It's Thama vs Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela Aashiqui 3 equivalent on Diwali 2025 - Here's everything we know about the two so far

The world has been busy tracking every box office battle taking place in 2025. In just the first two months, the year has already become a hotbed of box office clashes, which is a healthy sign for the industry. While we are eagerly anticipating the releases in the first half of the year, a new big-budget clash has just been set for the second half of 2025. We are talking about an Ayushmann Khurrana-led movie clashing with a Kartik Aaryan starrer. Yes, you read that right! Thama is all set to compete against the Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela starrer, which was previously rumored to be titled Aashiqui 3 but isn't. Read on to know all the details.

Thama vs. Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela Starrer

For the unversed, just yesterday, February 15, T-Series announced the release date of the Kartik Aaryan starrer while also welcoming Sreeleela on board after Triptii Dimri’s exit from the project. The teaser, which revealed the film’s Diwali 2025 release date, showcased Kartik as a heartbroken singer, cutting to visuals of his romantic moments with Sreeleela, who plays his love interest. The teaser has certainly set the ball rolling but has also confirmed its box office clash with Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thama.

The yet-untitled Kartik Aaryan starrer is written and directed by Anurag Basu, with music by Pritam. Meanwhile, Thama has been scheduled for a Diwali 2025 release for quite some time, and the makers of Basu’s directorial venture have now locked in the same date, making them direct competitors. The Kartik Aaryan movie, which was initially titled Aashiqui 3, is undergoing a title change. On the other hand, Thama stars Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. It is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, with a screenplay by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara, and is produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik.

Also read: Varun Dhawan hints at being a part of Thama; is it desi Twilight with Bhediya, the Vampire and his lover?

Anurag Basu on the Aashiqui 3 Title Change

It will be very interesting to see these two films clash at the box office, marking one of the biggest face-offs of the year, especially on a prime holiday weekend. Recently, Anurag Basu addressed the title change of his film in an interview with Indian Express, saying, “I don’t know what the film is called right now; the shoot starts this month. We have not finalized the female lead yet, but it will be announced within a week.”

He also addressed Triptii Dimri’s exit from the film, dismissing rumors that she did not fit the part. “Her image was not the reason. I am the last person to judge an actor based on the roles they have previously played. Aashiqui was not even the story anymore… I don’t know the source of these rumors. The most important factor was scheduling conflicts. Triptii is shooting for a film with Vishal Bhardwaj, and my film starts production this month as well. She is still my best friend, and I really like her as an actress. You should ask her too about what happened.”

Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

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