'Saiyaara': Producer Akshaye Widhwani addresses viral videos of fans crying and fainting in theatres

'Saiyaara,' starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, is on its way to cross Rs 400 crores globally. The Mohit Suri-directed film has received immense love from the audience, and the numbers are proof. Post the release, videos of fans fainting, crying, and dancing in theatres after watching the film surfaced online. Soon, claims were made that all these fans were planted by the makers to hype up the movie.

Now, the film's producer and YRF CEO, Akshaye Widhwani, has addressed all these speculations.

Producer of Mohit Suri's 'Saiyaara' addresses viral clips of fans fainting and crying

In an interview with India Today, Widhwani clarified that videos surfacing online were not part of any PR strategy by the makers. He dismissed it, saying, "None of those people were planted in theatres."

He went on to add that all videos showcasing fans expressing their emotions were "genuine" and "real." He shared that people started calling them about how much they cried, and he was thanking them for it. He said, "You find yourself saying, ‘We're happy you cried,’ because that's the kind of emotional connection Mohit has managed to create after so long."

He stated that he doesn't remember the last time such a thing happened, when people felt so deeply while watching a movie.

Mohit Suri talks about the response 'Saiyaara' received

In the same interview, Mohit Suri shared that he has been receiving calls from all quarters and not just a section of people. He added, "Directors, filmmakers, actors—everyone has been reaching out."

The filmmaker expressed that he felt the praise was genuine for the first time, as usually people "are just being polite." He said, "But this time, there’s been a sincere sense of love and support, which has been incredibly encouraging."

Mohit said that he feels that the film has given people a voice they were waiting to express.

More about 'Saiyaara'

The film has now become Mohit Suri's biggest hit. It has crossed Rs 270 crore at the box office in India. As per Sacnilk, the film will surpass the Rs 300 crore mark. It was released in theatres on July 18, 2025.