Sunday evenings, for years, have meant only one thing to the All Stars Football Club (ASFC) — hours of football practice at the Jamnabai Narsee School playground in Juhu. But their weekly ritual was cancelled on October 25, in light of the October 18 attack on actor Tiger Shroff that took place outside the ground. Bunty Walia, who owns the ASFC, has called off all training sessions until further notice. We have heard that they will resume only after necessary security arrangements have been put in place.

A source from the ASFC told mid-day that the shooting attempt on Shroff — where reportedly five to seven bullets were fired at the actor’s car by two men on a motorbike — has left the team shaken.

The source said, “The October 25 practice match was cancelled by Bunty Walia. He is clear that till a security plan is put in place, he won’t announce the next match. Many actors are part of the ASFC, including Abhishek Bachchan, Kartik Aaryan, and Ranbir Kapoor. Everyone’s safety is top priority.”

When mid-day contacted Walia, he confirmed that the practice session was cancelled in the aftermath of the attack. The case is currently being investigated by the Mumbai Crime Branch.

“We are not sure about the next practice session. We’ll need to discuss with the police as to how to go forward. We cannot resume till we put the necessary safety norms in place,” said Walia.

As part of the safety measures, going forward, the ASFC may keep its training sessions away from the paparazzi’s lens. It is heard that the club will keep the dates and venues under wraps so as to not attract attention.

Almost six months after filmmaker Kabir Khan called action on his yet-untitled biopic on kickboxer Tajamul Islam, the film has entered its final stretch. mid-day has learnt that the team has kicked off the last schedule at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) office in Fort today, after which they will move to Saki Naka mid-week. That is when lead actor Kartik Aaryan will join the shoot.

A source close to the production revealed that Khan has left some of the story’s key portions for the last leg. “The BMC office is one of the first locations, after which they will have an extensive schedule at Saki Naka. After Kartik joins mid-week, he will shoot throughout the month till early September,” said the source.

The movie is being designed as a biographical drama about Islam’s journey to becoming the two-time world kickboxing champion. According to reports, Aaryan plays her coach.

After the actor completes the sports drama, he is expected to face the camera for director Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4. The buzz is that the horror comedy will begin production in October.

- Islam is India’s youngest two-time world kickboxing champion

- She won the gold medal in the Under-8 category at the 2016 World Kickboxing Championship in Italy

- She repeated the feat in the Under-14 category in the 2021 World Kickboxing Championship

The biggest name to have come out of the PKP cast is Kartik, who is currently one of the most sought-after leading men in Bollywood. It took a while for him to find that footing, and it happened with another of his collaborations with director Luv Ranjan in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018). After that, he built it up with hits like Luka Chuppi, Pati Patni Aur Woh (both 2019) and then solidified that place with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024). He also gave critically acclaimed performances in Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023) and Chandu Champion (2024). Now, Kartik has Captain India, Naagzilla and director Anurag Basu’s romantic drama in the pipeline.

The after effects of PKP and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety success worked for Nushrratt too, who went on to be part of films like Dream Girl (2019), Chhalaang (2020) and Akelli (2023). The actor also headlined the horror franchise Chhorii with its two films released in 2021 and 2025, respectively. Last seen in the silent comedy film Ufff Yeh Siyapaa last year, Nushrratt has Ghooskhor Pandat and Bun Tikki in her kitty next.

Divyenndu wasn’t a part of the PKP sequel (2015), but embarked on a solo career on his own. He did films like Chashme Baddoor (2015), Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) and Madgaon Express (2024). But his breakthrough role came as Munna Tripathi in the web series Mirzapur. While his character was killed in the show after two seasons, he will return to the franchise in its big-screen outing, Mirzapur: The Movie, this year. Divyenndu will also appear in Ram Charanstarrer pan-India film Peddi next month.

After PKP, Sonnalli went on to star in films such as PKP 2, Jai Mummy Di (2020) and Aseq (2023), but none managed to work out well. She appeared in the web series Illegal Justice, Out Of Order and Anamika, but found little success. Sonnalli has several unreleased projects, including Noorani Chehra and Boondi Raita, which have been on the back burner for years. On the personal front, she got married to hotelier Ashesh L Sajnani, and the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Shukar in 2024.

