In a day when Monday mornings have killed even the largest weekend box office hits, Saiyaara is turning things upside down. The Yash Raj Films (YRF) romance drama is soaring and now causing waves for its surprise weekday staying power and non-traditional distribution strategy.
Whereas the trend is a substantial dip in collections after a phenomenal weekend, Saiyaara has done the opposite. Reports from all over the country suggest that the film is holding steady with excellent occupancy levels, even for early morning shows on Monday, a feat as uncommon as it is welcome in the post-pandemic movie-going world of today.
Morning Shows Nearly Sold Out Across Cities
From big metros to smaller towns, Saiyaara is enjoying an enthusiastic turnout. At Cinepolis Seawoods in Navi Mumbai, the 8:20 AM and 9:00 AM shows were close to being fully booked.
At PVR Capital Mall in Nalasopara, Mumbai’s extended suburb, the scenario was the same. Surprisingly, Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, sold out every show on Monday, including the 9:30 AM morning screening.
The trend continued across the country. At Jaipur’s Cinepolis in World Trade Park Mall, the 9:10 AM show began with 50% occupancy and neared full capacity by 10:00 AM.
Meanwhile, Ahmedabad’s 9:20 AM show at Inox Himalaya Mall began at half capacity and quickly saw a surge in attendance.
Bengaluru’s PVR Nexus Koramangala, a high-traffic multiplex, recorded an 80% occupancy at 8:45 AM, unthinkable for a romantic film on a Monday.
These figures speak volumes about the audience’s continued attachment to the film. A duty manager at a Mumbai multiplex remarked, “Post-COVID, such Monday morning strength was only seen with mega-budget blockbusters. It reminds me of pre-pandemic days when students filled theaters for early shows.”
YRF’s Bold Tuesday Decision
Adding to the film’s momentum is YRF’s unexpected decision to adopt the Tuesday discounted ticket offer, something major films typically skip if they’re performing well. Since April, cinemas across India have participated in a weekly initiative offering reduced ticket prices on Tuesdays of Rs. 99, 149, or 199. But notable hits like Raid 2 and Sitaare Zameen Par had chosen to forgo this scheme during their initial runs.
In contrast, Saiyaara’s makers are embracing it.
A trade expert explained, “YRF’s decision goes against industry patterns. The film didn’t need the offer; it was already on fire. But they’ve chosen to keep it accessible, which is a win for audiences. It’s a rare move from a top production house.”
What’s even more striking is that fans aren’t waiting for Tuesday’s discounted tickets. Despite knowing the prices will drop, many are still flocking to cinemas on Monday, driven by FOMO (fear of missing out) and social media buzz.
A Double-Digit Weekday on the Cards?
With Saiyaara drawing near-full houses during early weekday slots, the film is now expected to maintain double-digit earnings through Monday and Tuesday, a huge achievement for any non-franchise film.
Tuesday, thanks to the discount pricing, is likely to witness even stronger numbers. However, the most interesting twist is that unlike other films that witness a sharp Wednesday drop after a booming Tuesday, Saiyaara might continue its stronghold. “This film is breaking patterns,” the trade expert added. “It may stay rock-solid even on Wednesday.”
There is one caveat. Although Tuesday tickets are available at reduced prices, Saiyaara will not be offered at the lowest possible rates.
Rs. 99 for front-row seats like other titles. Still, with the average rates hovering around Rs. 149 or 199, fans don’t seem to mind. The quality of the film appears to be outweighing any pricing concerns.
What’s Driving the Craze?
The phenomenal word-of-mouth is obviously working. Lensed by Mohit Suri and featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aayesha Kapoor, Saiyaara has managed to woo its audience with emotional narration, a songable score, and perfect chemistry between the lead pair.
The theme of nostalgia, sweeping visuals, and crisp performances are compelling viewers to not just see the film but also promote it zealously. Instagram reels, Twitter threads, and trending clips of intimate romantic moments are adding immense momentum to it.
Additionally, the return of the ‘big screen romance’ seems to have struck a chord. For many years, the box office has been dominated by action films and thrillers. Saiyaara’s success suggests a reversal trend, suggesting there is still space and fervor for genuinely crafted romantic dramas.
Final Word
Saiyaara is not only a hit; it’s a movement. Its big Monday show, coupled with Tuesday’s smart pricing by YRF, is demonstrating that audiences will turn up if you create magic on screen. In a time when theatrical runs are becoming shorter and more fragile, Saiyaara stands as proof that good storytelling, sensible pricing, and clever marketing can still create box office waves.
As it marches ahead, all eyes are now on how long it can sustain this momentum. But one thing’s clear: Saiyaara has already earned its place among the rare few films that broke the rules and still won spectacularly.