Mumbai: Vicky Kaushal has opened up about his experience of working with ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the much-anticipated film Love and War, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Ever since the project was announced, the film has remained one of the most talked-about upcoming releases, thanks to its star-studded cast, Bhansali’s grand vision and the promise of intense drama. Amid mounting curiosity, Kaushal’s recent comments have offered fresh insight into what audiences can expect from the ambitious project.

Vicky Kaushal praises Bhansali’s cinematic vision

In a recent interview with GQ India, Vicky Kaushal spoke candidly about Bhansali’s approach to filmmaking and the learning experience of being on his sets. The actor described the filmmaker as someone with a highly distinctive cinematic voice, adding that simply observing him at work has been an education in itself.

“He has such a distinct cinematic voice. I’m learning by just watching him work. The way he designs a frame, the way he collaborates with actors, camera, sets and costumes—it’s incredible,” Vicky said. His remarks underline Bhansali’s reputation as a meticulous filmmaker known for visual grandeur and emotional intensity.

Kaushal also hinted that working under Bhansali is not just about delivering a performance, but about understanding cinema as a complete art form. From lighting and costumes to camera movement and set design, every detail is carefully orchestrated, making the experience both demanding and enriching for actors.

A powerful cast reunion

Love and War brings together actors who share a history of successful collaborations. Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal will be seen sharing screen space again after their 2018 film Sanju, where both performances were widely appreciated. Meanwhile, Vicky and Alia Bhatt reunite after Raazi, the 2018 spy thriller that earned critical acclaim and strong box office numbers.

For audiences, the casting promises layered performances driven by complex character dynamics. Industry insiders suggest that the trio’s chemistry is expected to play a central role in the narrative, with intense confrontations and emotional moments forming the backbone of the film.

Reports of intense conflict and a grand climax

According to reports doing the rounds, Love and War will showcase Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor in opposing roles, setting the stage for a dramatic clash between the two characters. Sources claim that the film’s climax sequence was shot in Sicily, adding an international scale to Bhansali’s already expansive canvas.

Earlier this year, leaked images from the sets featuring Ranbir, Alia and Vicky sparked excitement across social media. Though unofficial, these glimpses heightened anticipation and offered a peek into the film’s visual tone. However, it is believed that Bhansali is keen for audiences to experience the film through officially released material that reflects his carefully crafted vision.

First official glimpse expected in January 2026

As per the latest reports, the makers are planning to unveil the first official glimpse of Love and War in January 2026. This could come in the form of a poster or select stills from the film’s sets. A source quoted by Mid-Day revealed that the plan was always to release a teaser asset early in the year to introduce audiences to the world of the film.

“The idea always was that the team would put out an asset in January to tease the audience about the world they have in store. It could be an official poster or images from the set, which Bhansali has meticulously created,” the source said.

The report further added that while leaked photographs have already circulated online, Bhansali wants viewers to see Love and War through his own artistic lens rather than through unofficial visuals.

Release date reportedly pushed

While excitement around the film continues to grow, reports suggest that Love and War is currently running on a delayed schedule. As a result, the release date may have been pushed. Earlier expectations hinted at an earlier release window, but recent updates indicate that the film could now arrive in theatres in June next year.

Such delays are not uncommon for Bhansali’s films, which are known for elaborate production design, extensive rehearsals and detailed post-production work. Trade analysts believe that the makers are prioritising quality and scale over timelines, ensuring that the final product lives up to expectations.

What makes Love and War special

With Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the helm, Love and War is expected to blend intense emotions with striking visuals and powerful performances. The title itself hints at themes of passion, conflict and sacrifice, elements that Bhansali has explored memorably in films like Devdas, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat.

For Vicky Kaushal, the film represents another major milestone in a career that has steadily moved from strong content-driven roles to large-scale, star-led projects. His admiration for Bhansali suggests that audiences can expect a performance shaped by careful detailing and emotional depth.

Conclusion

As anticipation builds for Love and War, Vicky Kaushal’s reflections offer a glimpse into the creative environment behind the scenes. With a powerhouse cast, a celebrated director and reports of an epic narrative, the film is shaping up to be one of the most awaited releases of the coming year. While fans wait for the first official visuals in January 2026, expectations remain high for a cinematic experience that blends love, conflict and Bhansali’s signature grandeur.