Sanjay Leela Bhansali goes abroad after 26 years for Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-Vicky Kaushal’s Love & War

Summary:

• Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, releases on March 20, 2026, during Eid weekend.

• The film marks Bhansali’s first overseas shoot in 26 years, with locations including Rome and other European cities.

• Promising intense drama and Bhansali’s signature scale, the project is touted as a major cinematic event of 2026.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War has a stellar cast and will be a watershed moment for the filmmaker, making it one of the most talked-about films of 2026. Releasing on March 20, 2026, in time for Eid weekend, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.

First international shoot in over two decades for the filmmaker

For Bhansali, the impending project holds extra significance since it would mark his first feature film outside of India in 26 years. The filmmaker is renowned for helming massive, aesthetically stunning films, according to an insider who spoke with Bollywood Hungama. His films, like Devdas (2002), Black (2005), Saawariya (2007), Guzaarish (2010), Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2018), and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), have not been shot overseas. His last international filming location was Hungary (considered Italy) for a pivotal scene in the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1998) second half.

Although the filmmaker is known for creating awe-inspiring worlds in studios and Indian settings, the script called for an exotic setting this time. According to the source, a foreign locale is still required for Love & War. So, earlier this month, the filmmaker went on a recce to Rome, Italy. The Italian capital and perhaps other European locations will be the locales for the film.

ALSO READ: Love & War update: Sanjay Leela Bhansali plans teaser reveal on Ranbir Kapoor's birthday?

High-voltage Ranbir Kapoor–Vicky Kaushal face-off scenes lined up

Bhansali reportedly plans to film dramatic confrontation scenes involving Ranbir and Vicky this month, suggesting intense drama. Rumour has it that about 100 days of filming have already taken place up until July this year, with 90 more days of filming planned for the year's conclusion.

Ranbir and Bhansali reunite for the second time in nearly 18 years with this film, following their first in Saawariya (2007). Love & War is Alia's second film with the filmmaker, following the highly praised Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). Meanwhile, the casting is sure to be exciting because it's the first time Vicky has collaborated with Bhansali.

The global location, A-list ensemble cast, and signature grandeur of Sanjay Leela Bhansali will make Love & War a significant event when it opens in theatres in March 2026.

FAQs:

Q: When will Love & War release?

A: Love & War is scheduled to release on March 20, 2026, coinciding with the Ramzan Eid weekend.

Q: Who stars in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War?

A: The film features Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles.

Q: Has Sanjay Leela Bhansali worked with Ranbir Kapoor before Love & War?

A: Yes, Ranbir Kapoor made his acting debut in Bhansali’s 2007 film Saawariya.