Love and War distribution rights spark a massive bidding war between Dharma Zee Studios and Pen Marudhar

BY SACNILK

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming magnum opus, Love and War, has been a major talking point in the industry since it was first announced. Featuring the powerhouse trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, the film is easily one of the most anticipated releases of 2027. As we get closer to the production stages, the commercial interest in the project has come under the spotlight. According to an exclusive report by Variety India, a high-stakes bidding war is currently underway between three major distribution giants: Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Pen Marudhar. The negotiations highlight just how valuable this property is in the current market. Sources suggest that the bidders are currently offering between 175 Crore and 180 Crore for the theatrical distribution rights. However, the makers are reportedly holding out for a much higher figure, demanding upwards of 300 Crore. This gap in valuation is common for a project of this scale, especially given Bhansali's track record for delivering visually stunning and commercially successful epics. Securing a distribution partner this early would significantly reduce the recovery pressure on the production as it heads toward its 2027 release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What makes Love and War a relatively safe bet for distributors is its incredible recovery through non-theatrical avenues. The film has already reportedly recovered over 200 Crore before a single frame has been released to the public. Netflix has secured the post-theatrical streaming rights for a staggering 130 Crore, while music and satellite rights have brought in another 70 to 80 Crore. This financial cushion allows the makers to negotiate from a position of strength. The film is being produced on a grand scale, and the multi-language release in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil ensures a pan-Indian footprint. The casting remains the film's biggest asset, bringing together three of the finest actors of this generation. For Ranbir Kapoor, this marks a long-awaited reunion with Bhansali nearly two decades after his debut in Saawariya. Alia Bhatt, fresh off the global success of Gangubai Kathiawadi, continues her creative partnership with the director. While this is Vicky Kaushal's first time working under Bhansali's direction, his previous collaborations with Ranbir in Sanju and Alia in Raazi have already shown the great chemistry this trio shares on screen. The film is described as an epic romantic war drama, a genre that Bhansali is uniquely equipped to handle. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The road to the theaters has seen its fair share of scheduling shifts. Initially planned for a Christmas 2025 release, the timeline was first moved to March 2026 and has now been officially locked for January 21, 2027. These delays are largely attributed to the meticulous pre-production and the busy individual schedules of the lead stars. However, fans might not have to wait much longer for the first official glimpse. Reports from industry sources suggest that a major asset from the movie is slated to be released on August 15. This Independence Day reveal is expected to set the tone for the marketing campaign and provide a first look at the world Bhansali is creating.

