Unveiling the Canvas: Everything About Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War and its Nepal Shoot

Love & War is an upcoming period romantic drama directed, written, and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali (SLB) under the banner of Bhansali Productions. Grounded in a military backdrop, the story revolves around a high-stakes, emotion-fueled love triangle where personal devotion, friendship, and loyalty to the nation come into direct conflict.

The film brings together an elite ensemble cast starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. Ranbir Kapoor reunited with SLB nearly two decades after his debut in Saawariya (2007), presenting a rugged, bloodied, and vintage aesthetic. Alia Bhatt teamed up again with Bhansali following her National Award-winning role in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), stepping into a retro-glamour avatar. Vicky Kaushal marked his first collaboration with Bhansali, playing an intense military officer.

To execute the film's vast outdoor sequences, the production moved to Nepal to utilize its natural landscapes. Rather than relying entirely on studio sets or green screens, Bhansali chose three specific districts across Nepal: Gorkha for its rugged, mountainous terrain suitable for military encampments; Chitwan for its dense forests and riverbank visuals; and Sindhupalchok for its sweeping valley basins and hill contours.

Former Miss Nepal Nikita Chandak was also cast in a supporting role, marking a cross-border talent collaboration.Local line production in Nepal was handled in partnership with Global Reels Motion Pictures, with Nepali line producer Phurba Sherpa managing crew deployment, security, and regional permissions across the three shooting districts.Principal photography for Love & War officially wrapped in September 2026 after an extensive production schedule. The film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on January 21, 2027, ahead of the Republic Day weekend, across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

Sources & Updates:Production and cast details: Bollywood Hungama Report Character looks and aesthetic updates: Glamour Nepal FeatureRelease timeline confirmation: The Hollywood Reporter India