At the Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025, director Mohit Suri celebrated his first career award for ‘Saiyaara’ and recalled how Aditya Chopra championed the romantic drama when action blockbusters dominated Bollywood. The film’s success marks a turning point for genre diversity and Gen Z storytelling in Indian cinema.
Mohit Suri’s heartfelt tribute to creative courage and cinematic conviction
Director Mohit Suri is basking in the success of ‘Saiyaara’, which won the Popular Choice Award at the Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025. At the ceremony in Mumbai, Suri shared how Aditya Chopra believed in the film’s emotional core at a time when explosive action films ruled the box office.
Produced by Yash Raj Films and starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, ‘Saiyaara’ has become one of India’s highest-grossing romantic dramas, earning nearly ₹570 crore worldwide. Suri, known for hits like ‘Aashiqui 2’, called the award “extra special” as it marked his first collaboration with YRF and his first major accolade in two decades.
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Mohit Suri wins his first career award for ‘Saiyaara’ at Yellowstone Film Festival
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Aditya Chopra backed the romantic script despite industry’s tilt toward action spectacles
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‘Saiyaara’ stars Gen Z newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda
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Film grossed nearly ₹570 crore globally, becoming a cultural and commercial success
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Award received by Suri and YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani at a ceremony in Mumbai
Sources: The Hans India, Hindustan Times, Moneycontrol, News18, NewKerala