Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s big new project, Love and War, is turning into one of Bollywood’s hottest topics, maybe for all the right reasons, or maybe for the chaos. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, the film promises a cocktail of romance, drama, and those signature Bhansali visuals. But here’s the latest: the production just got a massive extension. Now, shooting will drag on until May 2026, pushing the release back to late August or maybe even September. And the budget? It’s already blown past 300 crores. That’s a lot, even for Bhansali.

So, what’s really going on behind the scenes? Turns out, Bhansali isn’t willing to settle for anything less than perfection. He’s infamous for his attention to detail. This time, with a wartime romance on his hands, he’s doubling down. The team wanted to finish shooting much earlier, but the creative demands, huge sets, and Bhansali’s relentless eye for detail kept pushing things back. The shoot started with big dreams and even bigger expectations; now, with the new timeline, everyone’s buckling up for a marathon.

The cast is feeling the heat too. Ranbir Kapoor has cleared up his calendar, carving out extra time for the film, it’s clearly a big deal for him after the high of Animal and Brahmastra. Meanwhile, Alia and Vicky are in the thick of shooting, with their scenes getting priority just to keep things moving. Alia’s bringing her signature emotional punch, and Vicky’s adding that raw intensity only he seems to pull off.

As for the release date, kiss the June 2026 window goodbye. The team’s now aiming for an August or September launch, hoping to cash in on the holiday crowds. That’s risky, though. It lines up Love and War for a possible Independence Day release, but here’s the catch: Kartik Aaryan’s Naagzilla and Prabhas’ Fauzi are both gunning for the same dates. Picture this: Bhansali’s magnum opus versus two massive action flicks. The box office could get messy, and nobody knows yet who’ll come out on top.

Let’s talk money. Stretching the shoot means the budget has ballooned, over 300 crores now, thanks to all those lavish sets, costumes, and the complicated war scenes. This isn’t just a big film; it’s probably the most expensive one for Alia and Vicky so far. Earlier estimates were lower, but every extra day on set costs a fortune, especially with Bhansali’s taste for grandeur.

Still, the industry seems bullish. Bhansali’s movies usually pack theaters and rake in streaming deals, the OTT and music rights for this one are already pulling in serious cash. People are betting big on Love and War, and honestly, it’s hard to blame them.

For the fans, the wait just got longer. But if you love Bhansali’s style, you know he doesn’t miss when it comes to sweeping, emotional stories. With Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky tangled up in love and conflict, expectations are sky-high, and, let’s be real, the hype is justified. Whether Love and War dodges its box office rivals or goes head-to-head, it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of 2026. Keep your eyes peeled for first looks and trailers, if Bhansali delivers, this could be the movie that defines the year, delays and all.