Anurag Basu refutes Saiyaara similarities in Kartik Aaryan’s film: 'Why would I write the same plot?'

Saiyaara has swept the industry by storm with its phenomenal success, igniting not only fan fervour and delight at the box office but also comparisons to other forthcoming films in the same genre. Anurag Basu's romantic musical starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, which is yet to be titled, has been one of the films that has been under the radar since.

Is Anurag Basu's film similar to Saiyaara plot?

Speculation has been circulating that Basu's film is seeking alterations in response to parallels to Mohit Suri's Saiyaara as the film continues its excellent run at the theatres. The plot supposedly is similar to Saiyaara, a film about a rockstar coping with the tragedy of his partner's early-onset Alzheimer's disease, according to industry insiders.

As per a report from Mid Day, Basu said that the rumours are completely false. The filmmaker insists his film did not undergo any editing or reshooting. He stated, "Mohit and I are very close. I’m happy for his film’s success. The only similarity in our films is that the male lead is a rockstar, and the story is about his journey."

ALSO READ: Kartik Aaryan plans Diwali 2025 with Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri amid Anurag Basu film delay?

Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela film rumoured to be rewritten

The insider continued by saying, "After Saiyaara’s success, Kartik, Anurag, and producer Bhushan Kumar felt they needed to up the scale and emotional stakes of their story. So, parts of it are being rewritten; they will do away with the segment of the female lead battling a mental illness. Post the rewrite, the unit will have a 40-day re-shoot of portions that were filmed earlier this year."

Nonetheless, according to Basu, such reports do not have any basis. He went on to say, "In my film, the girl doesn’t have dementia or any other condition. We are not rewriting or reshooting. I knew beforehand that the girl has Alzheimer’s disease in Saiyaara. So, why would I write the same plot point in mine?"

Kartik Aaryan's multiple projects

Basu denied a story rewrite but did state his film will not be released until 2026. Since Aaryan was working on numerous projects at once, the filmmaker said that schedule and continuity problems were to blame for the holdup.

He explained, "We have shot about 40% 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."

Saiyaara originated from Aashiqui 3

Curiously, Suri has previously revealed that Aashiqui 3 was the initial inspiration for Saiyaara. Even though the filmmaker worked on that version separately, it never came to fruition. Aashiqui 3 producers Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt have already teamed up with Aaryan and Basu. But once they parted ways, a legal dispute ensued, and Kumar was unable to use the Aashiqui title for his film because the Delhi High Court sided with Bhatt.

Having cleared the legal difficulties and put an end to the rewrite rumours, Basu's film is now heading towards completion.

FAQs

Q: Who is starring in Anurag Basu’s untitled romantic musical?

A: The film stars Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela in the lead roles.

Q: Why was Anurag Basu’s film with Kartik Aaryan delayed?

The film has been pushed to 2026 due to scheduling issues and Kartik Aaryan's ongoing shoot for another film that affects continuity.

Q: Does Anurag Basu and Kartik Aaryan’s film feature subplot like Saiyaara?

A: No, Anurag Basu confirmed that his film does not include a mental illness or dementia-related storyline like Saiyaara.