Mumbai: Actor Vicky Kaushal has put speculation to rest about the status of Love & War, confirming that filming for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious project is very much underway. His comments come amid reports suggesting that the film is likely to miss its originally expected Eid 2026 release window to avoid a box-office clash with Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups.
Vicky Kaushal shares update on the shoot
Speaking in a recent interaction with Just Too Filmy, Vicky Kaushal opened up about working with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and offered a reassuring update for fans awaiting the film. The actor said being part of a Bhansali film is a dream for most performers in the industry.
“It’s on the bucket list of every actor to be a part of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. I’ve admired his films, I’ve admired him as a filmmaker, and I think he’s truly a unique voice from India,” Vicky said. He added that Bhansali’s storytelling sensibilities and visual language set him apart from his contemporaries.
Confirming that filming is ongoing, Vicky said, “He truly is a master of the craft of filmmaking. I genuinely feel blessed that in just ten years of my career, I’m getting to be a part of his film with two fantastic actors that we all adore, Ranbir and Alia. So yes, we are filming right now. We are having a great time filming it, and we’ll see you next year.”
Reports of a possible delay
While Vicky’s comments reassure that Love & War is progressing, industry reports indicate that the film may not arrive as early as expected. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the film is likely to miss its Eid 2026 deadline. The decision is reportedly driven by both scheduling challenges and strategic release planning.
The report claims that Love & War is currently running behind its shooting schedule, with a significant portion of filming still left. A source quoted by the portal stated that around 75 days of shooting remain and that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has requested his lead actors—Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal—to allot bulk dates till summer 2026 to complete the project.
The same report described the delay as a “blessing in disguise,” noting that a box-office clash between two large-scale pan-Indian films would have been commercially risky. Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash, is also expected to be a major release, and avoiding a direct clash could benefit both films.
Alia Bhatt calls the film “very special”
Earlier, Alia Bhatt had also spoken about Love & War in an interview with The Economic Times, highlighting the creative intensity of the project. She described the film as deeply fulfilling yet demanding, reflecting Bhansali’s meticulous approach to filmmaking.
“It’s a very special film. We’ve been shooting it throughout the year, and it never feels like enough. You always want one more day, one more moment, one more scene where you’re just jamming the energy,” Alia said.
Her remarks align with Bhansali’s reputation for extended shooting schedules, elaborate sets and multiple takes to achieve perfection—factors that often contribute to delays but also to the distinctive quality of his films.
About Love & War
Love & War marks Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first collaboration with Vicky Kaushal and brings together Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt for a highly anticipated reunion. The film is described as a grand romantic drama set against a dramatic backdrop, though the makers have kept plot details under wraps.
Given Bhansali’s track record with visually rich and emotionally intense films such as Devdas, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Gangubai Kathiawadi, expectations from Love & War are exceptionally high. Trade analysts believe the film is being mounted on a massive scale, with production costs likely running into several hundred crore rupees, making release timing and box-office strategy crucial.
No official confirmation yet
Despite the reports, the makers of Love & War have not issued any official statement confirming a delay or announcing a revised release date. Vicky Kaushal’s statement that the team is actively shooting suggests that production is moving forward steadily, even if the timeline is being recalibrated.
Industry insiders note that it is not uncommon for Bhansali’s films to take longer than initially planned, given his emphasis on detail, music, choreography and production design. Fans, meanwhile, appear willing to wait, trusting that the final product will justify the extended schedule.
Conclusion
While reports indicate that Love & War may arrive later than Eid 2026, Vicky Kaushal’s confirmation that filming is in full swing offers reassurance. With Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the helm and a star-studded cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, the film remains one of the most awaited Bollywood projects. Whether it releases in late 2026 or beyond, Love & War is shaping up to be a cinematic event that prioritises scale and storytelling over rigid deadlines.