Vicky Kaushal on working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Love & War: 'Don’t feel the need to cement my thought process'

The upcoming film Love & War is Vicky Kaushal and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first professional collaboration, and the actor has given an in-depth peek into the production process. The Hollywood Reporter India recently interviewed Kaushal, who talked about how Bhansali's directing techniques differ from what actors often expect when working with the renowned filmmaker.

Star-studded cast

There has been a lot of buzz in the business about the film because of its main cast, which includes Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. While Bhansali is known for his intense focus on detail and his work in high-pressure settings, Kaushal said that, in his life, he has focused more on creative exploration than anxiety.

The actor stressed that this project is a fantastic chance for him to learn and grow professionally. Kaushal said, "I'm getting to learn so much," when talking about his experience filming the forthcoming epic. This learning curve, he explained further, is a result of the filmmaker's complete mastery of the narrative's technical and emotional components.

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Embracing flexible acting approach

According to Kaushal, Bhansali promotes a more flexible approach, which is different from many productions where actors may feel compelled to bring a stiff, completed version of their performance. "I just feel like I go in so much more relaxed. I don’t feel the need to cement my thought process on the character so much," the actor said.

While Kaushal did say that the character's backstory is laid out in advance, he also said that Bhansali is free to experiment with the execution of certain moments. Once the cameras start rolling, the performance might evolve more naturally. "Of course, I know the character. But how to enter a scene, how to approach it, how to commit to it emotionally—that’s where he’s such a master", as Kaushal put it.

Adrenaline of creative exploration

The filmmaker frequently has the actors examining different emotional results by looking from different perspectives on a single moment. Kaushal said that this approach generates a high-energy setting. He noted, "He’s a master of exploring the possibilities of what this character, or these two characters, or these three characters could do in a given circumstance. There’s so much joy and so much adrenaline in exploring, and he really makes you do that as an actor."

Although the actor expressed a sense of creative fulfilment, there are certainly obstacles to overcome. Kaushal acknowledged that in the beginning of a shoot it might be challenging to manage the uncertainties of not having a defined emotional direction. He said that getting into the groove of things might be fairly challenging at first.

Pushing beyond comfort zone

"It's very nerve-racking in the beginning," he confessed, bringing up the crucial points when an actor must control their gut feelings. His words carried the weight of encouragement: "Some of those possibilities are not coming naturally, but you’re reaching for them, going there."

Love & War is currently being filmed and will have a global theatrical release in 2026. Representing a significant reunion of the core ensemble and a new stylistic chapter for Kaushal, the movie continues to be one of the most anticipated titles in Indian cinema.

Love & War FAQs:

Q: Is Vicky Kaushal collaborating with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the first time?

A: Yes, Love & War marks Vicky Kaushal's first professional collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

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

A: The primary cast of Love & War features Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.

Q: When is the movie Love & War releasing?

A: Love & War is currently in production and is scheduled for a wide global theatrical release next year (2026).