Mohit Suri’s latest film, Saiyaara, became a sensation as soon as it was released. The film starred newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, who have also become massive stars due to the film’s success.
Speaking at FICCI Frames 2025, the filmmaker revealed that after the film’s release, Karan Johar personally thanked him, and top South Indian directors reached out to congratulate him for bringing back the essence of classic Hindi cinema.
One of the year’s biggest romantic blockbusters, Saiyaara not only introduced Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda to showbiz but also marked a turning point for the industry. “I met Karan Johar after the film released, and he said, ‘Thank you for the film you made,’” Mohit recalled. “Of late, we have been dividing the world of entertainment into South directors and movies. I don’t know why we do that. I personally am a fan of a lot. But all of them called when they saw the film, saying that they really liked it.”
He added that Karan told him it’s been years since Bollywood films received such praise from southern filmmakers. “Karan pointed out that it has been years since we have been calling them up and really praising their film. They haven’t, for a change. They’ve been calling up now. This is what Bollywood films were known for.”
Reflecting on Saiyaara’s phenomenal response, Mohit said the project was deeply personal. “I don’t want the dust to settle at all. What Saiyaara has done for me is very personal. It was a very liberating experience. It didn’t have to be that I had to cast someone just to make a film.”
The Aashiqui 2 director also spoke about his filmmaking philosophy and the support he received from producers like Yash Raj Films CEO Akshay Wadhwani, who was also present at the event. “I’ve done this repeatedly in two decades, and you are always told that you can’t do it again. I do need a producer who backs me, but backs my vision because I essentially am not a very money-minded kind of guy. As long as someone believes in me, I know I can go there and make a film with authentic actors and make a good film that does the numbers,” he shared.