BY SACNILK

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has always had a flair for the grand and the unconventional, and it looks like he is about to change the rules of the game once again with his upcoming project, Love and War. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, the film—which features the powerhouse trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal—will not be starting its promotional journey with a typical teaser or a motion poster. Instead of the usual marketing route, the director is reportedly working on something far more ambitious. Bhansali is personally shaping a special promotional asset designed to be an immersive experience for the audience. This isn't just a standard clip or a still image; it is being crafted to serve as a proper introduction to the emotional depth and scale of the cinematic world he has built for this movie. The idea is to give fans a first glimpse that feels like a journey into the film's atmosphere rather than just a quick preview. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The project is currently in its final stages of development, with the filmmaker collaborating closely with his creative team to ensure the vision is perfect. The plan is to unveil this special asset sometime in August, which will mark the official start of the marketing campaign. By skipping the traditional teaser format, the aim is to create an event-like atmosphere that transports viewers straight into the essence of the story before they even see a full trailer. This strategy fits perfectly with Bhansali's philosophy that storytelling begins the moment a project is announced. He wants to capture the specific mood and scale of Love and War rather than just showing isolated character looks or a standard motion poster. Since this is the first time Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky are sharing the screen under his direction, the anticipation is already at a fever pitch, and this unique launch strategy is likely to amplify that buzz significantly. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Industry insiders are calling this a potential landmark in promotional history. It suggests that the movie is much more than a standard big-budget release; it is an experience that the director wants the audience to feel from the very first glimpse. If everything goes according to plan next month, fans will finally get their first taste of what is expected to be one of the biggest releases in the Hindi film industry in recent years.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 29 - The cast of director Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 1 is not only gearing up for one of the biggest Indian films ever made but is also preparing for an incredibly busy theatrical window. Several of the film's lead actors have two major releases within roughly three months, either before or after Ramayana Part 1, ensuring they remain in the spotlight throughout the festive season and into early 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Rama, will first headline Ramayana Part 1, slated for a grand Diwali 2026 release, before reuniting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love & War, which is scheduled to hit theatres on January 21, 2027. The gap between the two releases is less than three months, giving the actor back-to-back event films in completely different genres. Yash, who essays Ravana in Ramayana, will kick off his theatrical run with the action thriller Toxic on August 26, 2026, which will be his first release in 4 years since the mega blockbuster KGF: Chapter 2. He will then return to the big screen during the Diwali season with Ramayana Part 1, making it two of the year's biggest pan-Indian releases within a short span. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Sunny Deol is also set for a packed release schedule. The actor will first arrive with the period drama Batwara 1947 on August 14, 2026, before portraying Hanuman in Ramayana Part 1 during Diwali. He also has the emotional drama, Gabru, ready for release. Similarly, Sai Pallavi will be seen in Dhanush-fronted OM Chapter 1 on October 16, 2026, followed shortly by her portrayal of Sita in Ramayana Part 1. With blockbuster titles such as Toxic, Batwara 1947, OM, Ramayana Part 1, and Love & War arriving within a compact three-month window, the ensemble cast of Ramayana is poised to dominate the box office conversation. It is rare for so many stars from a single film to have multiple high-profile theatrical releases clustered so closely together, making the final months of 2026 and the beginning of 2027 particularly significant for Indian cinema.

BY SACNILK

Rishab Shetty is currently at a peak in his career, especially after his National Award win for Kantara. If you have been following his upcoming line-up, it is clear that he is moving toward massive, high-budget epics. According to a report by Variety India, his highly anticipated historical project, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has now seen a major change in its production strategy. Originally planned as a single film, the makers have decided to expand the story into a two-part theatrical saga. This expansion is not just about the length of the story but also the sheer scale of the production. Variety India has revealed that the film is being mounted on a massive budget of over ₹500 crore. This puts it among the most expensive historical dramas ever produced in Indian cinema. The vision behind splitting the film into two chapters is to capture the vast legacy and defining moments of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the detail they deserve. The current plan is to release the first chapter in 2028, with the second chapter following closely in 2029. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Director Sandeep Singh is aiming for a high level of authenticity, with a significant portion of the filming expected to take place across Maharashtra. This is where the Maratha kingdom was established, and the team wants to bring those historical sites to life on the big screen. However, fans will have to wait a bit longer for cameras to start rolling. Rishab Shetty is first expected to complete his work on Jai Hanuman, directed by Prashanth Varma, which is slated for a 2027 release. Once his commitments for that film are over, he will fully transition into the role of the legendary Maratha ruler. The scale of this project marks a significant moment for Hindi-language cinema as well, as it is being positioned as one of the most ambitious interpretations of Shivaji Maharaj's life. While the Maratha ruler has been the subject of many films over the years, the ₹500 crore budget and the two-part structure suggest that this version will be on a different level entirely. The first look of Rishab Shetty in this role has already created a lot of conversation online, and the official confirmation of this revised release strategy has only added to the anticipation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the budget and the scale, there has also been a lot of discussion regarding a potential box office clash that has now been averted. Earlier reports suggested that the film might go head-to-head with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated Love and War. However, by moving the release of the first chapter to 2028, the makers have effectively avoided a massive confrontation. This shift is being seen as a calculated strategic move to ensure that both projects have enough breathing room at the box office. By choosing a solo window, the production team aims to maximize screen counts and audience reach, preventing two of Indian cinema’s biggest titles from eating into each other’s revenue. As of now, the technical crew and the rest of the supporting cast are yet to be officially announced. With Jai Hanuman in 2027 and the two parts of the Shivaji saga in 2028 and 2029, Rishab Shetty's schedule for the next few years is officially packed with some of the biggest films in the country.

