After his grand debut in the OTT space with Heeramandi, acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is gearing up for his next directorial venture, Love and War. Starring Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor, the film has already sparked considerable buzz. However, in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali clarified that Love and War is not a reworking of the 1964 classic Sangam, directed by Raj Kapoor.

Bhansali Denies 'Sangam' Remake Rumours

When asked about online speculations suggesting that Love and War is inspired by Sangam, Bhansali was quick to dismiss the rumours. He expressed his admiration for Raj Kapoor's work, stating, "Not at all. I love Sangam, I have watched it. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is also like Sangam. I tried to make Aishwarya Rai into Vyjayanthimala from Sangam...It's not Sangam at all, with all my love for Raj Kapoor. You never remake a great director's classic. How do you remake Mughal-E-Azam or Sangam or Pakeezah?"

Bhansali further explained that Heeramandi was a tribute to Pakeezah out of his love for Kamal Amrohi, but he has no intention of remaking Sangam. He added that his upcoming film Love and War is entirely original and not linked to any previous classics.

Excitement Surrounding Love and War

Discussing his new project, Bhansali expressed his excitement, stating, "It's a film that I'm very, very excited about. It's a very special film, but not set in a historical period. There are no pillars, no costumes, no more horses. It's contemporary, it's different. The music is different, and I'm enjoying working on it." He also mentioned that the film would take some time to complete due to its challenging nature, but he is determined to make it carefully.

The Legacy of Sangam

Sangam (1964) is a romantic drama directed by Raj Kapoor, starring Raj Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, and Vyjayanthimala. The film tells the story of a love triangle involving a pilot, Sundar (Raj Kapoor), who returns from war to marry Radha (Vyjayanthimala), unaware that she was in love with his best friend Gopal (Rajendra Kumar). The classic tale of friendship, love, and sacrifice remains one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema.

Release Date for Love and War

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War is slated for release on March 20, 2026. The film is expected to go on floors in the coming months, and with a star-studded cast and Bhansali's unique storytelling style, it is sure to be one of the most awaited films in the years to come.