Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War,’ Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, Locks 2026 Release Date (EXCLUSIVE)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next directorial spectacle “Love & War” has officially locked its release date, bringing his grand cinematic vision back to the big screen on one of India’s most coveted national public holiday frames.

The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.

Kapoor debuted as a leading man with Bhansali’s romance “Saawariya” (2007), a Fyodor Dostoevsky adaptation. Bhatt headlined Bhansali’s women empowerment saga “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” which bowed at the 2022 Berlinale. They starred together in Disney’s sci-fi mythological superhero film “Brahmastra Part One: Shiva” (2022).

Bhatt was most recently seen in “Jigra,” which she also co-produced, following her performances in Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” and Netflix’s “Heart of Stone.” She is next set to headline Yash Raj Films’ upcoming spy universe thriller “Alpha.” Kaushal, meanwhile, delivered 2025’s biggest Bollywood hit with the historical epic “Chhaava,” following his turns in “Bad Newz,” “Sam Bahadur” and “Dunki.” Kapoor’s last outing, “Animal,” was one of 2023’s top-grossing Indian films.

Bhansali most recently made his streaming debut with Netflix’s lavish period series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” which drew attention for its intricate production design and sprawling ensemble, reaffirming his status as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious storytellers.

Touted as an epic saga of passion, pride, and conflict, “Love & War” promises Bhansali’s signature blend of scale and emotion, combining opulent visuals with deeply felt storytelling. The filmmaker’s first-ever Indian Independence Day release, the film will open in theaters on Aug. 14, 2026.

The film is from Bhansali Productions.