Big news for romantic movie lovers — Kartik Aaryan’s much-awaited film Aashiqui 3 will now release on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, instead of its previously planned 2025 release. Directed by Anurag Basu, this film is the third installment in the iconic Aashiqui franchise, and fans are eagerly waiting for its release.
Why Was the Release Delayed to 2026?
The original plan was to release Aashiqui 3 during Diwali 2025, but the makers have decided to postpone it due to Kartik Aaryan’s packed schedule. Kartik is currently busy shooting for another film titled “Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri”, a romantic comedy produced by Karan Johar and directed by Sameer Vidwans.
This movie is being shot in Europe, and Kartik has even changed his hairstyle for the role, opting for short hair instead of his usual look. If all goes as planned, this film might also hit theatres in 2026.
Director Anurag Basu Also Tied Up with Another Project
On the other hand, Aashiqui 3 director Anurag Basu is currently occupied with his other film titled “Metro… In Dino”, an anthology drama featuring a star-studded cast including Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Neena Gupta.
The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on August 29, 2025. One of its songs has already been launched on YouTube and is gaining attention among fans.
Half the Filming for Aashiqui 3 is Already Done
According to sources, 50% of the shoot for Aashiqui 3 is already complete. Kartik Aaryan recently shared a new look on Instagram, which fans believe might be from either of his two upcoming romantic films. His fresh appearance suggests that both movies may feature him in similar emotional, romantic roles.
The production will resume soon, aiming to wrap up in time for the Valentine’s 2026 release.
A Look Back at Aashiqui 2
The previous film, Aashiqui 2, starred Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor and was released in 2013. It was a spiritual sequel to the original 1990 film Aashiqui. Made on a modest budget of ₹10–15 crore, it turned into a massive hit, earning over ₹100 crore at the box office.
Recently, while promoting their web series The Night Manager Part 2, Aditya Roy Kapur and Anil Kapoor were asked about Aashiqui 3. Aditya shared, “People often ask me if I’m part of Aashiqui 3, but I don’t think I can be, since Rahul Jaykar (my character) died in the end.”
To this, Anil Kapoor joked, saying, “I’m doing Aashiqui 4 then.”
What to Expect from Aashiqui 3
The Aashiqui franchise is known for its heartfelt music, deep emotions, and romantic storytelling. With Kartik Aaryan in the lead, fans expect Aashiqui 3 to bring a fresh but emotional love story. The Valentine’s Day release aligns perfectly with the film’s romantic theme and is expected to be a box office hit if everything goes as planned.
As filming continues and the release date gets closer, more updates on the cast, soundtrack, and trailer are expected in the coming months. Fans can look forward to another romantic blockbuster in the Aashiqui legacy.
