Anurag Basu Provides Honest Update on Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela Film Progress
In a candid revelation that has brought much-needed clarity to the production timeline, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Basu has addressed the current status of his highly anticipated musical romantic drama starring Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan and rising South Indian actress Sreeleela. Speaking exclusively to Variety India, Basu directly countered circulating rumors about the film's completion level, stating emphatically that the project has only completed 45 days of shooting to date.
Director Debunks Completion Myths and Reveals Actual Shooting Timeline
Basu's clarification comes as a significant update for fans eagerly awaiting this unique collaboration. "That the majority of the shooting is done is a myth," the director told the publication. "I've not shot more than 45 days for this film. The shooting has just started." This statement directly addresses speculation that had been building since the film's first look was unveiled in February 2025, with many assuming production was nearing completion.
The director's transparency extends to his future projects as well. Basu expressed his eagerness to move forward with the long-awaited Kishore Kumar biopic once this current film wraps. "I'm dying to jump into that film as soon as I get over with the film I'm doing right now, and I'm galloping with it," he revealed. "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."
Production Details: Scenic Locations and Limited Schedules
The completed shooting has occurred across two picturesque Indian locations:
- Chalsa in West Bengal's Dooars region: The team filmed for approximately 45 days in this scenic area, with glimpses revealing Kartik Aaryan sporting a rugged look alongside Sreeleela.
- Srinagar and Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir: Filming resumed last month in these breathtaking locations, though these schedules have been relatively short according to production sources.
Despite the limited shooting completed so far, Basu emphasized his commitment to progressing efficiently with the project, using the term "galloping with it" to describe his current working pace.
Release Date Uncertainty and Project Background
The film was originally slated for a December 2025 release but has since been postponed. While speculation linked the delay to potential box office clashes with other major releases like Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar,' Basu has clarified that other factors are responsible for the schedule change. No new release date has been announced by the production team at this time.
This project represents a significant career moment for both lead actors. Kartik Aaryan continues to balance multiple commitments, having recently appeared in 'Tu Meri Main Tera' and the sports drama 'Chandu Champion,' with the highly anticipated 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' also in his pipeline. For Sreeleela, this marks a major Bollywood breakthrough alongside one of the industry's most sought-after leading men.
Meanwhile, the Kishore Kumar biopic that Basu is eager to begin remains in development limbo. After Ranbir Kapoor's exit from the project, a new lead actor has yet to be finalized, adding another layer of anticipation to Basu's future directorial plans.
The director's honest assessment of the film's progress serves as a reminder of the complex realities of film production timelines, especially for ambitious projects involving major stars and multiple shooting locations across India.
