Nearly two years after its grand announcement, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War continues to remain one of Bollywood’s most talked-about — and most delayed — projects. Mounted as a sweeping epic starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, the film was initially locked for a Christmas 2025 release. That plan quietly fell apart, and a revised Eid 2026 window now also appears shaky as shooting stretches longer than expected.
While speculation around the release date refuses to die down, Vicky Kaushal has offered a calmer, more grounded perspective — one rooted in admiration rather than anxiety.
“Every actor dreams of a Bhansali film”
In a recent conversation with Just Too Filmy, Vicky spoke candidly about working with Bhansali, calling the experience nothing short of a career milestone.
For him, Love & War isn’t just another big-ticket project — it’s a long-held ambition taking shape. Vicky described Bhansali as a filmmaker with a vision unlike anyone else in Indian cinema, someone who tells stories with a distinctive emotional and visual language. Being part of that world, alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, is something he considers a blessing so early in his career.
More importantly, he confirmed that the film is actively being shot, adding that the team is enjoying the process despite the extended schedule. His sign-off was optimistic: audiences, he hinted, should expect the film sometime next year — whenever it’s truly ready.
Why the delays don’t feel surprising
Given Bhansali’s reputation for perfectionism, the repeated postponements haven’t shocked industry watchers. His films are known for elaborate sets, intense performances, and long shooting timelines — from Devdas to Padmaavat and Gangubai Kathiawadi. Love & War, reportedly one of his most ambitious projects yet, seems to be following the same pattern.
Insiders suggest that Bhansali is unwilling to rush a film that hinges so heavily on emotional depth and scale, especially with three powerhouse performers sharing the screen.
A life-changing year for Vicky
Away from the sets, 2025 has been deeply transformative for Vicky Kaushal. The actor recently became a father, welcoming a baby boy — a moment he has openly described as magical. Speaking at a recent NDTV honour ceremony, Vicky joked that he’s currently better at changing diapers than acting, before admitting that the emotions of fatherhood are impossible to put into words.
He described this phase as blissful, overwhelming in the best way, and credited his family for being his emotional anchor during this life shift.
Career momentum still strong
Even with Love & War taking its time, Vicky’s professional graph remains solid. His historical drama Chhaava emerged as one of the biggest box office successes of 2025, becoming the second highest-grossing Hindi film of the year and further cementing his position as one of Bollywood’s most reliable leading men.
Final words
Love & War may be taking longer than expected, but for Vicky Kaushal, the wait clearly feels worth it. Between a career high, a life-changing personal milestone, and the chance to collaborate with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the actor seems content letting the film arrive on its own terms — not a calendar’s.
And when it finally does, expectations are already sky-high.
