Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film Love & War, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, continues to build excitement among fans even as production is still underway. In a recent development, Bhansali has reportedly scrapped his plans to shoot in Italy and instead decided to recreate the European setting right in Mumbai.
Originally, the filmmaker had planned a 45-day schedule in Italy. However, due to increasing logistical challenges and time constraints, the international shoot was called off. To preserve the grandeur and aesthetic he envisioned, Bhansali built a massive set near Royal Palms in Goregaon to replicate Italian locales.
A source revealed, “The Italy schedule was getting difficult to manage and would have taken much longer to complete. Bhansali wanted to maintain the visual richness while keeping complete creative control, so he recreated the locations in Mumbai. A 10-day shoot with the lead cast took place before Diwali.”
The same source added that this portion is crucial as it features parts of the film’s climax. Following recent leaks of Alia Bhatt’s photos from the set, Bhansali has tightened security and warned the team to avoid any further leaks. “He has now instructed the production team to keep shooting details confidential, revealing locations to the crew only shortly before filming,” the source added.
The final leg of the shoot is expected to begin soon and will last around 20 days, wrapping up by mid-December. Love & War is eyeing a grand release in March 2026.
Reports also suggest that the film might release around the same time as Yash’s Toxic, which is slated for March 19, 2026, coinciding with the Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid weekend. However, an official confirmation is still awaited.
Adding to the buzz, Orry is reportedly making an appearance in the film, and Deepika Padukone is said to have a special cameo. With Bhansali’s signature opulence and a powerful trio of leads, Love & War is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic events of 2026.
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