Love & War update: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's team denies fallout rumours; Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal starrer locked for Independence Day 2026

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War rumours of rifts are false. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, the film is on schedule for an August 2026 release.

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

Public speculation tends to veer towards a drama on a film set traditionally linked with high-stakes innovation and a filmmaker renowned for his unwavering vision. Love & War Sanjay Leela Bhansali's forthcoming masterwork, has been the subject of numerous rumours as of late. Concerns about possible delays for the highly anticipated period drama arose after rumours of an alleged disagreement between the filmmaker and the starring trio—Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal surfaced recently.

Is Love & War production actually facing internal strife and delays?

Production sources and industry insiders have stepped in to clarify the situation, saying that the project is still on schedule, despite the complicated logistics of a production of this scale. As per a report in MidDay, the production crew insists that the present shooting hold is an integral aspect of the project's plan, disproving rumours of internal strife. According to a source from the production team informing the tabloid, at this same moment, the unit is taking its annual vacation; its door was locked months ago. Misunderstandings arise during periods of idleness due to the magnitude of the project. Because "Bhansali films are mounted on a massive scale," any delay is perceived as such, according to the insider.

Extensive technical perfection is required for the film because it is a period drama. The next steps, according to a source who knows the remaining timeline, will centre on "patchwork and VFX because it is a period film, select scenes, and musical portions."

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Is there any truth to reports of strained relationships on Love & War set?

The reports about the actors' troubled ties with Bhansali don't seem to have any basis. The production source addressed these rumours about strained relationships on set in a clear manner, saying, "There's been no fallout." "These are long, demanding shoots," the source said, highlighting the cast's professional commitment. All three of these actors—Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky—are totally in.

The film's release date has been pushed back from Christmas 2025 to March 2026; however, it will now be later this year. Love & War will officially premiere in theatres in August 2026, with the goal of playing over the Independence Day weekend, according to the production crew.

What is filming and post-production timeline for Love & War?

In the coming weeks, filming will enter its final phase. The source revealed that they want to start filming again in the middle of January and continue until March, with post-production continuing simultaneously. The actors have reportedly blocked their calendars through May 2026 to guarantee all creative needs are completed, considering the scope of the VFX and musical numbers, even though the main production may wrap in the spring, according to recent industry reports.

The scheduling delay reportedly impacted other major projects. The Ramayana crew had intended for a six-month break between the two releases, so everyone is keeping a careful eye on Kapoor's dedication to Nitesh Tiwari's film, in which he plays Lord Ram.

How have lead actors described their experience on set?

The cast has maintained a positive attitude despite the demanding schedule. In a recent interview, Kaushal lauded Bhansali calling their collaboration a "bucket list" experience. The energy on set was described as "quiet and focused" by Bhatt, who had worked with the filmmaker on Gangubai Kathiawadi before.

By reuniting Kapoor with Bhansali after nearly two decades apart since their debut film Saawariya (2007) and the actor with Kaushal for the first time since Sanju (2018), Love & War is a noteworthy casting coup. Unlike the filmmaker's previous historical epics, this one is supposedly about a modern love triangle that takes place during a conflict.

When can fans expect first official look and details?

According to reports, the makers are gearing up to reveal the first official look and confirm the release date later this month, so fans can anticipate more details shortly.

Love & War FAQs:

Q: When is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War releasing?

A: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War is officially scheduled to release in August 2026, specifically targeting the Independence Day weekend.

Q: Is there a fallout between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the lead cast?

A: No, production sources have clarified that there has been no fallout between the director and the lead trio—Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.

Q: When will the first look of Love and War be revealed?

A: The makers of Love & War are reportedly preparing to unveil the first official look and a confirmed release date announcement later this month (January 2026).

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