Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Love and War' pushed to 2026

New release date targets holiday season box-office boost

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated film Love and War has been given a fresh release date, The Indian Express reported. Originally scheduled to hit theaters in December 2025, the epic drama starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal will now arrive on March 20, 2026.

The makers of the film issued an official statement explaining the change in schedule. According to them, the decision was a strategic move aimed at capitalising on the box-office potential during major festivals. With Love and War set to release around Ramazan, Ram Navami, and Gudi Padwa, the team is eyeing an extended holiday season to draw in larger audiences.

For Ranbir, Love and War marks a reunion with Bhansali, 19 years after his Bollywood debut in the filmmaker's 2007 project Saawariya. Fans are eager to see if Ranbir's second outing with the visionary director can match the grandeur of Bhansali's signature filmmaking style. On the other hand, Alia, who received widespread acclaim for her role in Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), will once again step into the filmmaker's world of high drama. Vicky, making his Bhansali debut, adds an exciting new dynamic to the project.

The buzz surrounding the film has only intensified with reports earlier this year suggesting that Ranbir had agreed to be part of the project under specific terms. According to sources, the Animal star placed conditions in his contract regarding the working conditions on Bhansali's notoriously intense film sets.

In 2018, Ranbir had revealed that during Saawariya, he was often subjected to Bhansali's high demands, even claiming that the filmmaker would "hit and abuse" him on set. It seems that the actor has now ensured a more controlled and professional environment for his return to a Bhansali project.

Love and War is expected to begin filming later this year, with an extensive shooting schedule planned to accommodate the three leading stars. While specific details about the plot remain under wraps, fans are already speculating about the potential for Bhansali's trademark elements—lavish sets, intricate costumes, and emotionally charged narratives.