Sanjay Leela Bhansali unveiled the first-look poster for his upcoming period romantic war drama Love & War on September 24, 2026. The promotional image features Ranbir Kapoor behind the wheel of a vintage car with a bruised and bloodied arm, setting a rugged tone for the worldwide theatrical release scheduled for January 21, 2027.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Rugged First Look and Character Reveal
The first official glimpse of the much-anticipated period drama casts Ranbir Kapoor in a starkly gritty persona. Bhansali Productions released a character poster showing the actor seated behind the wheel of a striking blue vintage car. Kapoor sports a short buzz cut paired with a thick moustache, sunglasses, and a simple light-colored T-shirt.
While his attire and retro styling look polished, his arm is bruised and bloodied while resting outside the vehicle. The stark contrast between the pristine vintage aesthetic and the severe injuries immediately shifted expectations for the project. Fans and co-stars took to social media to react to the reveal, with Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt sharing the poster alongside the official caption released by the makers.
“Woh rutba, woh raub, woh junoon!”
Makers, via Bhansali Productions
Co-star Vicky Kaushal welcomed the reveal on his social media handles by telling fans that the project is officially on track for its early 2027 theatrical run, adding the message, Here we go! RK… Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War on 21st January 2027.
Filmfare reported enthusiastic audience reactions to the poster, including comments such as HE IS SO BACKKKKKKK
, Give this man anything & he is still gonna look SMOKING HOT
, and Ranbir Kapoor with all his charm, is back!!!!! And we are seated for it
.
Production Secrecy and Strict Non-Disclosure Agreements
Principal photography officially wrapped in September 2026 after multiple shooting schedules that initially began back in November 2024.
Cast Dynamics and Historical Collaborations
Love & War unites Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal for the first time in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial. The project also serves as a major milestone for Kapoor, marking his reunion with the filmmaker nearly twenty years (specifically 19 years, according to The Hindu and Filmfare) after his debut feature Saawariya in 2007. Meanwhile, Bhansali teams up with Alia Bhatt again following their work together on Gangubai Kathiawadi (noted as Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) by The Hindu and Filmfare). Hindustan Times and ABP Live additionally pointed out that Ranbir and Vicky previously worked together in Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju, whereas Alia worked with Vicky in Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi.
Although the plot remains tightly under wraps, industry reports describe the project as an epic period romantic war drama. Unconfirmed plot details suggest that Kapoor and Kaushal play Indian Air Force officers whose lives intersect with Bhatt’s character against a turbulent wartime backdrop. The screenplay was co-written by Bhansali and Ila Bedi Dutta, with actress Supriya Pathak also featured in a key supporting role.
Global Theatrical Release Schedule and Formats
The film’s journey to the big screen has encountered multiple adjustments. Initially announced in January 2024 for a Christmas 2025 premiere, the release date was subsequently shifted to March 2026 before being further pushed to its final calendar slot.
Makers have confirmed that the multi-starrer will open globally in theaters in multiple languages, maximizing its reach across domestic and international markets.
- Worldwide theatrical release date: January 21, 2027
- Supported audio and subtitle languages: Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu