The wait for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War just got longer — and significantly so. The much-anticipated epic starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal has reportedly extended its shooting schedule till May 2026, pushing the film’s release plans further down the line.
The film, which went on floors in November 2024, was originally expected to arrive much sooner. But as is often the case with Bhansali’s grand, detail-heavy storytelling, the scale has expanded — along with the timeline.
Why the Shoot Has Been Extended
According to industry reports, the extended schedule has led all three lead actors to block their calendars till May 2026, forcing them to postpone several prior commitments.
Bhansali, known for his perfectionism, is reportedly taking additional time to refine key sequences, elaborate sets, and emotionally demanding performances. The extension has also resulted in budget escalation, a familiar side effect of prolonged SLB productions.
Insiders suggest that a June 2026 release is now off the table, with the makers instead eyeing August or September 2026 for the theatrical debut. An official announcement on the final date is expected soon.
Source: Bollywood Hungama
Ripple Effect on Other Big Projects
The delay has reportedly caused disappointment among some members of Ramayana, another massive film tied to the same actors. The original plan was to maintain a comfortable six-month gap between Love & War and Ramayana — a window that now seems unlikely.
With dates overlapping and calendars reshuffled, the industry-wide domino effect is already being felt.
First Official Glimpse Coming Soon
Despite the delay, fans won’t be left completely in the dark. A source recently revealed that Love & War’s first official glimpse is expected to drop in January 2026.
This could be:
- A carefully designed poster
- Or select stills from Bhansali’s meticulously crafted sets
While leaked images of the actors have already surfaced online, Bhansali reportedly wants audiences to experience the film on his own terms, through visuals that reflect his intended aesthetic and emotional scale.
Why Love & War Still Matters
Love & War brings together some powerful reunions:
- Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, after Brahmastra
- Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, sharing screen space again after Sanju
Combined with Bhansali’s signature grandeur, intense romance, and dramatic conflict, the film remains one of the most awaited Bollywood projects in development.
Final Words
Yes, Love & War is taking its time. But if history is anything to go by, Bhansali films rarely rush — they arrive when they’re ready. With shooting now set to wrap in May 2026 and a first look coming soon, the countdown has slowed, but the anticipation hasn’t.