Post the success of PKP, Raayo was the face that didn’t come out as often. He did a film, Ishk Actually (2013), but it disappeared without a trace. The actor did a few offbeat projects including 706 (2019), short film Guzara (2019) and the music video Hoon Main Alag (2024). He ventured into theatre last year with Kaneez: A Musical Love Story and was last seen in the micro drama Mera P A Don in March this year.

Ishita went on to star in Meeruthiya Gangsters (2015), PKP 2, Yaaram (2019) and Wild Wild Punjab (2024), but found little success. She also did special appearances in dance numbers in Prassthanam (2019), Chatrapathi (2023) and Kapkapii (2025). Her last work on screen was this year’s release, action crime thriller Human Cocaine, but the film didn’t get much exposure.

Even as filmmaker Kabir Khan has begun shooting his next that is led by Kartik Aaryan, the actor has reported to the set of Anurag Basu’s romantic musical. It looks like the actor will juggle the two projects for some time to ensure that Basu’s film, reportedly titled ‘Tu Meri Zindagi Hai’, races towards completion. What’s brought on the rush? From what we have heard, the makers’ desire to arrive in cinemas before ‘Ramayana: Part 1’.

The Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash-led epic is expected to dominate screens upon its release this Diwali.

A source told mid-day, “Anurag and the makers want breathing space at the box office. They are aiming for a clean theatrical run without competition from a spectacle like ‘Ramayana’. October has one major release, ‘Drishyam 3’. So, producer Bhushan Kumar and Anurag are considering an October release.”

Aaryan and leading lady Sreeleela shot for a week in Kashmir, and will now move to Manali. The source added, “The idea is to wrap the bulk of the film before peak summer. Then Kartik will move to Kabir’s sports drama, while Anurag will lock his movie’s final cut.”

In 2021, Captain India was announced with Kartik Aaryan as its face and Hansal Mehta at the helm. But for the next five years, no progress was in sight. Delayed? Shelved? Just as the industry was wondering what happened to Aaryan’s film, there is news. mid-day has learnt that the aviation drama will finally go on floors this summer.

“The makers are eyeing the window between May and July for filming,” said an insider.

With Mehta no longer attached to Captain India, Shimit Amin of Chak De India (2007) fame took over the project. Recently, there were murmurs that he too had exited the film.

But a source close to the production said, “The delays caused these rumours. But the film is on track and Shimit is helming it. Kartik is shooting for another T-Series film, after which he will start this.”

Filmmaker Kabir Khan isn’t quite done with sports dramas after Chandu Champion (2024). Nor is he done with the movie’s leading man Kartik Aaryan. The director called action on his next, a yet-untitled sports drama inspired by Kashmiri kickboxing prodigy Tajamul Islam, at a restaurant in Parel on March 16. While details about the actor playing the kickboxing star are kept under wraps, Aaryan will reportedly play her coach in the movie.

On the first day of the shoot, Khan filmed with a crowd of nearly 70 junior artistes at a popular Parel restaurant that was reimagined to capture the texture of a lived-in, middle-class world. Aaryan is expected to join the unit later this week.

“The early scenes are about grounding the story in everyday details. Kartik will join by the weekend. He has been training in kickboxing for the role,” said an insider.

The Mumbai stint is expected to run for roughly two weeks, after which the unit will head to Kashmir for an extensive schedule. The insider added, “A significant portion of the film unfolds in the Valley considering Tajamul Islam, the inspiration behind the movie, is from there. Kabir and his team had conducted a long recce in Kashmir in February.”

- She is India’s first and youngest two-time world kickboxing champion. 

-At seven years of age, she won the gold medal in the Under-8 category at the World Kickboxing Championship in 2016. Islam, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, repeated the feat in the Under-14 category in 2021.

- Criticizing the lack of sports facilities in Kashmir, she started her own training academy in Bandipora in 2019.

Sometimes a good story is not enough. It takes years, and a new identity even, for it to come to life. Who knows this better than Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan as they reunited after 16 years for ‘Bhooth Bangla’? Sources have told mid-day that the upcoming horror comedy was originally planned as the sequel to their hit, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ (2007).

