Anurag Basu shares update on Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela's film, will release in 2026: ' The shoot is progressing well'

The much-anticipated romantic drama starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela has been creating buzz ever since its announcement, especially after Kartik dropped a musical teaser in February last year that hinted at an intense love story. The untitled project marks the duo’s first collaboration with filmmaker Anurag Basu and is expected to carry his signature layered storytelling and strong music. While speculation about delays has been circulating, the director has now clarified the film’s release plans.




Addressing rumours about a possible postponement, director Anurag Basu dismissed the claims and reassured fans about the film’s progress. “We are very much on schedule and the shoot is progressing well. It’s a film we believe in deeply, and we are bringing it to audiences this year as intended,” he shared with PTI, ending the uncertainty around the timeline.





Earlier reports had suggested that a major portion of the film was already complete. However, Basu refuted this, saying, “That the majority of the shooting is done is a myth. I've not shot more than 45 days for this film. The shooting has just started.” The filmmaker, known for ‘Metro... In Dino’, is currently focused on wrapping this project swiftly.




Anurag Basu's wish to begin Kishore Kumar biopic




Anurag Basu also revealed his eagerness to move on to his long-cherished biopic on legendary singer Kishore Kumar once this film is complete. “I'm dying to jump into that film (Kishore Kumar biopic) as soon as I get over with the film... I want to finish it because I really want to get into Kishore as soon as possible. Kishore has been in my system for a very long time. I want to get it out right now,” he shared.




More details about Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela's upcoming project




Last February, Kartik Aaryan offered fans an early peek into Anurag Basu’s untitled musical ‘Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela film’ by sharing a teaser on Instagram, along with its initially planned release window. In the clip, the actor appeared in a striking new look, sporting long, messy hair and a thick beard, while performing ‘Tu Meri Zindagi Hai’ on stage with a guitar before a massive crowd.




The teaser also hinted at the film’s passionate love story, featuring glimpses of Kartik alongside Sreeleela. The duo was seen sharing intimate moments, from riding a bike together to spending quiet time by a bonfire, suggesting an intense romantic narrative. The film was earlier slated for a Diwali release last year before undergoing a change in schedule.

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