In what could be termed as a major cinematic event, the acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has unveiled his much-anticipated project, ‘Love and War’. Featuring a powerhouse trio of actors – Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal – the film is already generating immense buzz in Bollywood circles and among movie aficionados worldwide. Known for his opulent sets, intricate storytelling, and an unerring eye for detail, Bhansali is set to weave another grand narrative on the silver screen.
Bhansali, coming off the critical and commercial success of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, a film that earned him a National Award, seems to be in no mood to rest on his laurels. Instead, he raises the stakes with ‘Love and War’, a project shrouded in a veil of intrigue as the cinéaste has kept the exact genre of his latest endeavor under wraps. Termed an ‘epic drama’, the movie promises to be a visual feast, befitting the grandeur typically associated with Bhansali’s cinematic universe.
The announcement of ‘Love and War’ was accompanied by an Instagram post from Alia Bhatt, which immediately sparked excitement among fans and heightened anticipation for the project’s Christmas 2025 release. As the eminent director prepares to bring another magnum opus to life, the star-studded cast is expected to begin the production in a marathon shooting schedule kicking off around November 2024.
A source privy to the film’s development shared insights with Pinkvilla, revealing Bhansali’s long-standing ambition to craft a love story that transcends the barriers of time. It appears ‘Love and War’ sits perfectly within this dream, as the narrative involves three central characters, whose arcs are expected to engage and evoke a gamut of emotions from the audience. The film is not just a tale of love; it’s also an homage to the 1964 classic ‘Sangam’, directed by the iconic Raj Kapoor, adding layers of cinematic nostalgia to the mix.
With the casting of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal – each a formidable name in their own right – ‘Love and War’ has become a symbol of casting excellence. The three stars, known for their dedication to the craft, share a dynamic synergy on-screen and have collectively incited a palpable excitement within the film fraternity for what could be one of the most-awaited releases of 2025.
Away from ‘Love and War’, Bhansali is also dipping his toes into the expanding world of OTT with ‘Heeramandi’. This venture marks Bhansali’s first digital series, set to tell a compelling narrative filled with the historical opulence of the courtesans’ era. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Manisha Koirala, returning to the Bhansali camp after a gap of twenty years, along with Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh, ‘Heeramandi’ is expected to portray the grandeur and the intricate lives within the courtesan quarters.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming projects illustrate his continued commitment to storytelling and cinematic excellence. While ‘Heeramandi’ promises to be a gripping tale on a global digital platform, ‘Love and War’ is poised to become the next cornerstone in Bhansali’s legacy—a testament to his passion for crafting enduring narratives that blend the rich tapestries of Indian culture with universal themes of love, conflict, and resilience. Fans and critics alike are on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting to be enthralled by the master filmmaker’s vision once again.
