Sanjay Leela Bhansali, celebrated for his opulent filmmaking style and meticulous attention to detail, has long been embroiled in speculation and reports about being a challenging director to collaborate with. Known for orchestrating movie sets that buzz with intensity and precision, Bhansali has frequently been described as having a demanding nature. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali addressed these claims, attributing them to his unyielding artistic ambition and insatiable drive for perfection.
Reflecting on the label of being ‘difficult,’ Bhansali offered a glimpse into his filmmaking process which is marked by relentless creativity and an unquenchable thirst to achieve the extraordinary. “There is always a restlessness in the mind when I’m making a film,” he acknowledged, explaining a scenario where his collaborators might find him tough to work with. “People who work with me find it a little difficult because sometimes I don’t know exactly what I want,” he confessed.
Bhansali’s filmography encompasses iconic works such as “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” “Devdas,” “Padmaavat,” “Bajirao Mastani,” and the 2022 blockbuster, “Gangubai Kathiawadi.” His propensity for perfectionism extends to the minutiae of filmmaking, like the precise movement of a sari or the specific lighting that complements an actor’s expression. Expounding upon his approach, Bhansali elaborated, “Sometimes when I’m on set, I’m so mentally elsewhere trying to perfect a vision that isn’t fully realized yet. At times, scenes don’t unfold as I imagine. This is not always due to my own actions but due to the collective efforts, or misunderstandings, amongst the 150 people working alongside me.”
Integral to his leadership style is an understanding and forgiving nature, which Bhansali acknowledges. Despite occasional friction, he is appreciative of his crew’s patience with his unique working style and admittedly overwhelming moments of chaos. “I pardon them, forgive them for not always understanding me, and sometimes they tolerate me for my idiosyncrasies, restlessness, and chaos,” he said, enhancing his reputation as both a demanding yet empathetic creative.
Adding to the buzz surrounding Bhansali, his upcoming film, “Love and War,” recently made headlines due to a revised release schedule. Initially slated for a Christmas 2025 release, the film will now open in theaters on March 20, 2026. The creative decision aligns with Bhansali’s reputation of ensuring that every project meets his high standards before it reaches audiences.
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“Love and War” marks the first collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Ranbir Kapoor since Kapoor’s debut film, “Saawariya” in 2007. It features a star-studded cast including Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. While Bhatt and Bhansali collaborated on “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” the film presents Kaushal’s first experience working under Bhansali’s directorship.
Industry insider Taran Adarsh shared the update on social media platform X, capturing the excitement and anticipation surrounding the project. “RANBIR KAPOOR – ALIA BHATT – VICKY KAUSHAL: SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI FINALISES RELEASE DATE… 20 March 2026 is the release date of #SanjayLeelaBhansali’s next film, titled #LoveAndWar… Stars #RanbirKapoor, #AliaBhatt and #VickyKaushal,” Adarsh announced.
Officially announced in January 2024, “Love and War” immediately garnered buzz with its grand announcement. Promising to be another monumental Bhansali production, the film was initially teased on Instagram with the tagline, “We Bring You Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Epic Saga ‘Love & War.’ See You At The Movies Christmas 2025,” along with signatures from the lead cast.
Despite the challenges and whispers about his directorial style, Bhansali’s films consistently draw attention for their craftsmanship and narrative excellence, continuing to capture the love of audiences worldwide. His reflections provide a deeper understanding of how his unrelenting pursuit of perfection shapes his filmmaking journey, ensuring his cinematic creations remain distinctive in the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema. As the buzz builds around “Love and War,” fans eagerly await yet another mesmerizing cinematic experience from the famed director.
