“It’s a Difficult One”: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Opens Up About His Upcoming Film Love & War

Acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his amazing, period dramatizations, is set to investigate the unused cinematic domain with his up-and-coming film Adore & War. In a later discussion with Anupama Chopra at the inaugural THR Talks, Bhansali uncovered why this modern venture is profoundly personal—and more challenging than anything he’s done before.

Not a Remake of Sangam
Rumors have been circulating that Love & War, which stars Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, might be a reimagining of Raj Kapoor’s 1964 classic Sangam. Bhansali tended to the theory head-on with an authoritative “Not at all.”

Although he holds Sangam in tall respect and once looked to channel its aesthetics in Murmur Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Bhansali emphasized that changing amazing works is not his way. “You never change an incredible director’s classic,” he said. “How do you change Mughal-E-Azam or Pakeezah?”

He included that Heeramandi (2024), his Netflix arrangement, was more of a tribute to the magnificence and vision of Pakeezah’s executive Kamal Amrohi than an endeavor to imitate his work.

A Shift in Style
Unlike his past movies wealthy in verifiable settings, expound ensembles, and resplendent sets, Cherish & War marks a critical complex takeoff. “No columns, no outfits, no horses—it's different,” Bhansali famous, depicting it as a modern story with passionate complexity.

Initially planned for a December 2025 discharge, the film has presently been pushed to Walk 2026, a delay Bhansali traits to the weight of obligation he feels for this venture. “It’s an exceptionally imperative film in my life,” he shared. “It’s a troublesome one for me, so I’ll take a little time to make it properly.”

Reuniting with Ancient and Unused Collaborators
Bhansali is particularly energized approximately the film’s lead cast. Cherish & War reunites him with Ranbir Kapoor after about two decades. “I’m working with Ranbir after 18 years,” he said with excitement. He moreover talked exceedingly of Alia Bhatt, calling her a “chota-packet-bada-dhamaka” and recognizing that there’s still so much imaginative potential cleared out to investigate in her performances.

Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal joins the Bhansali cinematic universe for the to begin with time. “Besides being superb performing artists, they’re superb people,” Bhansali said of his trio.

An Individual and Inventive Milestone
When inquired by a group of onlookers why Ranbir Kapoor wouldn’t show up on screen once more until 2026, Bhansali answered energetically, “Well, you ought to inquire Ranbir that.” However, he circled back to emphasize the significance of Cherish & War in his imaginative journey.

“There’s a parcel of duty, and I don’t need to take myself or my incredible performing artists for granted,” he said. “We have to do it well.”

With a powerhouse cast, a new story heading, and Bhansali’s signature enthusiastic profundity, Adore & War guarantees to be one of the most expected movies of 2026.