In an unexpected turn of events, Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha's upcoming film ‘Nikita Roy’ is being overshadowed by newcomers Ahaan Pandey and Anit Padda, whose film ‘Saiyaara’ is generating far more buzz — even before its release.

Both films are set to release on 18 July, but the numbers and public interest seem to be clearly leaning in one direction — and it’s not in favor of the seasoned actress.

‘Saiyaara’ Leads in Popularity Before Release

Produced under the prestigious YRF banner, Saiyaara is a romantic musical film that has already captured public attention. According to ticket booking platform BookMyShow, more than 3.29 lakh people have marked themselves as “interested” in watching Saiyaara, compared to only *92,000 for Nikita Roy.

This massive difference has stunned many in the industry, especially as Saiyaara stars two relatively new faces:

• Ahaan Pandey, nephew of actor Chunky Pandey, making his debut.

• Anit Padda, appearing in his second film after Salaam Venky (2022) with Kajol.

‘Nikita Roy’: A Horror Drama with Big Names but Little Buzz

On the other hand, Nikita Roy is a horror drama that features Sonakshi Sinha, Arjun Rampal, and Paresh Rawal. It has an added sentimental element as it marks the directorial debut of Kush Sinha, Sonakshi’s brother. Yet, despite the emotional appeal and known actors, the film is struggling to generate excitement among the audience.

Midnight Shows for ‘Saiyaara’

The buzz around Saiyaara is so intense that midnight shows (post 11:55 PM) are being scheduled across India from the very first day — something typically reserved for highly anticipated blockbusters and superstar releases.

A Changing Bollywood Landscape?

The sharp contrast in public interest reflects a shifting trend in Bollywood: fresh faces with strong production backing and appealing content can now rival — and even overpower — big names.

While Nikita Roy still has a chance to perform well with word-of-mouth and reviews, the initial audience sentiment clearly favors Saiyaara.