Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have finally offered audiences a glimpse into the world of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited period drama Love & War.
The makers unveiled Ranbir’s first look on 24 September, followed by Alia’s first look a day later. Vicky Kaushal, who also stars in the film, shared Ranbir’s poster on social media. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 21 January 2027.
Ranbir appears in a strikingly understated avatar. He is seen driving a vintage car in a white T-shirt and glasses, with a short buzz cut. His bruised and bloodied arm, however, adds an intense edge to the image. The official Bhansali Productions account captioned the poster, “Woh rutba, woh raub, woh junoon!”
Vicky shared the poster from his personal account, writing, “Here we go! RK… Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War on 21st January 2027. See you at the movies! #LoveAndWar.”
Alia’s first look arrived on 25 September. She appears in a dramatic magenta-red outfit with an elaborate headpiece, evoking the style of a cabaret performer. The ensemble includes a crop top and a thigh-high slit skirt, suggesting a dance sequence while revealing little about her character.
The poster uses deep red and gold tones, dramatic lighting and a smoky setting to create the grand visual style associated with Bhansali’s films. The production house captioned the image, “Aag bhi, dilon ki jaan bhi! ❤️🔥 Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War on 21st January 2027 ❤️ See you at the movies! 🎬.”
Love & War brings Ranbir, Alia and Vicky together as leads for the first time in a Bhansali film. It also marks Ranbir’s reunion with the filmmaker nearly two decades after Saawariya (2007). Bhansali previously worked with Alia on Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022).
Ranbir and Vicky have previously shared the screen in Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju (2018). Alia and Vicky worked together in Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi (2018).
The makers have kept the story largely under wraps. Reports describe the film as a period romantic war drama. Previous reports have suggested that Ranbir and Vicky play Indian Air Force officers whose lives become connected to Alia’s character, with a love triangle unfolding against the backdrop of war.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ila Bedi Dutta have written the film. Supriya Pathak also stars in a key role.
The production has gone through multiple schedules since filming began in November 2024. The main shoot wrapped in September 2026. According to Mid-day, Bhansali also returned to the sets for additional battle sequences involving Ranbir, Alia and Vicky.
Earlier this year, an industry source told Hindustan Times that the makers had taken strict measures to prevent details from the film leaking before its release. The source said the production had asked a large section of the crew, along with the principal cast, to sign non-disclosure agreements. More than 500 NDAs had reportedly been signed or were in process at the time.
The film’s release date changed twice before settling on 21 January 2027. Love & War will arrive worldwide in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
