Spectacular cinematic reunion with Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will no longer be released in 2025 as originally planned. Along with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, the reunion pic was supposed to be one of the most big-name films of 2020 — but according to new reports, the director has amended his plans.
Bhansali’s Focus on Heeramandi Pushes Love and War Timeline
Sanjay Leela Bhansali (known for his meticulous cinematography and an indulging penchant for visual splendour) is currently busy with promotions for his mega-screenplay rewrite and re-release of his Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Sources say that the director has decided to devote all his creative zest to wrapping up post-production and promotions of the digital drama before getting back to creating Love and War.
Love and War was scheduled for floors later this year but has now been delayed to February 2025 — with a release window on the cards for 2026. With the completion of the hit movie Heeramandi, the entire Bhansali team is expected to finalise the schedule.
Love and War: A Mega-Casting Coup Delayed, Not Denied
The news of Love and War back in January sent fans reeling. Not only was it Bhansali’s reunion with Saawariya star Ranbir Kapoor, but also he would be making his first appearance with Vicky Kaushal.
“It’s all the same for Alia Bhatt,” she said after impressing viewers in Gangubai Kathiawadi. One could almost envision a romantic period drama in the vein of the Bhansali of days past – orchestral music, set changes, and intense emotions.
With such a formidable trio and Bhansali at the helm, the delay may not be so good — but that is only because the buzz suggests the movie is being tweaked for even bigger.
Is 2026 the New Release Target?
Love and War is now set for a 2026 release, according to sources, and Bhansali is planning a massive pre-production sequence to begin in late 2024.
The set design, the score, and the costumes – all known Bhansali trademarks – need considerable pre-planning. Given his recent experience with Heeramandi, it is possible that he wants to heighten the theatrical experience of Love and War by turning it into another larger theatrical experience.
Ranbir Kapoor, who after his critically acclaimed Animal will likely pull off an array of emotions, and Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal’s chemistry is set to be one of the most important aspects of the movie, sources say.
Bhansali’s Vision Over Speed: A Pattern Worth Waiting For
This isn’t the first time Sanjay Leela Bhansali has chosen perfection over deadlines — and it won’t be the last. Films like Padmaavat and Bajirao Mastani faced delays too, but the end result always justified the wait.
Trade analysts believe Love and War could emerge as a major festival release in 2026, potentially eyeing Eid, Diwali, or Christmas for maximum impact.
With Heeramandi expected to generate massive international buzz, Bhansali’s growing global footprint might get an extra push from Love and War — a film already commanding attention before a single frame has rolled.
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