Sanjay Leela Bhansali has never been a filmmaker who races to the finish line, but his next big-screen spectacle Love & War is now testing even industry benchmarks for scale. As of February 25, 2026, the film’s production schedule has expanded dramatically, with the shoot now stretching to an estimated 225 days, a jump that has pushed the project into record territory for the director.
With Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal leading the cast, Love & War was always designed as an epic, but the latest schedule extension signals just how massive the execution has become, particularly for its war portions, aerial action and large musical set pieces.
Latest Update On Love & War’s Extended Shoot And Ballooning Budget
A recent industry report pegged Love & War’s production budget at Rs 425 crore, climbing from an earlier planned Rs 350 crore. The same report indicated that the team has already filmed for around 175 days, and approximately 50 more days have been added, taking the total to about 225 days. Key portions still pending include multiple songs and a major dramatic sequence, which together are expected to take roughly two additional months of work.
The cost escalation is also tied to Bhansali’s method. A source was quoted as saying, “Bhansali strives for perfection and is not satisfied until every single frame matches his vision… the repeated production extensions have ballooned the budget.”
Notably, the reported Rs 425 crore does not include the lead actors’ remuneration. Ranbir, Alia and Vicky are said to have opted for backend profit-sharing deals instead of upfront fees, a structure that reduces immediate cash outflow while tying compensation to theatrical performance.
On the financing side, Saregama India’s strategic partnership with Bhansali’s banner has also been widely documented. In December 2025, Saregama disclosed an investment of Rs 325 crore into Bhansali Productions through a structured deal, alongside a long-term music rights arrangement.
As for release plans, the film is now being positioned for an early 2027 theatrical launch.
What We Know About Love & War So Far
Love & War is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and produced under Bhansali Productions, with Jio Studios also attached as a studio partner. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in what has been described as a high-stakes love story set against the backdrop of conflict, with the two male leads pitted against each other for Alia’s character.
The film also reunites Bhansali and Alia after Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), and brings Bhansali back to Ranbir after launching him in Saawariya (2007). For Vicky, it marks a first-time collaboration with the director.
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