Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara is shattering expectations and setting new trends at the box office. While most films struggle to draw crowds on Monday mornings, Saiyaara is witnessing near-sold-out shows as early as 8:20 am in multiple cities—an extremely rare feat in post-pandemic India.
The romantic musical, which stars debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has not only maintained its momentum into the work week but has also prompted Yash Raj Films to take an unconventional step. In a surprising move, the studio has chosen Tuesday—not the usual Wednesday—for its discounted ticket pricing, making the film more accessible while still riding the wave of its box office popularity.
Strong Monday occupancies prove Saiyaara’s pull
Morning show data from across the country paints a clear picture of Saiyaara’s appeal. Cinepolis Seawoods (Navi Mumbai) and PVR Capital Mall (Nalasopara) reported packed 8:20 am and 9:00 am screenings. Bihar’s Roopbani Cinema in Purnia went a step further, with all Monday shows—starting from 9:30 am—sold out in advance.
Other strongholds include Jaipur’s Cinepolis World Trade Park, where early shows were over 50% full, and Inox Himalaya Mall in Ahmedabad, where the 9:20 am show was fast-filling. Even in Bengaluru, the 8:45 am show at PVR Nexus, Koramangala, clocked nearly 80% occupancy.
A multiplex manager in Mumbai told Bollywood Hungama, “Post-pandemic, such strong Monday morning occupancies were seen only for big-budget movies. This reminded me of the pre-pandemic days when college students used to crowd cinemas for 8:00 am and 9:00 am shows on the weekdays.”
Trade reacts to YRF’s strategic pricing
A trade expert noted, “It is a given that Saiyaara’s craze is tremendous and even without the offer, the occupancy on Tuesday would have been rock solid. Hence, it is heartening that YRF took the decision of having reasonable ticket prices for their film so that audiences can watch it without burning a hole in their pocket.”
While most films rely on discounted days to drive footfall, Saiyaara has created urgency among viewers, with many unwilling to wait even a day. The same expert added, “Price-conscious moviegoers usually would wait for a day, especially if they know that the ticket on the next day will be cheaper. But with Saiyaara, that’s not the case. There’s tremendous urgency to watch the film and hence, many haven’t waited for Tuesday’s offer. As a result, Monday will be super-strong while Tuesday will be extraordinary.”
Although theatres won’t be offering Rs. 99 tickets for front-row seats as they typically do on Tuesdays, regular ticket rates are capped at Rs. 149 to Rs. 199—a pricing decision many believe has widened the film’s reach across demographics.
With a double-digit Monday already expected and Tuesday poised to be even bigger, Saiyaara is breaking away from conventional weekday trends, hinting at long-lasting box office legs.
(Also read: Box Office: YRF’s Saiyaara Surpasses Kabir Singh And Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani To Record Biggest Opening Day For A Love Story; Beats SOTY, Dhadak And Heropanti For Biggest Opening For Newcomers)
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