New Delhi, July 18 -- Every generation deserves its Aashiqui, if only to show that audiences here will never tire of morose musicians neglecting their mental health and then singing about it. The crowd at my Friday morning screening mostly comprised college kids. Invariably, there was a good bit of wisecracking and talking back to the screen. But when it was time for the big concert number, many of them had their phones out and recording.

Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri for Yash Raj Films, actually began life as a third Aashiqui that never worked out. It isn't a Bhatt production, but it's a Bhatt film in spirit. Which is to say, it's gloomy, emotionally charged, self-flagellating, and full of hummable rock ballads that all sound the sam...