The Love and War budget has now exceeded Rs 425 crore, positioning the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial among the most expensive films ever produced in Indian cinema. Starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, the film has steadily expanded in scope and scale, with production delays contributing to rising costs. Ranbir Kapoor has also confirmed that the film will release later than originally anticipated, with 2026 now the target year.
What began as a high-budget period drama has evolved into one of the industry’s most ambitious cinematic undertakings.
Love and War Budget Rises Beyond Original Plan
The Love and War budget was initially estimated at around Rs 350 crore. However, extended filming schedules have pushed the cost to approximately Rs 425 crore. The production, originally planned for 120 days, has stretched to nearly 175 days, with several large sequences and song shoots still pending completion.
Importantly, the revised budget does not include the fees of Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal Love and war toi. Instead of upfront remuneration, the three actors have opted for backend profit-sharing agreements. Their compensation will be tied to the film’s theatrical performance, reducing immediate production expenses while increasing long-term risk and reward.
The Cost of Cinematic Scale
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is widely known for his meticulous attention to detail and elaborate visual storytelling. That creative process often demands time, and in this case, repeated refinements and large-scale staging have contributed significantly to the expanding Love and War budget.
With the revised estimate, the film has become the most expensive project of Bhansali’s career Love and war toi. Grand sets, extended filming days and visually ambitious sequences have elevated the film’s scale beyond its initial blueprint.
Early Rights Sales Provide Financial Cushion
Despite the mounting Love and War budget, substantial pre-release deals have already offset part of the investment.
Reports indicate that nearly Rs 200 crore has been recovered through early rights sales Love and war toi. This includes streaming rights valued at close to Rs 130 crore and music plus satellite rights estimated at around Rs 80 crore.
While this recovery offers financial relief, the remaining production cost still places significant pressure on the film’s theatrical performance. In the current box office environment, large-scale productions face heightened scrutiny and financial uncertainty.
Ranbir Kapoor Confirms Delay
Amid speculation surrounding a postponement, Ranbir Kapoor has publicly confirmed that the film’s release has been delayed.
During a live session celebrating the first anniversary of his lifestyle brand ARKS, the actor acknowledged that the project will not arrive as originally planned Love and war toi. Although no official release date has been announced, the team is now aiming for a 2026 release.
The confirmation brings clarity to ongoing rumours but also highlights the evolving production timeline.
Ramayana to Release First
Ranbir Kapoor also revealed that his other major film, Ramayana Part One, will reach cinemas before Love and War.
Ramayana Part One is scheduled for release in October 2026 Love and war toi. With that commitment in place, industry expectations suggest that Love and War is likely to arrive towards the end of 2026, potentially in December, depending on the completion of filming and post-production.
The sequencing of these two large-scale releases positions 2026 as a significant year for the actor.
A High-Stakes Moment for Hindi Cinema
The scale of the Love and War budget reflects broader shifts within Hindi cinema. Increasingly, big-ticket productions rely on global streaming partnerships, satellite deals and profit-sharing models to manage financial risk.
However, a budget exceeding Rs 425 crore means that box office performance will ultimately determine the project’s success. While early recoveries reduce immediate pressure, theatrical revenue remains critical.
For Bhansali, known for turning visual extravagance into commercial triumph, the gamble aligns with his filmmaking philosophy. For the industry, it represents a test of how far audiences will support large-scale, event-driven cinema in a changing entertainment landscape.
What Comes Next
Filming remains ongoing, with major sequences still to be completed Love and war toi. Post-production schedules will dictate whether the anticipated late 2026 window can be maintained.
The on-screen pairing of Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal continues to generate strong anticipation. Combined with Bhansali’s grand cinematic vision, expectations remain high despite the delay.
As the Love and War budget continues to draw attention across the industry, the film stands as one of the most ambitious projects currently in development. When it eventually reaches cinemas in 2026, it will carry significant financial expectations along with audience anticipation.
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