No 'Aashiqui' for T-Series! Delhi HC's 'big blow' brings relief to Mukesh Bhatt

The reports of Aashiqui 3 with Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri in the lead, had filled excitement among all. After Aashiqui and Aashiqui 2, viewers were eagerly waiting for the third part of the franchise. However, earlier this year in March, the makers clarified that T-Series is not involved in the production of Aashiqui 3. Now, the Delhi High Court's judgement has brought relief for filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt and revealed the truth behind Aashiqui 3 'getting shelved'.

As per reports, the Delhi HC has barred Bhushan Kumar's T-Series and its affiliates from using the titles with the term 'Aashiqui'.

According to Bar and Bench, Justice Sanjeev Narula issued an interim injunction and acknowledged that 'Aashiqui' is not a standalone term but is integral to a well-known series with successful entries in 1990 and 2013. The Court's decision barred the defendant and their representatives from using titles like 'Tu Hi Aashiqui hai', 'Tu Hi Aashiqui' and any other title incorporating the term 'Aashiqui' for any of their movies. 

Notably, Mukesh Bhatt's company, Vishesh Films Private Limited, took legal action against T-Series Super Cassettes Industries Limited. The conflict began after both companies, reportedly, sought to produce the third instalment of the franchise. 

While T-Series collaborated with Bhatt for two movies, they had previously discussed producing the third instalment. As Bhatt asserts, he and T-Series share joint ownership of the previous films and any sequels under the Aashiqui franchise. However, Bhatt claims that without Vishesh Films' approval, T-Series is trying to take over the franchise and produce the third instalment with Aashiqui 3 or 'Tu Hi Aashiqui Hai' title. 

Though T-Series argued that Bhatt's company had not challenged the use of the term 'Aashiqui' in 2021's Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, the Court affirmed that Bhatt's rights to the trademark remain unaffected by the lack of objection.

Well, after this report, the reason behind Aashiqui 3 getting shelved is clear. 

Also Read | Kartik Aaryan's Aashiqui 3 shelved! Makers put all rumours to rest, check updates

1990's Aashiqui, starring Rahul Roy, Annu Agrawal and Deepak Tijori in the lead emerged as a blockbuster. Helmed by Mahesh Bhatt, the romantic musical drama soared the popularity of T-Series. After that, the production banner came up with Aashiqui 2 in 2013, which was also produced by Mukesh Bhatt. The movie starred Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead. Helmed by Mohit Suri, the musical romantic drama won the hearts as well. Next, reports were abuzz about Aashiqui 3. In 2022, Kartik shared a motion poster of Aashiqui 3 and expressed his excitement about working with Anurag Basu. The motion poster also had singer Arijit Singh's voice singing 'Aab Tere Bin, Jee Lenge Hum...' 

Later, T-Series issued a clarification that it is not involved in the production of Aashiqui 3. 

The clarification read, "If and when Aashiqui 3 is initiated, T-Series and Vishesh Films/Mukesh Bhatt being joint owners in the franchise, shall produce it jointly only. We categorically deny any ongoing rumours suggesting that Aashiqui 3 is being produced under a different title by T-Series. Our proposed film to be directed by Anurag Basu is neither Aashiqui 3 nor part of the Aashiqui franchise."

Well, as it seems, Aashiqui 3 will not happen without the collaboration of Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt. Fans can just hope for the magical collaboration again.