Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film Love and War has encountered yet another delay, primarily due to the unavailability of its lead actors. Reports indicate that the climax shoot has been postponed again as Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal remain occupied with their respective projects.

The film is nearing completion, with nearly 90 per cent of the shoot reportedly done. However, the remaining portions—particularly the climax—require both actors to be present, making scheduling coordination critical.

Ramayana Part 2 and Mahavatar take priority

Ranbir Kapoor is currently focused on Ramayana Part 2, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, which is being prioritised for a quicker completion. The production team is aiming to wrap up filming soon to begin promotions for the first instalment later this year.

Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal has shifted attention to his upcoming film Mahavatar, for which he has reportedly begun intense physical preparation. These overlapping commitments have delayed the resumption of Love and War, now expected only in the second half of 2026.

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Alia Bhatt completes shoot, but key scenes remain

Alia Bhatt has already completed her portions for the film. Despite this, the project remains incomplete as the crucial sequences involving the male leads are still pending.

The delay highlights the challenge of managing large-scale productions with multiple high-profile actors, where even minor scheduling conflicts can disrupt timelines significantly.

In addition to scheduling issues, the film has also undergone multiple reshoots. Bhansali, known for his meticulous approach, has reportedly reworked several key scenes to maintain his artistic vision.

These reshoots have contributed to rising production costs and further extended timelines. Industry reports suggest that such repeated revisions, while enhancing quality, can also strain budgets and delay release schedules.

Republic Day 2027 release still targeted

Despite the setbacks, Bhansali remains committed to releasing Love and War during the Republic Day weekend in 2027. The production team is reportedly adjusting timelines and advancing post-production work simultaneously to meet this deadline.

However, with shooting yet to be completed, the feasibility of this target will depend heavily on how quickly the remaining portions are filmed.

The repeated postponements have begun to affect the film’s momentum. Industry observers note that prolonged delays can reduce audience anticipation, especially for high-budget films that rely on sustained hype.

While Love and War continues to generate interest due to its star cast and scale, maintaining engagement over an extended period remains a challenge.

High expectations still intact despite setbacks

Despite ongoing delays, the film retains strong potential due to its combination of a renowned director and leading actors. Large-scale projects often face extended production cycles, particularly when they involve complex storytelling and high production values.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Love and War can complete production on time and rebuild anticipation ahead of its planned release.