Kartik Aaryan, one of Bollywood's leading stars, is set to enchant audiences once again as he takes on the lead role alongside rising actress Sreeleela, directed by the talented Anurag Basu. This highly anticipated film, which has not yet been officially titled, is widely speculated to be the third installment of the beloved Aashiqui franchise. Fans are particularly excited as the film is slated for release during the festive season of Diwali.
Recently, Kartik took to Instagram to share a sneak peek of the film, which has gone viral among fans. The video showcases him displaying a rugged new look with long hair and a thick beard, strumming a guitar and passionately singing the classic song "Tu Meri Zindagi Hai" before what seems to be adoring fans at a concert. The intimate glimpses of his on-screen chemistry with Sreeleela, riding on bikes together, sharing romantic moments near a bonfire, and enjoying cozy interactions, have left audiences yearning for more.
“This Diwali ❤️🔥,” Kartik captioned the post, hinting at the film’s grand release, which has evoked excitement and joy among his followers. Comments flooded the post, with one fan exclaiming, “MY MAN PLAYING GUITAR, WHAT ELSE DO I DREAM FOR??” Another added, “Finally, it’s happening 😍 Aashiqui 3,” capturing the essence of the viewers’ anticipation.
Interestingly, there has been quite the discussion surrounding the casting of the female lead. Earlier reports suggested Triptii Dimri would star opposite Kartik, especially after their acclaimed pairing in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Yet, it has now been confirmed by Anurag Basu himself, who clarified, “I don’t know what the film is called right now; the shoot starts this month. We have not finalized the female lead yet—it will be announced in a week.” These statements have aimed to quash rumors about Triptii being replaced due to her recent film roles potentially not aligning with the character's image.
Despite the rumors swirling around, Aneesh Basu firmly stated, “Image was not the reason. I am the last person to judge an actor on the basis of the other characters they have played on screen. Aashiqui was not even the story anymore... I don’t know the source of these stories which came out.” This open communication from the director has reassured fans and highlighted the importance of character over past performances.
With this film, Sreeleela is making her Bollywood debut, which is adding to the excitement. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as they aim to see how she pairs with Kartik, who is known for his intense romantic performances. Their first look has already set the internet ablaze, with numerous users expressing their eagerness for what they believe will be another blockbuster. “Another BLOCKBUSTER loading this Diwali,” commented one appreciative fan, encapsulating collective sentiments about the film.
The Aashiqui franchise is known for its emotional depth and memorable music. With Basu at the helm, known for creating poignant narratives, audiences are hopeful for another tear-jerking experience. Last year, Kartik’s film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 saw tremendous box office success during Diwali, setting high expectations for this year’s project.
While the team prepares for the film’s shoot, which Anurag Basu confirmed will begin soon, fans eagerly wait for the official title and more promotional material. The chemistry showcased so far has left viewers intrigued, especially with noises throughout social media claiming Kartik’s rugged look mirrors the iconic portrayal by Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh. Comments like, “Looking like Shahid Kapoor from Kabir Singh,” reflect the audience's anticipation for Kartik's portrayal of complex, romantic characters.
The momentum for Anurag Basu’s next romantic saga continues to build as it aims to rival not only its predecessors from the Aashiqui franchise but also the high standards set by current filmmakers. The lush romance, music development, and character depth are set to converge this coming Diwali, undoubtedly promising to be one of the season's highlights.
Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela’s shared screen time, combined with Anurag Basu's directing prowess, rest assured seems poised to light up theaters this upcoming festive season. With excitement surrounding both the music and storyline, the audience's hopes will rest upon this film to deliver yet another classic love story.