- Love & War stars Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt in a high-stakes love triangle set against a 1970s wartime backdrop.
- Sanjay Leela Bhansali aims to create one of Indian cinema’s grandest battle sequences with a face-off between Kapoor and Kaushal.
- Rumors swirl around a rift between Bhansali and longtime collaborator Ranveer Singh after the latter allegedly declined a secondary role.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming period film Love & War is emerging as a cinematic spectacle with a potent blend of romance, rivalry, and raw emotion.
Off-screen, Love & War has ignited a storm in Bollywood circles with reports of a fallout between Bhansali and actor Ranveer Singh. The two, once a powerhouse duo behind hits like Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, reportedly parted ways professionally after Singh declined a secondary role in this project.
Behind the Battlelines: Bhansali’s Love & War Redefines Stardom and Allegiances
Ranbir Kapoor’s return to Bhansali’s direction after over a decade is marked by intense preparation. Kapoor reportedly lost 12 kg for his role and underwent extensive training to embody the character of a disciplined Air Force officer. His presence alongside Kaushal, who also shed 15 kg, sets the stage for a compelling narrative of brotherhood, betrayal, and sacrifice during war.
Vicky Kaushal’s inclusion in the cast marks his first collaboration with Bhansali, symbolizing a new chapter in the filmmaker’s vision. Known for his grounded, gritty roles, Kaushal brings emotional depth and understated charisma, providing a powerful counterbalance to Kapoor’s brooding charm. Industry buzz suggests their on-screen rivalry will be one of the film’s high points.
Production insiders reveal that elaborate sets replicating wartime air bases and vintage India have been constructed, with Bhansali’s trademark attention to detail on full display. The music, too, is expected to blend orchestral grandeur with nostalgic melodies, enhancing the emotional gravitas of the story. Every scene, from romantic interludes to aerial combat, is being designed to immerse audiences in a bygone era.
Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt’s role remains under wraps, though early leaks suggest she plays a pivotal figure connecting the two male leads. This project marks her second time working with Bhansali after Gangubai Kathiawadi, and expectations are high for her nuanced portrayal. Her presence adds dramatic weight and complexity to a story already rich with tension.
As Love & War readies for its March 2026 release, both its cinematic scale and behind-the-scenes drama signal a landmark moment in contemporary Bollywood storytelling.
“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” – Cesar A. Cruz