BY SACNILK

Vicky Kaushal is currently navigating one of the most significant phases of his career, lining up back-to-back large-scale spectacles. Following the immense anticipation surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War, the actor is now gearing up for another ambitious project in the form of Maddock Films' upcoming mythological epic, Mahavatar. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film is set to see Vicky in a role that demands an unprecedented level of commitment and physical transformation. According to an exclusive report by Pinkvilla, the actor has blocked a total of 18 months exclusively for this project, signaling the massive scale and depth of the upcoming production. The timeline for Mahavatar begins immediately after Vicky concludes his work on Bhansali's Love and War. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, is preparing for a crucial 50-day schedule starting in May 2026. Bhansali aims to wrap the film by the end of June 2026, targeting a high-profile theatrical release on January 21, 2027. Once the cameras stop rolling for Love and War, Vicky is slated to dive straight into an intensive six-month preparatory module for Mahavatar starting in June 2026. This preparatory phase is designed to be a comprehensive training program. It includes a rigorous physical transformation aimed at bulking up the actor's physique to match the mythological scale of the character, alongside a series of acting workshops. Amar Kaushik has reportedly designed a detailed module that focuses not only on the physical aspects but also on the psychological and emotional journey of the character. This deep-dive preparation is essential as Vicky is set to portray Chiranjeevi Parashurama, a figure known for immense strength and spiritual depth in Indian history. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The actual filming of Mahavatar is slated to commence in January 2027. The production is looking at an extensive one-year shooting schedule that is expected to wrap up by December 2027. During this entire period, Vicky Kaushal has consciously decided not to take up any other professional assignments. By dedicating his full attention to Mahavatar, the actor aims to maintain consistency in his performance and look, treating the film as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While there is a slight possibility of a small project being squeezed in before January 2027, it remains contingent on his prep timeline and physical state. The buzz around Mahavatar has been exceptionally high since the release of its first-look poster, which showcased a fierce and unrecognizable Vicky Kaushal as Parashurama. Coming from the stable of Maddock Films, which has recently found immense success with its supernatural and horror-comedy universe through films like Stree and Munjya, this foray into the mythological space represents a bold new direction for the studio and director Amar Kaushik. With Vicky’s total immersion into the role and the backing of a proven director-producer duo, Mahavatar is being positioned as one of the most significant cinematic events of 2027.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 17 - Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor is currently going through what industry experts call the "Golden Phase" of his career. Following the historic box office success of Animal (2023), the actor has strategically chosen a lineup that balances grandeur with gritty action and high-concept drama. While it may have been over 2 years since Ranbir has had a release after Animal, the next few years will probably see at least one film of the actor hitting the big screens. Here is a deep dive into Ranbir Kapoor's films that will define Indian cinema over the next three years. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 1. Ramayana Parts 1 & 2 Director Nitesh Tiwari is currently helming what is arguably the most ambitious project in Indian cinematic history. Ranbir Kapoor steps into the role of Lord Ram, a performance that reportedly required months of physical transformation and vocal training, which is reflected in the first look teaser, though it doesn't have any dialogue. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The scale of this production is unprecedented, and the makers gave a glimpse of that by launching the first look teaser recently, after earlier showing the vision. The ensemble cast is equally legendary, featuring Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Part 1 is scheduled for a grand Diwali 2026 release, with Part 2 following exactly a year later. 2. Love & War (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In a massive casting coup, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has reunited Ranbir Kapoor with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal for a period romantic war drama, Love & War. This marks Ranbir's first collaboration with Bhansali since his debut in Saawariya (2007). Unlike Bhansali’s recent period pieces, this film is described as a "contemporary war-backed romance." With a release date locked for January 21, 2027, after being postponed multiple times, the film is expected to dominate the Republic Day holiday window with its blend of intense emotion and visual splendour. