The Aashiqui franchise is just as intriguing for a domestic, Indian audience, as there is an
emotional attachment to it, not just as movies, but as musical legacies that are still intact. Almost
20 years later, we are now getting Aashiqui 2 believe it or not, remake Aashiqui 3, starring Kartik
Aaryan and that alone brings the musical romance with a contemporary charm all its own. The
extremely well-known Anurag Basu will be directing the film, so you know there is going to be
excitement, both in anticipation and expectation. This film is supposedly set for release in
October next year and will absolutely be one of the main tent-pole releases and events for the
festival season. You will see primemask experiments with new ideas, while keeping the magic
and heart in tact, which will most likely begin as soon as we see the curtain raise or the film in
Aashiqui 3.
The Legacy and the New Leading Man
There has been considerable conversation around Kartik Aaryan’s casting in the lead role. The
pressure for him to fill the roles left behind by Rahul Roy and then Aditya Roy Kapur in previous
films is noteworthy. Kartik Aaryan is now in the position to take over from all of them, who left big
shoes to fill. Although his early response on social media left doubt in some people’s mind about
his abilities to take on a romantic, intense role, the fact that he has a strong following and
experience in the romantic genre should reassure a fairly large, cross-section of the
cinema-going audience. The initially released images of Aaryan’s character showcased him in a
little bit more scruffy and introspective viewpoint, which was also exciting. The rationale for
putting Aaryan in the leading position started as a huge commercial draw to the franchise. The
expectation is that he will tap into
The Music: The Soul of the Franchise
The Aashiqui series has always been defined by its musical theme. The two soundtracks were
not just best-sellers, they were cultural phenomena that captured an entire generation of love.
The enthusiasm for the soundtrack for Aashiqui 3 is very high, and the music will be THE most
critical part of the film. With the tremendous Pritam at the helm who has a strong reputation for
snappy and emotional songs, there is foundational weight to being an excitee for the final
product. The teaser released shows a minimum number of new songs (it looks like another
“classic” arrangement will be delivered,) and while there is evident skepticism about the final
product, the hype is definitely palpable. The consuming audience is waiting in suspense to see if
the new soundtrack is worthy of the prior- and is equally capable of producing its own magic
again.
Box Office Expectations and the Romantic Genre
In a film environment saturated with action and thriller films, Aashiqui 3 provides a refreshing
change to the romantic genre. Trade pundits are optimistic about its box office potential, based
on the brand value that the Aashiqui franchise has built and public interest in Kartik Aaryan, who
they see as a rising star. The musical romance genre has a strong audience base, and a good
soundtrack can create potential for repeat business. Based on current estimates, Aashiqui 3 is
likely to have a healthy opening at the box office, and if the music resonates with its audience,
there is real opportunity for it to be a major box office success. In addition, being released in the
October holiday period gives Aashiqui 3 an edge, since it serves as a welcome family outing.
The Anticipation: A Modern Love Story
The excitement about Aashiqui 3 stems from the idea of a traditional love story brought up to
date through the lens of a new generation. The audience expects Aashiqui 3 to combine the
emotional weight and heartbreak of its predecessors with a modern-day journey and
sensibilities. There is also excitement about Kartik Aaryan taking on a more challenging role that
will highlight his acting ability, and if he is able to navigate the challenges of the story it will be a
major career milestone as he will be established as an actor who can carry on a legacy in
addition to being a star with a huge following. If Aashiqui 3 can deliver on its musical promise
and tell the story, it could become a new classic for a generation still searching for its own love
story.