Love & War's Italy Schedule: Not Cancelled, Just Reimagined for an Epic Climax!

Good news, movie buffs! Reports about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War having its entire Italy shoot cancelled were a bit off. The visionary director has actually reshaped the filming strategy, bringing 1970s Italy to Mumbai for some crucial scenes, with the grand finale still set for the European country.

TL;DR

• Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal is on track.
• The international Italy schedule wasn't cancelled, but strategically split: parts were shot in Mumbai, and the climax is still planned for Italy.
• The film is aiming for a grand Eid 2026 release, likely in March.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Epic Vision for Love & War Takes a Strategic Turn

Alright, Bollywood fans, let's clear the air on Love & War! There's been a lot of chatter floating around, suggesting that the much-anticipated international schedule for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus was entirely scrapped. But guess what? That's not quite the full picture! Insiders are clarifying that while the initial plans did get a creative overhaul, the vision for an international backdrop remains very much alive.

SLB, the genius behind visually stunning films like Devdas and Padmaavat, is known for his commitment to grandeur and intricate details. So, when it comes to Love & War, which brings together the powerhouse trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal for the very first time, expectations are sky-high. And Bhansali is making sure those expectations are met, even if it means a little logistical wizardry!

Mumbai Transforms into a Lavish 1970s Italian Dreamscape for Filming

So, what exactly went down with the Italy plan? Initially, Bhansali had mapped out an ambitious 45-day shooting schedule in Italy. However, as often happens with large-scale international productions, logistical complexities and the demanding schedules of his A-list cast began to pose significant challenges. Instead of giving up on the opulent 1970s Italian aesthetic, Bhansali decided to bring Italy to India!

The production team, under Bhansali's meticulous eye, recreated a sprawling 1970s Italian setting right in Mumbai. Specifically, near Royal Palms in Goregaon, stunning sets, including a lavish Italian club, were erected. This ingenious move allowed a crucial 10-day segment of filming to be completed before Diwali, ensuring Bhansali could maintain creative control and manage the intricate details without the overheads of international travel.

This two-pronged strategy is pure Bhansali brilliance. Shooting significant portions locally in Mumbai dramatically minimized schedule clashes and logistical headaches that come with flying a massive cast and crew overseas. It shows how adaptable and resourceful a director of his caliber can be, ensuring that practical constraints don't compromise his artistic vision for opulence and authenticity.

"Sanjay Leela Bhansali recreated 1970s Italy right here in Mumbai for Love & War. Around ten days of shoot were completed before Diwali, and the final 20-day schedule, featuring the film’s grand climax, is expected to take place by December 2025 in Italy. The team is eyeing an Eid 2026 release."

– An industry source, quoted by Bollywood Hungama

The Grand Climax: Heading to Actual Italy by December 2025

Hold onto your hats, because the truly grand finale of Love & War is indeed heading to its authentic locale! While Mumbai provided the perfect stage for the initial Italian sequences, the final, crucial 20-day schedule, featuring the film's climax, is set to be shot in Italy by December 2025. This ensures that the film gets the unparalleled visual splendor and cinematic scope that only an on-location shoot can provide, which Bhansali's films are absolutely renowned for.

This hybrid approach demonstrates Bhansali’s unwavering commitment to delivering an authentic and magnificent experience. He's not one to compromise on the atmosphere and scale his stories demand. By anchoring early filming in Mumbai and then moving to Italy for the climax, he's found a smart middle path that aligns actor calendars while preserving the intended international grandeur.

Star Power and the Intricate Love Triangle Driving the Narrative

Love & War is generating immense buzz, and a big part of that is its phenomenal cast. We're talking about Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal sharing the screen for the first time – a casting coup that promises electric performances. The film is reportedly a high-stakes drama centered around a love triangle. Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal are set to play two army officers, with Alia Bhatt's character caught in the middle of their internal and external conflicts.

It's interesting to note that this isn't Ranbir Kapoor's first collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Ranbir actually made his acting debut in Bhansali’s 2007 film, Saawariya. Fast forward to today, and seeing him reunite with SLB, alongside his wife Alia Bhatt and the incredibly talented Vicky Kaushal, makes Love & War one of the most anticipated releases in recent memory.

The complex schedules of such in-demand actors played a significant role in the production's strategic reshaping. The ability to complete key sequences in Mumbai allowed flexibility, ensuring that all three stars could dedicate the necessary time to Bhansali's demanding yet rewarding filmmaking process.

Tight Security After Leaks and the Highly Anticipated Eid 2026 Release

With a film of this magnitude, security around the sets has naturally been extremely tight. Especially after some pictures of Alia Bhatt from the set reportedly leaked online, Bhansali reportedly put even stricter measures in place. The director is keen to keep the actors' looks and crucial plot details under wraps until the official reveal, enhancing the mystery and excitement surrounding the film.

The good news for eager fans is that the production is moving swiftly towards completion. With the Mumbai schedule wrapped and the Italy climax planned for December 2025, Bhansali aims to finish filming by mid-December. This timeline is perfectly set for the film's targeted Eid 2026 release, which, depending on the lunar calendar, usually falls around March. What better way to celebrate Eid than with a grand cinematic spectacle from Sanjay Leela Bhansali?

Why This Production Strategy Is a Game-Changer for SLB's Grandeur

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is celebrated for crafting immersive cinematic universes, whether it's the regal courts of Padmaavat, the vibrant streets of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, or the rustic charm of Gujarat in Ram Leela. His ability to meticulously recreate worlds is unparalleled. For Love & War, this blend of Mumbai-based, Italian-inspired sets and actual international filming speaks volumes about his dedication.

It's not just about overcoming logistical hurdles; it's about optimizing creative output. By having direct control over the recreated 1970s Italian club sets in Mumbai, Bhansali could fine-tune every aesthetic detail, from costumes and lighting to ambiance, without the complexities of foreign production. Then, transitioning to Italy for the climax ensures that the "scale, authenticity, and grandeur" that only a real-world location can offer are fully leveraged for the film's most impactful moments.

This innovative two-pronged strategy allows Bhansali to maintain his signature opulence while ensuring a smoother, more controlled production process. It promises a visual treat that combines the best of both worlds, setting the stage for yet another unforgettable cinematic experience when Love & War finally hits the big screen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Love & War When is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War expected to be released? Love & War is targeting an Eid 2026 release, which is likely to be around March 2026, coinciding with festivals like Ugadi and Gudi Padwa. Who are the main actors in Love & War? The film features a stellar cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. Was the Italy shooting schedule for Love & War completely cancelled? No, the Italy schedule was not completely cancelled. While initial reports suggested a full cancellation due to logistical challenges, the production was reshaped. Key portions of 1970s Italy were recreated and filmed in Mumbai, and the grand climax is still scheduled to be shot in Italy by December 2025. Has Ranbir Kapoor worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali before this film? Yes, Ranbir Kapoor made his acting debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2007 film, Saawariya. Sources

• Bollywood Hungama
• Mid-Day
• M9 News
• OTTplay