A Title Mystery That Has Fans Guessing
Is Kartik Aaryan’s upcoming romantic film Aashiqui 3, Tu Aashiqui Hai, or something else entirely? The confusion surrounding the title of Anurag Basu’s next directorial venture, starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, has left fans and the industry puzzled.
The speculation reached new heights when a press note initially referred to the film as Aashiqui 3, only for the message to be quickly deleted and replaced with a more ambiguous announcement: Kartik Aaryan’s new film. Even after the first-look teaser dropped, headlines across the internet boldly declared it as Aashiqui 3, reinforcing the idea that this was the next chapter in the beloved romantic franchise.
But those who paid close attention noticed a crucial detail: the film remains officially untitled.
Why Was It Called Aashiqui 3 in the First Place?
For years, this project has been linked to the Aashiqui franchise, originally launched by T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar and Vishesh Films’ Mukesh Bhatt. Initially, actress Triptii Dimri was set to star alongside Kartik Aaryan but later exited the film, with Sreeleela stepping in as the female lead. Despite cast changes, the buzz continued under the Aashiqui 3 banner.
Adding to the assumption was the teaser, which featured Kartik Aaryan’s character singing Tu Hi Aashiqui Hai—the iconic song from the original Aashiqui (1990). Naturally, this reinforced the belief that the film was indeed the next installment in the franchise.
However, one key element was missing from the teaser: the film’s title.
The Legal Battle That Changed Everything
So, what happened to Aashiqui 3?
The film was initially set to be co-produced by Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt, maintaining the legacy of the previous two Aashiqui films. But in March 2024, Bhushan Kumar announced that T-Series would produce the film independently, without Vishesh Films.
This led to a legal dispute. Mukesh Bhatt took the matter to the Delhi High Court, arguing that the Aashiqui brand belonged to him and that T-Series could not use the name without his consent. In September 2024, the court ruled in favor of Mukesh Bhatt, banning T-Series from using the title.
The court order clearly stated that allowing T-Series to use the title would create confusion among audiences, as it would falsely imply that the film was an official part of the Aashiqui franchise.
Can the Film Still Have an Aashiqui Connection?
Interestingly, while T-Series cannot use “Aashiqui” in the title, they retain the music rights from the franchise. This means that the film can still feature songs from previous Aashiqui films, like Tu Hi Aashiqui Hai, but the actual name of the movie must be different.
Sources indicate that T-Series is still negotiating with the Bhatts, hoping for a compromise that would allow them to incorporate Aashiqui in some form. However, with less than six months before the film’s Diwali 2025 release, a final title must be locked in soon.
Will It Be Called “Tu Aashiqui Hai” or Something Else?
One rumored alternative title is “Tu Aashiqui Hai,” but even that remains uncertain. As of now, the film officially remains untitled, despite its deep-rooted connections to the Aashiqui universe.
With T-Series gearing up for promotions, the final title will be revealed soon. Until then, fans can only speculate about what Kartik Aaryan’s latest romantic saga will ultimately be called.
Regardless of its name, one thing is clear: this film is set to bring passion, music, and heartbreak—hallmarks of the legendary Aashiqui franchise.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for Bollywood
This situation highlights an increasing trend of title disputes in Bollywood, where franchises hold immense brand value. While production houses seek to capitalize on popular titles, the original rights holders fight to protect their creative legacy.
With Aashiqui 3 officially off the table, the real question is: Can this film still capture the same magic without the iconic title?
We’ll find out this Diwali 2025.
