.

Here is an honest and in-depth review of the film that has audiences divided, yet undeniably intrigued.

The Story: A Cosmic Love Letter
At its heart, Saiyaara tells the story of Aarav (played by Vicky Kaushal), a young astronomer with a troubled past, and Zara (played beautifully by Triptii Dimri), a free-spirited poet who enters his life unexpectedly. The title, Saiyaara — which means "star" in Urdu — is symbolic of the vast distance that can sometimes exist between two people, even when they feel destined for each other.

The film opens with Aarav working nights at an observatory in Ladakh, scanning the skies for celestial phenomena. His loneliness is palpable, his days mechanical. Enter Zara — full of life, wandering through Ladakh in search of inspiration for her next book. What begins as chance encounters soon blooms into an intense, if fragile, romance.

But the film takes a darker, more philosophical turn as Aarav’s trauma resurfaces, threatening to destroy their bond. He’s forced to confront not just his feelings for Zara, but his own inability to love himself.

Performances: Subtle and Soulful
One of Saiyaara’s greatest strengths lies in its performances. Vicky Kaushal delivers one of his most nuanced performances yet — quiet but layered, conveying more with a glance than with dialogue. His portrayal of Aarav’s inner turmoil feels real and relatable.

Triptii Dimri shines as Zara, striking a delicate balance between charm and melancholy. Her on-screen chemistry with Vicky is undeniable, but what’s even more impressive is how she holds her own in the film’s heavier emotional moments.