Avoiding Aamir Khan's Lahore 1947 clash: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War enters final 70-day sprint with 6 massive musical sequences

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War enters its final 70-day shoot, featuring 6 grand songs. To avoid a clash with Lahore 1947 the 2026 release date is being moved to ensure a solo run.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali with Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War is about to begin its last and most taxing stage of production. The film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, has around 70 days of filming remaining before it goes into post-production.

Where is the filming taking place of Love & War?

Set in Goregaon, Mumbai's Film City, production on the project formally began in November 2024. As per a report in Mid Day, the shoot still has six complex musical moments that are essential to Bhansali's vision to perform, even though they have captured a big chunk of the story. Industry reports indicate that they have set aside approximately 35 days exclusively for these magnificent musical numbers.

"We have over two months of shooting remaining, with six songs yet to be filmed. Nearly 35 days have been blocked, only for the songs. As with any Bhansali film, these aren’t quick tracks; they have been envisioned as elaborate sequences mounted on a grand canvas. These period-specific songs will need a lot of prep before being filmed," a source close to the production told the tabloid.

ALSO READ: Love & War release date mystery: Will Sanjay Leela Bhansali film make the 2026 deadline? Everything we know

How does Love & War's style compare to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s previous work?

This meticulous approach is a hallmark of Bhansali's directing style. Even though the filmmaker has said that this film will be a change from his heavy-period dramas of late, moving toward a more modern emotional terrain, the score is nevertheless heavily influenced by his signature opulent, "period-specific" aesthetics.

The distribution strategy for the film has been altered due to the prolonged production timeframe. At first, the planned release date for Love & War was somewhere around 2026's Independence Day. But that spot was just taken by Aamir Khan, who announced that his next film, Lahore 1947 which features Sunny Deol and was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, will hit theatres on August 13, 2026.

Why did the makers of Love & War decide to avoid a box office clash?

The makers of Love & War have decided to reevaluate their schedule in light of the sheer magnitude of both projects to prevent a clash at the box office. Even though Independence Day was an attractive window, the Love & War team would have to work quickly to achieve that goal. In addition, it was unnecessary to overcrowd the space because Lahore 1947 had already reserved that date. According to the source, Bhansali would rather have his love story go with a clear run.

The film marks a significant professional reunion for Kapoor and Bhansali who last worked together on the actor's debut, Saawariya (2007). Earlier, the actor reflected on the collaboration and said, "It’s directed by the man who taught me everything about cinema; whatever I know about acting was seeded in by him, and he was a master then. I’m working with him 18 years later, and he’s an even bigger master today."

What is the final focus as Love & War production nears completion?

Production is laser-focused on finishing the last 70 days without sacrificing visual scale as fans eagerly await an official release date update. The premiere of the film is still "yet to be finalised" at this time, as the crew gets ready for the demanding spring song schedule.

Love & War FAQs:

Q: What is the release date of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War?

A: While Love & War was initially eyeing an Independence Day 2026 release, the production has recently opted to reconsider this window. This move avoids a box-office clash with Aamir Khan’s Lahore 1947, which is locked for August 13, 2026. A new official release date is yet to be finalized.

Q: Is Love & War a remake of the movie Sangam?

A: Although Love & War features a love triangle involving two army officers (played by Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal) and a common love interest (Alia Bhatt), Sanjay Leela Bhansali has clarified it is a contemporary emotional story. While it may share thematic roots with classics like Sangam, it is not an official remake.

Q: Who is the cast of the movie Love & War?

A: Love & War stars a high-profile trio: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. It marks a significant reunion for Ranbir Kapoor and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who last worked together on Kapoor’s debut film, Saawariya (2007).

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