Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the virtuoso filmmaker renowned for his grandiose cinematic spectacles, is poised to embark on the production of his eagerly awaited romantic-action opus, a project currently dubbed Love & War. This ambitious film is set to feature a star-studded cast, including the charismatic Ranbir Kapoor, the effervescent Alia Bhatt, and the versatile Vicky Kaushal, all of whom are expected to ignite the screen when the film graces theatres on March 20, 2026. However, production faced an unexpected hiccup, courtesy of uncooperative weather in Mumbai; nevertheless, the cameras are slated to roll starting November 7.
In a dazzling spectacle bolstered by Bhansali’s meticulous artistry, Ranbir Kapoor is slated to kick off the filming, embarking on solo sequences that are anticipated to span several weeks. Following closely behind, the ever-talented Vicky Kaushal will join the fray, while Alia Bhatt is gearing up to dive into her role after wrapping up her commitments to the project Alpha in the early days of December.
Bhansali has orchestrated an extensive shooting schedule, encompassing a staggering 200 days for both Alia and Vicky as they immerse themselves in this narrative tapestry. In contrast, Ranbir aims to fulfill his shooting obligations by July or August 2025, mindful of his other pursuits, which include the much-anticipated Ramayana: Part 2, Dhoom 4, and Animal Park.
Alia, who initially toyed with the idea of a romantic venture for a November 2025 commencement, is now rethinking her plans in light of her commitment to Love & War. Vicky, too, is meticulously exploring potential projects to dive into post-November 2025.
In a striking shift from his customary industry partnerships, Bhansali is pursuing a self-financed approach for Love & War, a testament to his artistic independence. While a studio collaboration may loom on the horizon, for now, the team marches forward under this self-reliant paradigm.
The film’s canvas will span various picturesque locales across India, with shooting scheduled to culminate in October 2025. Sources suggest that both Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal will embody the valiant personas of Indian Armed Forces officers, adding layers of gravitas to a narrative expected to blend romance and action in Bhansali’s signature style.
