Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film Love and War has remained in the spotlight ever since its announcement, but ongoing delays have continued to fuel speculation around its release. Now, fresh reports suggest that the film may finally be eyeing a Diwali 2026 release, pushing it far beyond its initially planned timeline.
Amid the uncertainty, lead actress Alia Bhatt has spoken fondly about the project, calling Love and War a deeply meaningful experience. In a recent interaction with The Economic Times, Alia described the film as “very special,” revealing that despite shooting for it throughout the year, the experience never feels complete. “You always want one more day, one more moment, one more scene where you’re just jamming the energy,” she said.
The actress also opened up about her creative collaboration with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with whom she previously worked in Gangubai Kathiawadi. Calling the filmmaker’s process magical yet collaborative, Alia shared that the atmosphere on Bhansali’s sets is quiet, disciplined, and intensely focused. “Everyone brings something different to the table, but the final magic wand is always in Sanjay sir’s hands,” she added, calling it one of the most fulfilling creative experiences of her career.
However, behind the scenes, the production appears to be facing challenges. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Love and War has been delayed yet again due to an extended shooting schedule. While the film was initially expected to release around Eid 2026, the shoot is now reportedly set to continue until May 2026. As a result, stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal have allegedly blocked their calendars until then, pushing back other professional commitments.
The report also suggests that Ranbir Kapoor had requested a June 2026 release, but that option is no longer viable. With limited post-production time, Bhansali is now said to be considering an August or September release, with Diwali emerging as the most likely window. The delays have reportedly led to an increase in the film’s budget and have also impacted the schedules of other projects, including Ramayana, whose team was hoping for a substantial gap between the two releases.
Despite the hurdles, Love and War remains one of the most eagerly awaited films in recent years, bringing together a powerhouse cast under Bhansali’s visionary direction. As fans await an official announcement, expectations continue to soar for what promises to be an epic cinematic experience.
