Ahaan Panday OPENS UP on shooting Virat Kohli tribute scene in Saiyaara, calls it 'difficult yet freeing'

Saiyaara OTT release: Even after more than 50 days in theatres, Ahaan Panday's maiden film, Saiyaara, is still a huge blockbuster and continues to win hearts. Ahaan, who co-stars alongside Aneet Padda, has drawn a lot of attention and acclaim for his honest and passionate acting, particularly for a touching sequence on a cricket ground that has fans chatting nonstop. Today, September 12, the movie has made its OTT release on Netflix following a successful theatrical run.

Son of Sardaar 2 and Param Sundari postponed releases

The makers of Son of Sardaar 2 and Param Sundari even postponed their releases due to the film's unexpected popularity. Social media applauded the story's emotions and the incredible connection between Ahaan and Aneet, while videos of people sobbing in theatres went viral.

Virat-inspired scene garners massive praise

The highlight of the show was one particular sequence. Aneet Padda mimics Virat Kohli's famous cricket shot in an attempt to lift Ahaan Panday's spirits following a quarrel with his father. Strong and authentic, the scene marked the story's turning point and the beginning of the romance plot of the movie.

Ahaan on filming Virat Kohli tribute scene

Ahaan recently discussed filming this moving sequence in which he honours cricket legend Virat Kohli. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ahaan stated that playing Krish for this sequence was both difficult and liberating.

"For the character, I had to tap into things before. During the auditioning process, we'd always create the scenes, so when I was on set, I just let go of everything. I had to let go of the habit of directing myself. I completely surrendered and submitted to sir," he explained.

What made the scene look so real?

According to Ahaan, there must be total transparency and honesty in the cricket pitch scenario. "I didn't plan anything; we'd just learn the lines on the way because we wanted to be raw and real. We'd learn 80 percent of the lines, because we didn't want it to be very mechanical. There were a couple of days where I was like, 'I have to go back to that; I have to rehearse,' but the greatest thing was Mohit sir trusted us so much."