Weekend Through Monday Packed; Tuesday, Wednesday Shows Nearly Sold Out
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): In a major boost to Kashmir’s growing cinema culture, Srinagar’s INOX multiplex is witnessing packed halls once again—this time for Saiyaara, the much-anticipated romantic drama from Yash Raj Films.
The film has sparked the Valley’s biggest cinema craze since Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster Pathaan.
Advance bookings for Saiyaara sold out within two hours of opening, prompting theatre management to ramp up the number of daily screenings.
“Initially, we planned only two shows, but the response was overwhelming. We had to add three more, and all of them were houseful on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,” said the INOX Srinagar manager.
The rush continued into Monday, with all shows running at full capacity. By Monday evening, Tuesday’s six shows had only a few seats left. One of Wednesday’s screenings was already fully booked, and the rest were filling up fast.
Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara marks the Bollywood debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Its emotional plot, paired with a hauntingly beautiful title track sung by Kashmiri artists Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami, has resonated deeply with audiences across the Valley.
Crowd reactions have echoed the frenzy seen during Pathaan’s release. INOX officials confirmed this is the most overwhelming turnout since January 2023.
“The theatre was jam-packed just like it was for Pathaan,” said one moviegoer. “But this time, I felt more emotionally connected—the music felt like it belonged to Kashmir. It’s a proud moment.”
Another viewer, Mehak, shared: “It wasn’t just a film—it felt like an experience we could relate to. Seeing our own voices in the soundtrack made it more than just entertainment; it felt personal.”
“This wasn’t just a film—it was pure vibes,” she added.
The title track has gone viral nationwide—especially in Kashmir—with its soulful mix of Kashmiri melody and Bollywood romance capturing the imagination of young viewers.
Social media is brimming with reels, clips, and comments celebrating both the song and the film’s powerful cultural impact(DD)