Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly anticipated magnum opus, Love & War, is gearing up for its final major filming stretch. After a brief production hiatus to accommodate the busy schedules of its primary cast, the cameras are set to roll once again on June 18, 2026. The upcoming schedule brings the film’s superstar trio—Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal—back together on set for what promises to be one of the most visually stunning sequences in modern Hindi cinema.
A Grand Cinematic Spectacle at Royal Palms
According to a report by Mid-Day, the upcoming schedule will center around a massive, intricately mounted song sequence filmed at Mumbai’s Royal Palms. Key details of the shoot include:
- Scale and Ensemble: The sequence is designed as a signature Bhansali spectacle, featuring nearly 200 professional background dancers alongside the lead cast.
- Meticulous Planning: Originally scheduled for June 8, the shoot was pushed by two weeks to perfect every element. Every single frame has been thoroughly storyboarded, with choreography, opulent costumes, and heavy production design under preparation for weeks.
Managing Star Dates and Franchise Timelines
The brief filming pause occurred because the lead actors were temporarily managing other high-profile franchise commitments:
Ranbir Kapoor has been filming for Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic Ramayana: Part Two. Vicky Kaushal has been undergoing intensive preparation and shooting for Mahavatar, where he steps into the role of Lord Parashuram.
Despite earlier rumors suggesting that the film’s climax was facing scheduling bottlenecks due to these overlapping calendars, Bhansali recently cleared the air, confirming that 90% of principal photography is already complete.
New Release Strategy: Targeting January 2027
To ensure the extensive visual effects and heavy post-production work are not rushed, the makers have abandoned their earlier, tight release windows of Christmas 2025, Eid 2026, and August 2026.
Another massive factor shaping the release strategy is the arrival of Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana: Part One, which is slated for late 2026. To prevent a massive box-office clash between two tentpole Ranbir Kapoor films, the Love & War team is now reportedly targeting a grand theatrical launch in January 2027, aiming to capitalize on the lucrative Republic Day holiday weekend.
