Love and War – Epic Period Romance Drama
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal
Genre: Romantic drama set against the backdrop of war
Scheduled Release: 20 March 2026 (subject to change)
Overview
Love and War is one of the most highly anticipated Indian films of 2026. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for visually lavish and emotionally intense storytelling, this film brings together an A-list cast and a powerful story set in a turbulent time of conflict and heartbreak.
The film is inspired by the 1964 classic Sangam by Raj Kapoor and revolves around a love triangle — exploring love, loyalty, betrayal, and emotional conflict against the backdrop of war.
Main Cast & Roles
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Ranbir Kapoor – A soldier torn between duty and love, expected to portray a complex character dealing with honor and heartbreak.
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Alia Bhatt – Plays the woman at the center of the love triangle, deeply emotional and torn between two very different men.
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Vicky Kaushal – Takes on a deeply emotional and intense role, portraying a man whose loyalty and love collide.
Production & Shooting
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Filming began in November 2024.
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Set primarily in Mumbai’s Film City with massive war set pieces.
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Elaborate war scenes, romantic montages, and dramatic sequences have been shot using both practical sets and visual effects.
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The film blends period aesthetics with modern cinematic techniques.
Physical Transformations
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Ranbir Kapoor reportedly lost around 12 kg to portray a leaner wartime soldier.
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Vicky Kaushal shed over 15 kg, signaling the emotionally and physically demanding nature of his character.
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Alia Bhatt is expected to portray both a strong emotional arc and graceful presence, characteristic of Bhansali’s heroines.
Themes & Style
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A love triangle set during war, exploring:
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Sacrifice
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Jealousy
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Friendship vs. romantic conflict
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Patriotism and personal loss
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Grand sets, operatic music, classical dance elements, and stylized dialogues — all hallmark traits of Bhansali’s direction.
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The film is a visual and emotional homage to classic Indian cinema while offering a modern narrative tone.
Music & Score
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Music composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself, featuring:
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Romantic ballads
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Classical-inspired orchestral pieces
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Wartime anthems with emotional undertones
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Lyrics are expected to be rich in Urdu-Hindi poetic tradition, enhancing the film’s emotional atmosphere.
Release & Expectations
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Originally planned for Christmas 2025, now slated for March 20, 2026.
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The release may be shifted further depending on post-production, which includes large-scale VFX integration for battle scenes.
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A pan-India release is expected in multiple languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and possibly Kannada and Malayalam.
Why It’s One to Watch
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First time Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal are working together on-screen.
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Marks Bhansali’s return to grand historical-style cinema after Gangubai Kathiawadi and his OTT debut with Heeramandi.
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Emotional depth, lavish visuals, and stellar performances make it one of the most awaited Indian films of the decade
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Instagram id links:
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Alia Bhatt: ig.com/aliaabhatt
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Vicky Kaushal: ig.com/vickykaushal09
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