The release date of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next spectacle Love & War has been officially confirmed, marking the return of his grand cinematic vision to the screens during one of India’s most coveted national holiday slots.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.
Kapoor made her leading role debut in Bhansali’s romance novel Saavariya (2007), an adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Bhatt headlined Bhansali’s female empowerment story Gangubai Kathiawadi and took a bow at the Berlin 2022 Games. The two co-starred in Disney’s sci-fi mythological superhero film “Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva” (2022).
Bhatt most recently starred in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani and Netflix’s Heart of Stone, as well as Zigra, which she also co-produced. She will next headline Yash Raj Films’ upcoming spy universe thriller ‘Alpha’. Meanwhile, Kaushal has delivered the biggest hit of 2025 in Bollywood with the historical blockbuster ‘Chaava’ after ‘Bad News’, ‘Sam Bahadur’ and ‘Danki’. Kapoor’s last film Animal was one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2023.
Bhansali recently made his streaming debut with Netflix’s lavish period drama series Heeramandi: Diamond Bazaar, where he garnered attention for its intricate production design and expansive ensemble, reaffirming his status as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious storytellers.
Touted as an epic tale of passion, pride and conflict, ‘Love & War’ promises Bhansali’s signature blend of scale and emotion, combining gorgeous visuals with deeply felt storytelling. The film, which is the filmmaker’s first to be released on India’s Independence Day, will hit theaters on August 14, 2026.
The film is produced by Bhansali Productions.