Led by Kumar and Vidya Balan, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ was a big hit on its release. Apparently, the superstar and director Priyadarshan were keen to take the franchise forward.

A source revealed, “Priyadarshan had written a draft for a sequel. He was certain that if the franchise were to be taken ahead, it would be with Akshay. But things didn’t materialize then. Later, T-Series took the franchise forward with director Anees Bazmee and Kartik Aaryan. When Priyan sir and Akshay decided to reunite, he reworked that draft.”

(L-R) Dhanush and Rajkumar Periasamy

After the critical acclaim of Amaran (2024), director Rajkumar Periasamy was all set to make his much-anticipated Hindi directorial debut. But the project has now hit a temporary roadblock. According to sources close to the development, the pan-India film — slated to roll in 2025 — has been put on hold. Backed by T-Series, the film had Kartik Aaryan and Akshaye Khanna as the frontrunners for the lead roles. However, Aaryan schedule has reportedly led to delays.

A source tells mid-day, “Kartik’s dates just don’t align anymore. He’s currently neck-deep in Naagzilla, and then will move straight to Kabir Khan’s next. There’s practically no window for Rajkumar’s film this year.”

The yet-untitled film requires “long, uninterrupted schedules”. “With actors unavailable for the foreseeable future, the team felt it was wiser to pause rather than rush or go into a recasting,” adds another source.

With his Hindi debut on hold, Periasamy is now reportedly shifting focus to a different project — a Tamil feature with South star Dhanush — before revisiting his Bollywood plans. “Rajkumar has another strong script ready and is moving ahead with that for now. The Hindi film hasn’t been shelved, it’s just delayed,” the insider tells us.

Is it Kartik Aaryan? Is it a shape-shifting snake? Well, it’s Aaryan filming his portions as a serpent in his next, Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand. Sources have told mid-day that director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, and the actor are currently shooting the creature comedy’s penultimate leg in Mumbai, with the duo planning to wrap up the project by February-end.

A source revealed, “Ravi Kishan too is part of the ongoing schedule. In February, the crew will move to Delhi for the last leg that will go on for a month. With that, the principal production will be complete, and March will be reserved for patch work.”

To ensure that Naagzilla meets its August 14 release date, we’ve heard that the VFX work is underway simultaneously. “Considering it’s a VFX-heavy film, the makers want it to be perfect so that it’s an immersive experience for the audience. Once the shoot is over, the team will take stock of the work left and the amount of time needed,” added the source.

The creature comedy marks Aaryan’s second collaboration with Dharma Productions after Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025).

‘Naagzilla’ stars South actor Sreeleela as the female lead. It marks her second outing with Kartik Aaryan, opposite whom she is making her Bollywood debut with Anurag Basu’s musical drama.

There’s been a lot of buzz around the next instalment of the horror comedy franchise, Bhool Bhulaiyaa (BB). Recently, director Anees Bazmee expressed excitement about working on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4, after the massive success of the previous film which had released a year ago.

When we reached out to Bazmee, he said, “The work on the story has not begun, but since we made BB2 and BB3, we must make BB4. Talks are on, but nothing concrete has happened yet. Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba has created a strong image. Toh Kartik toh hona hi chahiye.”

When asked if there’s a possibility of bringing together both the Bhool Bhulaiyaa leads — Akshay Kumar (who helmed the original) and Kartik — for the next installment, Bazmee said, “This is a fantastic idea. Beech mein Bhushan Kumar (producer) aur meri baat hui thi and we discussed if we could make it happen. Akshay in that orange attire and Kartik in that black one pitted against each other would be really good,” he revealed.

The Bhool Bhulaiyaa series, known for its perfect blend of laughter and spine-chilling moments, first began in 2007 with Priyadarshan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa, starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan. The film became a cult favourite for its psychological twist and memorable performances, especially Vidya’s turn as Manjulika and Akshay’s iconic role as Dr. Aditya Shrivastav.

Years later, the franchise was revived with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), directed by Anees Bazmee and headlined by Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba. The film proved to be a blockbuster, blending fresh humour with nostalgic elements from the original. The success of BB2 cemented Kartik’s image as the new-age Rooh Baba and revitalized the horror-comedy genre in Bollywood. Following that, Bazmee and producer Bhushan Kumar did BB 3 in 2024, with Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit as leads.

