Ranbir Kapoor’s first look from ‘Love & War’ is all about blood, bruises and a vintage blue car

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has unveiled the first look of Ranbir Kapoor from his upcoming film ‘Love & War’, and the poster leaves more questions than answers. Seen seated behind the wheel of a striking blue vintage convertible, Ranbir appears calm and composed, even as his right arm is covered in blood, bruises and visible wounds.

The contrast is what makes the first look stand out. Dressed in a simple white polo shirt and dark sunglasses, Ranbir looks every bit the polished, retro-styled protagonist. But the heavily injured arm immediately changes the mood of the frame, hinting at a character who has possibly been through a violent or intense ordeal.

The poster does not reveal the circumstances behind his injuries or offer a clear glimpse into the film’s plot. Instead, it places Ranbir firmly at the centre of the visual and allows the details around him to build the intrigue.

Ranbir’s bloodied arm is the biggest clue

While the blue vintage car and Ranbir’s retro styling give the poster a distinctly cinematic feel, it is the actor’s wounded arm that demands attention. The injuries run from his shoulder down his forearm, with blood and bruising visible against his otherwise pristine white outfit.

Interestingly, Ranbir’s expression remains largely unaffected by the damage. He sits behind the wheel with his sunglasses on, his posture relaxed and his attention seemingly fixed ahead. The juxtaposition of composure and injury gives the poster a darker edge without revealing what exactly happened to his character.

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The makers have also chosen to keep the background relatively understated, allowing the car, Ranbir and the film’s title to dominate the frame.

The title ‘Love & War’ appears in large gold lettering across the blue car door, while the words “A film by Sanjay Leela Bhansali” sit above it. The visual combines Bhansali’s penchant for grandeur with a more rugged and mysterious character reveal.

The makers shared the poster with the caption, “Woh rutba, woh raub, woh junoon!”, alongside the film’s release date.

Ranbir, Alia and Vicky headline the film

‘Love & War’ features Ranbir Kapoor alongside Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. The film marks Ranbir’s reunion with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after their earlier collaboration on ‘Saawariya’.

Bhansali also reunites with Alia Bhatt following ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Vicky Kaushal joins the filmmaker and the two actors for the first time in a Bhansali directorial.

Despite the star-studded cast, details about the three characters and the film’s storyline have largely remained under wraps. The first poster appears to continue that approach, offering a glimpse without spelling out what lies behind the title ‘Love & War’.

A vintage setting with a darker undertone

One of the most interesting aspects of the poster is the way it plays with contrasts. The bright blue vintage convertible, Ranbir’s slicked-back hair, sunglasses and white shirt create an effortlessly stylish frame. The blood and wounds introduce an unexpected sense of danger.

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It makes the poster feel less like a conventional character reveal and more like a visual clue. Whether the injuries are connected to the film’s war element or a specific episode in Ranbir’s character’s journey remains to be seen.

For now, Bhansali has revealed just enough to make Ranbir’s character one of the biggest talking points around the film.

‘Love & War’ release date

‘Love & War’ is scheduled to release worldwide on January 21, 2027. The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.