Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt is all set to dive into preparations for her highly anticipated film Love and War, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. On Thursday, the actress was spotted outside Bhansali's office in Versova, Mumbai, looking casual yet chic in a bright yellow shirt paired with jeans. Alia, always gracious to the paparazzi, waved at the shutterbugs waiting outside, signaling her excitement for the project.

The Epic Love and War: Release Date and Star Cast

The makers of Love and War recently announced that the film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, is slated for release on March 20, 2026. The release date strategically falls during a major holiday stretch, coinciding with key festivals like Ramzan, Ram Navmi, and Gudi Padwa, offering a perfect opportunity for the film to capture a wide audience.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, renowned for his grandiose storytelling and visual splendor, Love and War is expected to be an epic saga. While not much has been revealed about the plot, it is known to be a love story about a couple forced to part ways due to familial obligations. With Bhansali's signature style and a star-studded cast, the film is poised to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Bhansali's Legacy of Period Dramas

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's last project, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, was a critically acclaimed period drama series. Set during the Indian independence movement, it delved into the lives of tawaifs (courtesans) in Lahore's famed red-light district, Heera Mandi. The series boasted an impressive ensemble cast, including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, and Taha Shah Badussha. With his experience in crafting period dramas with intricate narratives, Bhansali is expected to bring the same level of detail and emotion to Love and War.

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's On-Screen Reunion

Love and War marks the second collaboration between Alia Bhatt and her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, after their successful venture in Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva in 2022. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see the real-life couple share the screen once again, this time in a dramatic love story. Alia, who last appeared in the romantic comedy Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani alongside Ranveer Singh, continues to prove her versatility as an actress, transitioning from lighthearted roles to more intense, emotional performances.

Apart from Love and War, Alia has an exciting lineup of projects, including Jigra and Alpha, which further showcases her growing stature as one of Bollywood's top actresses.

Vicky Kaushal's Next Big Role in Chhaava

Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal, who is also a part of Love and War, has been busy with his latest release, Bad Newz, and will soon be seen in Chhaava, a historical epic that brings the life of Maratha Chhatrapati Sambhaji to the big screen. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is an adaptation of the Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant. Vicky's portrayal of the brave warrior king is highly anticipated, and his role in Love and War adds another layer of excitement for his fans.

Ranbir Kapoor's Successful Run and Upcoming Projects

Ranbir Kapoor, basking in the success of his recent hit Animal, continues to solidify his position as one of Bollywood's leading actors. His next project, Ramayana, sees him stepping into another monumental role alongside the talented Sai Pallavi. With Love and War in the pipeline, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for Ranbir as he balances a range of diverse characters.

Conclusion

Love and War promises to be an epic saga filled with emotion, drama, and grandeur, all hallmarks of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's cinematic vision. With a stellar cast, including Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, fans can expect a deeply emotional and visually stunning experience. As the cast gears up for this ambitious project, the film's March 2026 release is already generating immense excitement among Bollywood enthusiasts.