Rift Between Ranbir Kapoor And Sanjay Leela Bhansali Delays Love And War? Insider Reveals 'No Fallout'
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, is facing delays, pushing its release to late 2026. Originally slated for a December 2025 release, then Eid 2026, the film's extended shooting schedule has led to speculation about a possible rift between the director and the lead actor, Ranbir Kapoor. However, sources close to the project deny any such fallout, attributing the delay to the film's ambitious scale and Bhansali's meticulous approach.
The film, which began production in November 2024, has been described as one of the most ambitious casting combinations in recent Hindi cinema. Love and War is reportedly a complex love triangle between two officers, played by Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, with Alia Bhatt portraying the woman caught between them.
According to reports, Bhansali has extended the shoot until May 2026, requiring the lead actors to block their schedules accordingly. This extension has impacted other projects, including the Ramayana production, whose team was hoping for a significant gap between the releases of Love and War and Ramayana. Ranbir Kapoor had reportedly suggested a June 2026 release, but that is no longer feasible. The makers are now aiming for an August or September 2026 release.
Despite the delays, insiders maintain that the team is having a "great time filming". Vicky Kaushal expressed his gratitude for being part of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, acknowledging the director's unique vision and storytelling ability. Alia Bhatt echoed this sentiment, describing the film as "very special" and expressing a desire for "one more day, one more moment, one more scene" during shooting.
The extended production timeline has reportedly increased the film's budget, adding pressure to finalize a release strategy. The initial plan to release Love and War on Eid 2026 was scrapped to avoid clashing with Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups.
While an official release date is yet to be announced, anticipation for Love and War remains high. There is buzz that the first official look of the film will be unveiled alongside the release date announcement, further fueling excitement among fans and industry insiders. Despite the challenges and speculation, Love and War is still in production, with the team committed to bringing Bhansali's vision to the screen.
