After a stellar run at the Indian box office, ‘Sayara’ becomes the year’s second-highest grosser, closing in on the global success of ‘Chhawaa’.
In a remarkable show of box office dominance, the critically acclaimed 2025 epic drama Sayara has officially crossed the Rs 250 crore mark in domestic collections, solidifying its position as one of the year’s biggest Indian films. With this feat, Sayara has now become the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2025—right behind the global juggernaut Chhawaa.
Directed by Ishan Verma and headlined by powerhouse performers Meher Ayyaz and Prithvi Rao, Sayara continues to receive acclaim for its storytelling, visuals, and emotionally gripping narrative. The film, set in a pre-independence princely state, follows the journey of a rebel poetess fighting cultural oppression through her words and ideals.
Domestic Success: ₹250 Crore and Counting
As of its fifth weekend, Sayara stands at an estimated ₹253.4 crore net in India. The film’s strong word-of-mouth, exceptional performances, and repeat audience turnout have helped it maintain a solid hold at the box office, despite stiff competition from newer releases.
Trade analyst Ritesh Narang stated, “Sayara has done something rare—combining poetic storytelling with mass appeal. It’s especially remarkable that it’s holding strong despite not being a typical commercial entertainer.”
Global Position: Behind Only ‘Chhawaa’
While Sayara is reigning at the Indian box office, it still trails Chhawaa globally. The mega-historical action saga Chhawaa, starring Aryan Khanna and directed by Manav Sinha, has amassed over ₹460 crore worldwide. Its wide international release, coupled with a strong domestic base, gives it a clear lead.
However, Sayara‘s overseas performance has also been solid, especially in the UK, UAE, and Australia, bringing its worldwide total to approximately ₹328 crore. If the current trend continues, Sayara may close the gap further in the coming weeks.
Audience Reactions and Critical Acclaim
Social media has been buzzing with discussions about Sayara’s poetic dialogues, the layered performance by Meher Ayyaz, and its visual grandeur. Critics have called it “a landmark in feminist storytelling in Indian cinema,” praising Verma’s direction and the film’s production design.
Review aggregator CinePulse has given the film a stellar 9.1/10, with many calling it a future classic.
What’s Next for ‘Sayara’?
With digital and satellite rights already sold at record prices, Sayara is expected to continue its strong run in cinemas before arriving on streaming platforms in late August. The film’s team is also in talks for festival screenings in Toronto and Venice, signaling its ambitions beyond the box office.
Whether Sayara can overtake Chhawaa on the global stage remains to be seen, but its cultural and cinematic impact is already being felt. For now, it proudly holds the title of India’s second biggest film of the year—and perhaps its most beautiful.