Pratibha Ranta, who made a splash with her debut film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (2024), is now said to be the frontrunner to play the female lead in Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand’. Director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba’s creature comedy went on floors this week, even as the makers are simultaneously finalizing the female lead.

A source reveals, “Sanya Malhotra was the makers’ first choice and everyone on the team had assumed she would be signed long ago. But recent developments suggest that the team has widened their search and is now considering Pratibha.”

‘Naagzilla’, said to be the first instalment in the serpent trilogy, is produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films. Considering Ranta recently wrapped up Anubhuti Kashyap’s directorial venture that is produced under Karan Johar’s banner, she has caught the attention of the makers for their next as well.

Insiders say that the only possible hitch may be her dates. The source adds, “Pratibha has a movie lined up with Maddock Films, which is expected to roll in early 2026. If there are no date clashes, she will headline ‘Naagzilla’ opposite Kartik. Mrighdeep and the makers are keen to have her on board as they feel she isn’t over-exposed on screen yet.”

For Kartik Aaryan, 2025 will always remain one of his most special years, with big film announcements one after the other, and of course, his Best Actor wins: IIFA for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Filmfare for Chandu Champion, both 2024 releases. As we catch up with him, the confidence shines through, in both his choices and ambition:

Honestly, I didn’t look at Chandu Champion as an experiment at all. The moment I heard the story of (India’s first paralympic gold medallist) Murlikant Petkar ji, I was surprised and deeply moved. I felt this was a story of incredible resilience, courage, and self belief; one every Indian should know. I could totally relate to his story and considered myself truly blessed to get the opportunity to portray such an inspirational real-life hero on screen. I will always be indebted to Kabir (Khan, director) sir and Sajid (Nadiadwala, producer) sir for trusting me with this incredible story. Winning the Filmfare Best Actor award feels like a huge validation, not just for me but for the kind of cinema that celebrates real stories and the human spirit.

(Laughs) Yes, you can say that! Chatori is actually a gift from my mom, and she’s already become everyone’s favourite at home. Bas Katori thodi si insecure ho gayi hai! Abhi tak donon ki dosti nahin hui hai. But still, Katori is very protective of Chatori like a big sister. The house feels livelier with both of them around.

The love the audience showered on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was overwhelming, it felt like a festival inside theatres. The film released alongside another massive franchise, and there was immense anticipation among the audience, trade, and media for both. Together, the two films did a combined business of over Rs. 800 crores worldwide (BB3 – Rs. 423.85 cr, Singham Returns – Rs. 389.64 cr). That year, Diwali genuinely felt like Diwali for the entire industry.

For me, these big box office numbers are very motivating, but more than pressure, I see it as a responsibility, to keep entertaining the audience and living up to their expectations. At the same time, I try not to let the numbers dictate my choices. For me, it’s always about the story and the connection it creates with the audience. If that works, everything else follows.

The film has shaped up beautifully, it’s got that perfect mix of heart, fun, and festive energy. We had a blast shooting it, and that vibe translates on screen. Reuniting with Ananya was like picking up where we left off, she was a total live-wire on set. She’s going to surprise everyone. I’m sure the audience will enjoy our chemistry in this fun, refreshing rom-com as Ray-Rumi and all the masti the film brings.

Rom-coms come to me quite naturally, maybe they’re just in my DNA (laughs). I guess the audience also enjoys seeing me in such roles, which makes it more special. But I never want to be confined to one genre. I love exploring different kinds of stories and characters. At the end of the day, I go by what truly connects with me, a story that moves me and one that will entertain the audience, no matter what the genre is.

I think I’m also a bit of a businessman at heart (smiles). For me, it’s equally important to market a film in the best possible way. Today, storytelling doesn’t end with the shoot, how you present it to the audience matters just as much. So I like being involved in all aspects of film making. Thankfully, my producers have been welcoming and yes, even I have heard about the ‘Kartik Aaryan template’ being discussed at films marketing meetings! Trust me, its really encouraging.

Ananya Panday has a not-so-surprising birthday gift coming her way. Trade insiders have told mid-day that the first look of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan and Panday, will be unveiled on the latter’s birthday on October 30. An industry source revealed, “The team wanted the first-look reveal to feel special, and Ananya’s birthday felt like the perfect occasion.”

