‘Saiyaara’ Named IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Film Of 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Saiyaara, Mohit Suri’s romantic film starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, is the most popular Indian movie of the year, per IMDb‘s latest number crunch.

The announcement places Saiyaara at the center of conversations about Indian cinema in 2025, marking a defining moment for contemporary romantic storytelling. In a year crowded with big-budget releases, franchise films, and genre experimentation, the film’s rise to the top highlights the enduring appeal of emotionally driven narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. IMDb’s global data reflects not just curiosity, but sustained interest from viewers across continents.

The movie topped the ten Indian movies most popular with IMDb customers worldwide in 2025, beating off Ashwin Kumar’s mystical action pic Mahavatar Narsimha and Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava. The full list is below.

What makes this achievement notable is the range of competition Saiyaara faced. From mythological animation to historical drama and mass-action entertainers, the 2025 slate showcased Indian cinema’s creative diversity. Yet, Saiyaara’s intimate love story managed to rise above the noise, proving that strong performances and emotional honesty can rival spectacle and scale.

Akshaye Widhani, Yash Raj Films CEO and producer of Saiyaara, said: “Saiyaara being named the Most Popular Indian Movie on the IMDb 2025 list is a moment of immense pride for all of us at YRF. The film has not only set new benchmarks but has connected with audiences across India and the world, cutting across geography, age, and culture.

“We are hugely grateful that it has become one of the most iconic films for YRF and for the industry, and we thank audiences globally for embracing it with such overwhelming love. At YRF, we have always aspired to create cinema that becomes part of people’s lives and memories, and Saiyaara is a shining example of that vision. A film of this impact is only possible because of the people behind it."

“Mohit Suri brought a clear vision and deep emotion to the film, while Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda delivered confident, heartfelt debut performances that instantly connected with audiences across the world.”

The film’s success also signals a strong debut moment for its lead actors. Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s performances have been widely discussed for their sincerity and emotional restraint, qualities often praised in Mohit Suri’s filmography. Their chemistry became a key talking point online, fueling repeat viewership and sustained engagement on IMDb throughout the year.

The most popular lisr comprised five Hindi titles, two Tamil titles and one each in Kannada and Malayalam. Mahavatar Narsimha, which is the first animated film to make the annual list, was released in five languages simultaneously.

This multilingual presence underscores the pan-Indian and global nature of modern Indian cinema. Films today are no longer confined by regional boundaries, with audiences actively exploring stories across languages and formats. The inclusion of animation, sequels, and original narratives reflects a market that is curious, experimental, and increasingly international in outlook.

“The Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 lists demonstrate the boldness and innovation of Indian creators,” said Yaminie Patodia, head of IMDb India. “The diverse range of storytelling, spanning from romance to animation, superhero epics to satire, reflects the industry’s vibrancy. It’s especially exciting to see distinctly Indian stories and cultural narratives resonating with audiences around the world.”

IMDb’s annual rankings have become a key cultural indicator, often mirroring audience sentiment more accurately than box office numbers alone. Page views, ratings, and global engagement offer insight into what viewers actively seek out, discuss, and recommend, making Saiyaara’s top position a reflection of genuine audience enthusiasm.

The list was compiled through assessing all the movies released in India between January 1 and November 30, 2025 that have average IMDb user rating of 6 or higher and more than 250 million page views worldwide.

This rigorous methodology ensures that popularity is measured not just by hype, but by consistent audience interaction. For Saiyaara, maintaining strong ratings and massive page views throughout the year indicates lasting impact rather than momentary attention.

Here’s full Top 10 Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 list

Saiyaara

Mahavatar Narsimha

Chhaava

Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1

Coolie

Dragon

Sitaare Zameen Par

Deva

Raid 2

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra