Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal is keeping the excitement alive around the much‑anticipated Sanjay Leela Bhansali film Love and War, even as the project faces repe

INSIGHTSFROM THE TIMES INDIA INDUSTRYTOP STORIES FOR JUST ₹1 DAY.
Times IndiaTimes India
Times India

Categories

Amid Delays Vicky Kaushal Says Hes Enjoying Filming Love and War: See You Next Year

Written byTimes India
Amid Delays Vicky Kaushal Says Hes Enjoying Filming Love and War: See You Next Year
Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal is keeping the excitement alive around the much‑anticipated Sanjay Leela Bhansali film Love and War, even as the project faces repeated delays that have pushed its release further into 2026. In a recent conversation, the actor said that despite the challenges of extended shooting schedules, the cast and crew are having a “great time” working together and he promised fans, “We’ll see you next year.” 

A Star‑Studded Film That Has Seen Multiple Delays

Love and War marks a high‑profile collaboration between some of Bollywood’s biggest names  Vicky Kaushal, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt  under the direction of renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. When it was first announced in late 2024, the project instantly generated buzz due to its ensemble cast and epic storytelling promise.

Initially, the film was slated for a December 2025 release. However, it missed that date, and subsequent plans to launch on Eid 2026 also appeared uncertain. Most recently, reports indicate that filming has been extended through May 2026, with an expected theatrical debut now being eyed for August or September 2026

These rolling schedule changes have made Love and War one of the most talked‑about Bollywood films in the pipeline  both for its creative promise and the uncertainty around its final release date. 

Vicky Kaushal’s Positive Take on the Shoot

Despite the delays, Vicky Kaushal recently spoke candidly about his experience on the film’s set during an interview with Just Too Filmy. He expressed deep admiration for Bhansali’s vision and said it has been “a great time” shooting the movie. Kaushal’s comments reflect gratitude for the opportunity to work with Bhansali and his co‑stars, even as the film’s launch is pushed back. 

“It’s on the bucket list of every actor to be a part of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film,” Kaushal said, highlighting Bhansali’s unique storytelling and directorial craft. He called his involvement in Love and War a blessing and said that despite the extended schedule, the experience has been fulfilling. 

His upbeat message to fans was simple: “So yes, we are filming right now. We are having a great time filming it, and we’ll see you next year.” 

Why the Delays?

The repeated postponements of Love and War are largely attributed to extended shooting schedules and production complexities. According to recent industry reports, these extensions have not only shifted the release timeline but also impacted the film’s budget and the cast’s other commitments. 

The film began production in November 2024 and was expected to move quickly toward post‑production. But as the shoot continued to expand, all three lead actors  Vicky Kaushal, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt  have had to block their calendars through May 2026. This extension has reportedly bumped up production costs and stretched out schedules for other films the actors had lined up. 

Cast Camaraderie and Fan Anticipation

Despite these hurdles, the camaraderie among the cast appears strong. Earlier comments from co‑star Alia Bhatt describe the shoot as a “very special” experience, with the team fully immersed in the creative process. While this hasn’t stopped speculation around the delays, it has kept fans excited about what promises to be an ambitious cinematic spectacle. 

Bhansali himself is known for his meticulous and grand filmmaking style  often spanning lengthy production timelines to achieve the desired aesthetic and emotional depth. This has only added to the perception that Love and War may be worth the wait, even as schedules shift. 

What’s Next for Love and War

As the filming continues into 2026, expectations are that the first look or teaser for Love and War could arrive early in the year, possibly alongside an official announcement of the new release date. This will likely be a key moment for fans who have patiently followed updates on the film’s progress. 

Until then, Vicky Kaushal and his co‑stars remain focused on bringing Bhansali’s vision to life  enjoying the journey and promising audiences an unforgettable experience next year.