That’s not all. Fans won’t have to wait too long to know more about Sameer Vidwans’s directorial venture. The love story’s trailer is expected to drop on Aaryan’s birthday, November 22. A trade source said, “Through their marketing strategy, the makers want to celebrate both the leads, first Ananya with the poster, then Kartik with the trailer.”

The rom-com, which marks Aaryan’s reunion with Vidwans after Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023) and with Panday after Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019), has been shot and its post-production is underway. The love story’s promotional campaign will run throughout December, ending with its New Year’s Eve release.

Finally, Kartik Aaryan’s romantic drama with filmmaker Anurag Basu has found its title. mid-day has learnt that the romantic musical has been christened Tu Meri Zindagi Hai, taking inspiration from the Kumar Sanu and Anuradha Paudwal song in Aashiqui (1990). Sources, however, reveal that the makers chose this as it distances the project enough from the Aashiqui franchise.

Many may remember that the film, also starring Sreeleela, was originally envisioned as the third instalment in the Aashiqui franchise. However, producers Mukesh Bhatt and Bhushan Kumar parted ways, and the latter decided to make the Aaryan-Basu collaboration as a standalone film.

“When choosing the title, it was a pre-emptive move by the makers to avoid making a direct reference to Aashiqui. The team wanted a name that evoked nostalgia, but didn’t risk legal or creative complications. Tu Meri Zindagi Hai felt like the perfect fit,” says a source.

The movie is being positioned as a big-ticket summer romance, with the team aiming for a May 1 release.

The source adds, “It’s a classic love story with Basu’s signature treatment of the genre. With the release more than six months away, it gives the team time to weave in some additional tracks. The latest schedule is underway in Mumbai and the film will be shot till 2025-end, with patch work spilling on to early 2026.”

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, along with his parents, Mala Tiwari and Manish Tiwari, has purchased an office space in Andheri West suburb of Mumbai for Rs. 13 crore.

The office has a RERA carpet area of around 1,905 sq ft and a built-up area of around 2,095 sq ft. The deal includes three car parking spaces. Stamp duty payment for the transaction was Rs. 78 lakh.

The transaction was registered earlier this month, according to property registration documents from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR), reviewed by Square Yards.

Recenetly, Aaryan made his first land investment by purchasing a 2,000 sq ft plot in a coastal development project in Alibaug.

The micro market of Andheri west accommodates commercial and residential properties. The area is close to major business districts including Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), SEEPZ, and Lower Parel.

The acquisition adds to recent commercial property activity in Andheri reflecting continued demand for office spaces in proximity to key business districts in Mumbai.

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has made his first land investment by purchasing a 2,000 sq. ft. plot in a coastal development project in Alibaug near Mumbai from The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL).

The project, launched in April 2023, has drawn investments from corporate leaders, business owners, and film personalities. Aaryan joins a list of high-profile buyers in HoABL projects across Ayodhya, Vrindavan, and Goa, the company said in a release.

“Alibaug has become one of the most exciting places to invest in today, close to Mumbai and I plan to build my own home there. This is the first time I have invested in land,” said Kartik Aaryan.

The deal was registered this noon by his mother, Mala Tiwari, who executed the formalities as Power of Attorney, along with his father, Manish Tiwari.

Alibaug has seen increased real estate and tourism activity in recent years, supported by infrastructure upgrades such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the Navi Mumbai International Airport, and improved road and jetty connectivity.

These infrastructure related developments have driven demand for premium plotted projects and second homes, positioning Alibaug as a preferred residential location near Mumbai.

"Our project was the first branded land development in Alibaug. Kartik's investment reflects the rapidly growing resonance of Alibaug as a preferred location for Mumbaikars to build spacious and luxurious homes, as also seen previously with investments from Amitabh Bachchan, Kriti Sanon and many business owners and corporate CXOs," said Abhinandan Lodha, Chairman, HoABL.

According to Samujjwal Ghosh, CEO of HoABL, demand for second homes in Alibaug is being driven by long-term growth potential and lifestyle needs.

Real estate purchases by film and sports personalities in recent years have added to the visibility of emerging residential markets around Mumbai.

