Mohit Suri & YRF are reportedly planning a gritty gangster musical for 2026. After Saiyaara, they're eyeing Ranbir Kapoor for the lead, though his busy Ramayana & Love and War schedule may delay it.

Last Updated: 06.21 PM, Feb 19, 2026
After the success of Saiyaara at the box office in 2025, Mohit Suri is now preparing to lead his next significant project. According to sources close to the industry, the filmmaker is reuniting with Yash Raj Films (YRF) and producer Aditya Chopra for a massive romantic drama. An "epic love story with music" framed by a grimy setting populated by assassins and criminals is what has been described about the forthcoming film.
Suri and YRF had very fruitful years in 2025, which led to the partnership. Reportedly earning over ₹570 crore globally and reviving the romance genre in Indian cinema, Saiyaara—starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda—became a historic smash. According to Bollywood Hungama (now-deleted story), following this success, Suri has spent the past few months writing a script that combines his trademark musical intensity with a story set in the underworld. He hopes to begin filming by the year 2026. Chopra is completely behind him, as he prepares to begin working on a project as monumental as Saiyaara.
The most recent information about the movie suggests that Ranbir Kapoor could play the lead, as per the entertainment portal. Officials in the know say that Suri and the actor have met several times to go over the screenplay and the character's journey. Although Kapoor is notoriously picky about the screenplays he accepts, he is reportedly interested in this project because of its scope and musical potential.
ALSO READ: Saiyaara review: Mohit Suri’s old-school romance gets a fresh coat with Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda
"Mohit has had the dream of working with Ranbir Kapoor for the longest time. The success of Saiyaara and the support of Aditya Chopra have now given him the opportunity to cast Ranbir. Ranbir is also excited to collaborate with Mohit but has not committed to the film yet. He is still sorting his calendar, as both Love and War and Ramayana are delayed," a source told the entertainment portal.
Kapoor's current schedule continues to significantly impact the production schedule. Currently, the actor is occupied with two projects: Love and War by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ramayana: Part One by Nitesh Tiwari, the latter of which is targeting a Diwali 2026 release. The substantial visual effects needed for the aerial combat sequences in Love and War, which stars Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt, have reportedly caused the film to experience considerable delays. The Bhansali directorial, which was originally scheduled for a 2025/early 2026 timeframe, is now projected to arrive in late 2026 or 2027, which has forced Kapoor to carefully reschedule his future obligations.
Despite these scheduling complexities, the actor has reportedly given positive feedback on Suri’s vision for the gangster-themed musical. The source went on to say, "It has a big scope for music too, and if Ranbir does it, it could be one of the last love stories of his career. He will take a final call towards the middle of 2026. Mohit and Adi are meanwhile starting pre-production for the film. Even if Ranbir rejects, they want to be prepared to start the film by the end of 2026, irrespective of the actors who come on board."
With credits such as Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain under his belt, Suri has experience in successful Bollywood films, but this one is truly exceptional. The movie tries to give the filmmaker's masterful romantic musical a more serious, high-stakes edge by embracing a "gangster and assassin" setting.
The project entered the pre-production phase in February 2026, according to YRF. The production company is determined to have a late start to take advantage of the filmmaker's current winning streak at the box office while they eagerly await Kapoor's final choice in the coming months.
It should be noted, however, that these reports remain speculative at this stage. Neither Yash Raj Films, Mohit Suri, nor Ranbir Kapoor has issued an official confirmation regarding the project.
Q: Is Ranbir Kapoor starring in Mohit Suri’s new YRF film?
A: As per reports, Ranbir Kapoor is currently in advanced talks to lead Mohit Suri’s upcoming gangster-themed musical. While the actor has shown significant interest in the script's "musical potential," he has not officially signed on yet due to ongoing scheduling conflicts with Ramayana and Love and War. A final decision is expected by mid-2026.
Q: Why is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War delayed?
A: Originally slated for an earlier release, Love and War (starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal) has faced delays due to the extensive visual effects required for its high-octane aerial action sequences. The film is now projected to release in late 2026 or early 2027.
Q: When does Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana: Part One release?
A: Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part One, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, is currently eyeing a major theatrical release during the Diwali 2026 window.