The wait for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated Love & War has become even more exciting as Bhansali Productions has unveiled the film’s first official look along with its release date. The striking poster features Ranbir Kapoor in an intense, battle-worn avatar, gripping the wheel of a vintage car with visible wounds on his arm. Alongside the first look, the makers confirmed that the epic romantic war drama will arrive in cinemas worldwide on January 21, 2027. The announcement has immediately created a buzz among Bollywood audiences, particularly because the film brings together Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal under the direction of Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Sharing the first look on social media, Bhansali Productions wrote, “Woh rutba, woh raub, woh junoon! Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War on 21st January 2027. See you at the movies!” The poster presents Ranbir in a dramatically different avatar, with the actor appearing bloodied and battle-worn as he leans against a vintage blue car. His expression and wounded appearance immediately hint at the emotional and physical intensity of the film. Rather than revealing too much about the story, the first look keeps the mystery intact while offering a glimpse into the grand world Bhansali has created.
Love & War is described as an expansive romantic war drama revolving around a complicated love triangle. The story reportedly brings together two strong-willed Indian Air Force officers and a woman caught between duty and passion, setting the stage for a tale where personal relationships collide with larger responsibilities. The combination of romance, war and Bhansali’s elaborate visual storytelling makes the project one of the most closely watched Hindi films currently in production. The first poster, with its battle-scarred protagonist and vintage setting, appears to establish the tone for the ambitious period saga.
The film also marks a significant reunion between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ranbir Kapoor nearly two decades after their collaboration on Saawariya. Ranbir made his acting debut with Bhansali’s 2007 film, and Love & War brings the actor and filmmaker together again for a much larger project. Alia Bhatt is also returning to Bhansali’s world after their acclaimed collaboration Gangubai Kathiawadi. Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal joins the filmmaker for the first time, completing a central trio that has generated considerable excitement since the project was announced.
Principal photography for Love & War officially wrapped in early September 2026 after nearly two years of filming, including multiple schedules and recent reshoots. The scale of the production has been closely watched, with the film expected to feature elaborate period settings, dramatic war sequences and Bhansali’s signature attention to music, costumes and production design. The makers have also confirmed that the film will release worldwide in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, expanding its theatrical reach beyond the Hindi-speaking market.
Adding another major theatrical attraction, Love & War is also confirmed for an IMAX release. The format is expected to complement the film’s large-scale visuals and war sequences, while giving audiences an immersive theatrical experience. With filming now complete and the release date locked, the makers can begin moving into the next phase of the promotional campaign. The first look is likely to be only the beginning, with audiences expected to see more posters, character looks, music and eventually the trailer in the months ahead.
For now, Ranbir Kapoor’s striking first look has given fans their first major glimpse into the world of Love & War. The combination of Ranbir, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, along with Bhansali’s direction, has made the film one of the most anticipated releases of 2027. After nearly two years of filming, the countdown has officially begun, with Love & War scheduled to hit cinemas worldwide on January 21, 2027. The film promises a mix of love, conflict, duty and war, all presented on the expansive canvas of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s cinema.