These transactions highlight how lifestyle preferences and improved connectivity are influencing location choices. The entry of high-profile buyers has coincided with a steady rise in demand from professionals and entrepreneurs.

For most filmmakers, the dream once was to direct a film. Then, it became about delivering a box-office hit. Now, it’s all about crafting a pan-India film. After the success of ‘Amaran’ (2024), led by Sivakarthikeyan and Bollywood-bound Sai Pallavi, director Rajkumar Periasamy is in the news for his next. Even before his film with Dhanush, ‘D55’, hits the screens, trade insiders claim the director is developing a pan-India project featuring Kartik Aaryan and Akshaye Khanna. Rumour mills also suggest that Vicky Kaushal was in contention for the lead role.

Backed by T-Series’s Bhushan Kumar, this yet-untitled film will mark Periasamy’s foray into mainstream Hindi cinema. If all goes as planned, the film will go on floors next year in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada — starring actors from various industries.

An insider shares, “The scale and the emotional complexity of the role is a steal for any young star. So, talks with Kartik have begun. Akshaye’s name came up for the morally grey parallel lead. In fact, Rajkumar has been hoping to work with Akshaye for a long time. [Right now] Akshaye is shooting the final leg of Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’, and having wrapped up his rom-com with Ananya Panday, Kartik will go back to the set of Anurag Basu’s musical — slotted to release in the summer of 2026. He will then allot his dates for the Rajkumar film.”

Actor Kartik Aaryan, 34, has denied any involvement with an Independence Day event in Houston (USA) after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) raised concerns over the organizers.

In an official letter, FWICE claimed that the event, Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day, is being organised by Aga’s Restaurant and Catering, a “Pakistani-owned restaurant”. The body further pointed out that the same organisers are also promoting Jashn-e-Azadi, a Pakistan Independence Day celebration, along with a concert by Pakistani singer Atif Aslam.

Responding to that, the actor’s team issued a clarification that read: “Kartik Aaryan is not associated with this event in any capacity. We have contacted the organisers and requested to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image.”

FWICE’s letter also stated that “the simultaneous promotion of Indian and Pakistani national events by the same establishment not only creates a conflict of interest, but also violates the ongoing national sentiment and directives”.

Saiyaara has sparked many things — cheer at the box office, an outpouring of love from fans, and social media clips of heightened reactions from moviegoers.

Interestingly, it has also brought about intense scrutiny on Anurag Basu’s yet-untitled romantic musical with Kartik Aaryan, which is said to have similar plot points. Ever since Mohit Suri’s directorial venture became a monstrous hit, rumours are rife that Basu and his team are reworking their script.

Is there any truth to the buzz? A hard no, says Basu. Unfazed by the rumours, the filmmaker says, “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.”

Starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, Saiyaara depicts a musician’s heartbreak as the love of his life battles early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and how it changes their lives. Sources indicate that the upcoming Aaryan and Sreeleela-starrer too initially explored similar themes.

A source reveals, “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.”

Mention this to Basu, and he says neither a rewrite nor a re-shoot is on the cards. The filmmaker adds that he was aware of Saiyaara’s story beforehand — the revelation echoes what Suri told mid-day earlier this month (‘I went and narrated the film to Anurag’, July 19).

Basu elaborates, “In my film, the girl doesn’t have dementia or any [other condition]. We are not rewriting or re-shooting. I knew beforehand that the girl has Alzheimer’s [disease] in Saiyaara. So, why would I write the same [plot point] in mine?”

The director, however, admits that his love story — initially planned as a Diwali offering — has been pushed to 2026. He attributes it to his busy calendar and continuity issues. “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.”

In his interviews, Mohit Suri has revealed that the core idea of Saiyaara was originally pitched for Aashiqui 3. However, things didn’t work out, and Suri went on to develop it as Saiyaara. 

Meanwhile, Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt roped in Kartik Aaryan and Anurag Basu to make Aashiqui 3. But when the two producers parted ways on the project, there was a legal dispute over the use of ‘Aashiqui’ in the film’s title. The Delhi High Court ruled in Bhatt’s favour, preventing Kumar from naming the Aaryan-starrer Aashiqui 3.