Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ is reportedly becoming a major point of interest in the film trade well ahead of its theatrical arrival. The period romantic war drama, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, has apparently attracted multiple companies keen to secure its theatrical distribution rights.According to Variety India, reports suggest that negotiations are taking place around Rs 300 crore, the film’s business prospects have started making headlines even though its release is still months away.
Major companies reportedly compete for distribution rights
According to Variety India, Dharma Productions, Zee Studios and Pen Marudhar are among the companies believed to be competing for the theatrical rights of ‘Love & War’. The reported discussions are centred around a deal worth approximately Rs 300 crore.The scale of interest can be attributed to several factors, including Bhansali’s reputation, the film’s ambitious setting and its unusual casting combination. Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal will share the screen for the first time, with Bhansali directing the project as an epic romantic drama set against the backdrop of war.If the reported theatrical deal goes through, it could significantly ease the financial recovery burden for the production before the film reaches cinemas.
Non-theatrical business has reportedly crossed Rs 200 crore
The film has reportedly already secured substantial revenue through its non-theatrical rights. Netflix is said to have acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights for around Rs 130 crore.The music and satellite rights are also reportedly expected to have contributed another Rs 70 crore to Rs 80 crore. Together, these deals are said to have taken the film’s non-theatrical recovery beyond the Rs 200 crore mark.A theatrical distribution agreement close to Rs 300 crore would therefore further strengthen the film’s pre-release business and potentially reduce the pressure on the makers to recover the production cost solely through the box office.
Final shooting schedule reportedly underway
The production has now entered its final stretch. According to reports, the last schedule of ‘Love & War’ began on August 3 at Royal Palms in Goregaon, with Bhansali reportedly aiming to wrap the shoot by August 31.The deadline is significant because all three principal actors have other major commitments lined up. The final portion of the production is expected to include two elaborate war sequences and dance numbers.The war sequences are reportedly being mounted on a large scale, involving around 50 stunt performers and approximately 300 to 350 junior artistes. The production team has also reportedly set aside 10 days for rehearsals to ensure the combat choreography and large crowd movements are coordinated effectively.
Ranbir Kapoor prepares for next major project
Once his work on Bhansali’s film is completed, Ranbir is expected to turn his attention towards the promotional campaign for ‘Ramayana’. The actor has been balancing multiple large-scale projects, making the completion of ‘Love & War’ particularly important for his schedule.The film itself has undergone multiple changes to its release timeline. It was originally announced for Christmas 2025 before being moved to March 20, 2026. The release was subsequently postponed once again.‘Love & War’ is now scheduled to reach theatres on January 21, 2027. With the final shooting schedule nearing completion and major companies reportedly competing for its distribution rights, the film is already shaping up as one of the most closely watched Bollywood releases ahead of its arrival.
