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

Love & War may be delayed to 2027 due to VFX, though some sources still target 2026. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali epic stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt

There have been a number of significant adjustments to the release schedule of Indian films for the next two years. However, all eyes have shifted to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, Love & War. Various sources have stated different things about when the film starring Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor will hit theatres as of Monday morning.

Why are rumours of 2027 postponement of Love & War surfacing?

The first rumours about the formal postponement of Love & War until 2027 appeared early Monday. Pinkvilla cites sources stating that the production schedule has changed due to unfinished principal photography. The current plan purports to conclude filming in June 2026, followed by a lengthy post-production phase.

The main explanation for this possible postponement is the technical magnitude of the project. The flick supposedly features complex airborne action sequences that require substantial visual effects and careful editing. Industry insiders speculated that a 2026 release had been "effectively ruled out" because of Bhansali's well-known dedication to achieving flawless visuals and that either Republic Day or Valentine's Day 2027 would be the new target windows.

ALSO READ: Love & War update: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal prep for intense trio song as Sanjay Leela Bhansali breaks his period-drama mould

Is Love & War not releasing in 2027?

People with knowledge of the development refuted rumours of a 2027 delay, despite the story changing later in the day. The film's release in 2026 is still being considered, according to an inside source who spoke with the Hindustan Times.

Another source said, "The film is very set to release in 2026." They went on to say that most of the film's key scenes have already been shot. The production has supposedly been moving at a steady pace to meet its original deadlines, and they have just finished recording a song track. Although the exact release date is still in the air (previous rumours suggested March but have since been dispelled), the production team is adamant that the film will not be released outside the 2026 calendar year.

How does Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana impact the schedule?

The reports highlight that Kapoor's other prominent movie, Ramayana: Part One by Nitesh Tiwari, is in a state of scheduling controversy. Release in November 2026 is the current schedule for that film.

Those who are in favour of pushing the release of Love & War until 2027 say that the makers are trying to give Kapoor some breathing room by not releasing two huge "tentpole" films in the same year. This spacing would prevent box office cannibalisation and permit separate marketing initiatives. On the other hand, those who are insisting on a 2026 release date believe that Bhatt's Alpha and Kapoor's Ramayana have already rescheduled their shoots to fit Bhansali's opus.

What makes the casting and direction of Love & War significant?

Love & War is an epic romantic drama that reunites Bhansali with Kapoor nearly two decades after his debut in Saawariya. Even though Bhatt and the filmmaker collaborated on Gangubai Kathiawadi before, this is Kaushal's debut film with him, and their partnership is noteworthy.

Pictures of the sets have leaked online, and they seem to be set in the 1960s, with Kapoor and Kaushal supposedly portraying officers in the Air Force. The movie's plot remains a mystery, but reports suggest it revolves around a high-stakes love triangle against a violent backdrop.

When will Love & War release?

The industry is still grappling with the release of the film. Bhansali may or may not be able to meet the 2026 deadline, depending on the visual effects needed for the aerial sequences.

Love And War FAQs:

Q: Is Love & War postponed to 2027?

A: Conflicting reports emerged on Monday, January 19, 2026. While some industry insiders claim the film has been pushed to Republic Day or Valentine’s Day 2027 due to extensive VFX and shoot delays, internal sources from the production have denied this, stating the film remains on track for a 2026 release.

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

A: The film's release date is currently a subject of debate. It was initially slated for Christmas 2025, then moved to March 20, 2026 (Eid). Recent updates suggest the makers are now targeting a window between August and September 2026, though an official announcement is expected later this month.

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

A: The film stars a high-profile trio: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. This marks the first time all three have shared the screen together and serves as a reunion for Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali nearly 20 years after Saawariya.

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