PremiumHere's why Aashiqui 3 cannot be used as Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela starrer’s title - Everything we know about the Delhi HC order
As Kartik Aaryan and Anurag Basu announced the release window and teaser of their movie, the title was still missing, and here is why they cannot use Aashiqui 3.
All About The Aashiqui 3 Title Confusion
Last Updated: 10.06 AM, Feb 17, 2025
The great confusion in the Bollywood circuit right now is whether or not Anurag Basu, T-Series, and Kartik Aaryan are making the third installment in the Aashiqui franchise, which was earlier titled Aashiqui 3. This week, the much-anticipated movie's teaser was released, but without a title, leaving fans even more curious about what to expect and whether it is now an entirely different film. This confusion has persisted for months, with the makers refraining from confirming anything while reaffirming that fans and audiences should wait for official announcements. Today, we break down what exactly is happening behind the scenes—here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela Film?
Originally set to be produced by Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt (the producer of the original and the sequel), Aashiqui 3 was later announced in March 2024 as a standalone project with Kumar as the sole producer. Marketed under the Aashiqui 3 title, its announcement teaser featured Kartik singing Tu Hi Aashiqui Hai, exciting fans about the project. However, there were discussions about renaming the movie Tu Aashiqui Hai around the time Triptii Dimri exited the film, making way for Sreeleela. But things took an even more dramatic turn shortly afterward.
Mukesh Bhatt Moves to Court
Yes, you read that right. In September 2024, Mukesh Bhatt, the producer of the first two films, took the matter to court regarding the title dispute, as per Hindustan Times. The judgment ruled in Bhatt’s favor, prohibiting T-Series from using the Aashiqui title. More interestingly, the court even barred the makers of the Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela starrer from using the word Aashiqui in any new title.
The high court order stated: "There were discussions between the parties for a third installment of the Aashiqui franchise, which was also jointly announced to the public. Further, they highlight that the Defendant (T-Series) has already promoted a public narrative suggesting that their upcoming film is the third installment of the Aashiqui franchise. This perception is further reinforced by the Defendant’s (T-Series) application to register the title Tu Hi Aashiqui. In these circumstances, the Plaintiff (Mukesh Bhatt) contends that confusion is inevitable, and the Defendant (T-Series) should be restrained from using the term Aashiqui in the title of its proposed film, as it risks misleading the public into believing that the new film is part of the Aashiqui franchise, thereby violating the Plaintiff’s rights in the Aashiqui brand."
Makers Still Hoping to Mend Things
The teaser released earlier this week to announce the film’s release date revealed everything except the title, sparking curiosity among fans. While Kartik Aaryan reportedly wants Aashiqui in the title, the makers are also eager to make it happen. Reports now suggest they are trying to find a middle ground and convince the Bhatts to allow them to use the title. However, with the movie set for a Diwali 2025 release, time is running out, as promotions will need to begin in the coming months, and a title will be essential.
Touted to feature music by Pritam, the Anurag Basu directorial is set to hit the big screen on Diwali 2025, starring Kartik Aaryan alongside Sreeleela. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.