Is Kartik Aaryan–Sreeleela’s Next A ‘Saiyaara’ Rehash? Anurag Basu Breaks Silence

Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara has taken the box office by storm, emerging as one of 2025’s biggest blockbusters. Backed by Yash Raj Films and led by newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. As comparisons mount between Saiyaara and the Kartik Aaryan, Sreeleela’s upcoming film, director Anurag Basu has stepped in to clarify the differences between the two romantic dramas and to shut down rumours about script delays or rewrites in his film.

In a recent interview with Mid-Day, Anurag said, “Mohit and I are very close. I’m happy for his film’s success. The only similarity between our films is that the male lead is a rockstar – the stories are otherwise very different.”

He added that Aashiqui 3, which stars Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, has no resemblance to Saiyaara in terms of plot. “In my film, the girl doesn’t have dementia or any other condition. I was aware of the Alzheimer’s angle in Saiyaara, so there’s no reason to repeat it in my story.”

Addressing speculation about rewrites or reshoots, Anurag confirmed that the project is very much on track. Around 40% of the film has already been shot, with the next schedule planned for August–September. The only delay, he explained, is due to Kartik Aaryan’s look continuity. “We have shot about 40 per cent of the film. In August and September, we plan to shoot another schedule in which Kartik will have a clean-shaven look. He is currently shooting for Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, in which he has a specific look. The continuity is the problem. He needs to complete that film; after that, by the month-end, we will lock the next schedule,” he said.

About Saiyaara

Mohit Suri’s directorial Saiyaara is turning into one of the year’s biggest success stories. Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the romatic drama is an intense love story between the artistic souls Krish and Vaani, who fall in love despite coming from different worlds.

The movie also stars Alam Khan, Geeta Agarwal, Rajesh Kumar, Varun Badola, Shaad Randhawa, Sid Makkar, Shaan Groverr and Neil Dutta.

The movie, which released on 18 July, has had a dream run at the box office and has collected Rs 258.9 crore so far.