In a major boost to Kashmir’s cinema culture, Srinagar’s INOX multiplex is once again witnessing packed shows, as this time for ’Saiyaara’, the much-anticipated romantic drama from Yash Raj Films, marking the first such craze since Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster Pathaan movie.
The film’s advance bookings were sold out within just two hours of opening, prompting the theatre to increase the number of shows to meet the soaring demand.
“Initially, we planned only two shows, but the response was overwhelming. We had to add three more shows, and now all of them are houseful for Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” the INOX Srinagar Manager told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Notably, the film, which marks the Bollywood debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, is directed by Mohit Suri.
Its emotional storyline, combined with the buzz around the title track, sung by Kashmiri artists Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami, has clearly made an emotional connection with audiences in the Valley.
A quick check of the INOX Srinagar website, reviewed by KNO, confirms that seats for most weekend shows are fully booked, with only a few left for late evening slots. For Friday, all shows were completely sold out with not a single seat available.
Notably, the local response mirrors the Pathaan craze. According to INOX Srinagar management, this is the second time since Pathaan’s release in January 2023 that the multiplex has witnessed such a massive public turnout.
“In Pathaan, we came to watch King Khan on the big screen after 30 years. Now, with Saiyaara, it’s the freshness of new faces, a strong love story and Kashmiri voices in the music that’s drawing us in,” said Irfan Ahmad, a local resident from Bemina, Srinagar.
Another movie lover said the theatre was jam-packed just like it was during Pathaan’s release. “But this time, I felt more emotionally connected because the music felt like it belonged to Kashmir. It’s a proud moment,” he said.
According to INOX officials, while Pathaan relied on nostalgia and star power to draw crowds, Saiyaara is attracting audiences with its relatability, youthful vibe and regional music connect.
It is worth mentioning that the title song of Saiyaara, sung by Kashmiri artists Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami, has gone viral across the Valley. The soulful track, blending Kashmiri musical sensibilities with Bollywood romance, has already made an emotional connection with listeners, especially local youth, who are widely sharing reels and humming the lyrics on social media platforms.
Meanwhile, as cinema culture gradually returns to the Valley, such overwhelming public response is being hailed as a key milestone in the revival of collective movie-watching and cultural engagement in Kashmir—(KNO)
