Kartik Aaryan and director Anurag Basu were gearing up for a big Diwali release with their highly anticipated musical drama—co-starring South sensation Sreeleela. However, that release has been pushed to early 2026, and recent speculation suggests the surge around Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara may have influenced the decision. Now, Basu has set the record straight.

What’s Behind the Delay?

Originally slated for Diwali 2025, the Kartik Aaryan–Anurag Basu film has been officially postponed to 2026 The Times of India+5India Today+5The Times of India+5.

Entertainment circles hinted that Saiyaara—a 2025 musical romance directed by Mohit Suri that has become a sleeper hit—featured overlapping themes: the ascent of music stars and intense lovers. Industry insiders speculated the new Basu–Aaryan film was paused to avoid seeming too similar X (formerly Twitter)+4India Today+4Wikipedia+4.

️ Anurag Basu’s Response

Basu has strongly refuted that claim. In an exclusive with India Today, he said:

• He’s been aware of Suri’s script for a while and doesn’t believe there’s any undue overlap.

• While thematic comparisons are inevitable—since both films center on performers—the storytelling and narratives are completely unique India Today.

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Instead, Basu cites practical reasons for the delay: “Kartik was busy with Karan Johar’s film (Tu Meri Main Tera…), I was promoting Metro… In Dino—so we couldn’t schedule the shoot.” The postponed release gives both the cast and crew more breathing room to finish the project thoroughly The Times of India+2India Today+2The Times of India+2.

Strategy Update from the Team

It’s reported that certain portions of the film are being reworked to enhance originality, though Basu emphasized this was out of creative choice, not to dodge comparisons India Today. The team is now planning the next production schedule and aiming to wrap filming soon.

Creative Lineage & Franchise Roots

There’s buzz that this project is a spiritual successor to the iconic Aashiqui franchise. Though legal wrangling with Vishesh Films may have barred official use of the title, the film will reportedly feature a revamped version of the beloved title track, setting a romantic tone—even without branding it Aashiqui 3 India Today.

Notably, Saiyaara itself began life as Mohit Suri’s pitch for Aashiqui 3, which he later reshaped independently—adding another layer to the parallel between the projects youtube.com+5Wikipedia+5India Today+5.

What’s Next?

• Kartik Aaryan–Anurag Basu film: Targeted for early 2026 launch (no specific month yet).

• Saiyaara: Released July 18, 2025, and continues to ride high.

The Takeaway

While Saiyaara may have sparked online chatter, Anurag Basu clarifies that the delay of Kartik Aaryan’s musical is all business, not panic. With new tweaks, fresh schedules, and space to breathe, the film promises to deliver a fresh romantic-musical experience—too early to draw any direct lines with Suri’s hit. Fans can now look forward to an enhanced cinematic journey from two of Bollywood’s most exciting talents, slated for the new calendar year.

Bottom Line: Yes, the release is delayed to early 2026—but not due to fear of Saiyaara. Anurag Basu confirms scheduling and creative polish were the real drivers.

Let me know if you’d like more details—on early teasers, comparisons, or box office projections!