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 3. Animal Park Sandeep Reddy Vanga's action thriller Animal was a polarising juggernaut, and its sequel, Animal Park, is already one of the most searched upcoming titles. Ranbir will expand his role, playing both the protagonist Ranvijay and the menacing antagonist Aziz. The script is currently being finalised, with filming expected to commence once Vanga completes his project Spirit with superstar Prabhas. Fans should expect an even darker, more visceral exploration of the family's violent legacy sometime in late 2028. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 4. Dhoom 4 Perhaps the most surprising addition to his roster is the reboot of the Dhoom franchise. While there is no official confirmation yet, Ranbir is set to take over the mantle of the sophisticated "anti-hero" in Dhoom 4. The film aims to modernise the heist-action genre for a global audience. The shooting timeline is yet unknown, but if all goes well, the film may hit the big screens in 2028. 5. Brahmāstra: Part Two – Dev (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Amid the uncertainty over its future, Ramayana producer Nitesh Tiwari recently confirmed that he will take care of Brahmastra 2 after Ramayana. The first film was produced by Dharma Productions and Star Studios. Except for the fact that the movie is on, there is no concrete development in it yet. Director Ayan Mukerji is currently busy with scripting, and if things go as planned, the movie might go on floors next year for a 2028 or 2029 release.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, February 25 - Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period romantic action drama Love and War has been making waves for its sheer scale and ambitious vision. Featuring a powerhouse trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, the film is being positioned as one of the most anticipated Bollywood projects, with expectations riding high among trade and audiences alike. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to Variety India, Bhansali's ambition for the film is costing many extra crores in the production as the budget of Love and War has now reportedly shot up to a staggering 425 crore, significantly higher than its originally planned 350 crore. The spike in cost is said to be a direct result of the director's uncompromising quest for perfection, which is pushing the cost much higher than anticipated. Report further reveals that the 425 crore figure does not include the remuneration of the leading cast. Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal have all reportedly opted for backend profit-sharing deals, a strategy that reduces immediate production pressure while aligning the actors' earnings with the film's eventual box office performance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Love and War has also seen a major extension in production timeline. The film was initially expected to be wrapped within 120 shooting days, but the schedule has now been stretched by nearly 50 more days. As things stand, the shoot is expected to conclude in approximately 175 days, reflecting the film's massive scale and Bhansali's meticulous filmmaking process. With soaring costs, an extended shoot, and one of the strongest star line-ups in recent years, Love and War is shaping up to be a true high-risk, high-reward cinematic spectacle. The makers have already recovered 200 crores from the non-theatrical revenues and are confident of making big at the box office when the film hits the big screens. It will be released in 2027. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, February 14 - Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has officially confirmed that his much-anticipated collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Love and War, has been postponed. Speaking in a live stream on Instagram, Ranbir clarified that the film will now release after his epic Ramayana, putting to rest speculation around delays and scheduling conflicts. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film, which also stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, was initially expected to arrive in March this year before it was pushed to August. But it will now take more time due to its scale and demanding production requirements, pushing it to the next year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ranbir further revealed that Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, will be his next release. Also starring Yash and Sai Pallavi, the epic will be hitting the big screens on Diwali this year. Alongside this clarification, Ranbir delivered a major update on Brahmastra: Part Two, a project fans have been eagerly waiting for since the first film's release. The actor confirmed that Brahmastra 2 is very much happening and hinted that work on the sequel will begin sooner than expected. The pre-production work on this Ayan Mukerji directorial, which also features Alia Bhatt and Amitabh Bachchan, is happening, and it will start soon. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, January 19 — Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-awaited magnum opus Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, has reportedly been pushed to 2027, dealing a fresh blow to fans eagerly waiting for the film's theatrical release. Initially announced with a Christmas 2025 release window, Love and War has seen multiple shifts in its timeline. The film was later expected to arrive in March 2026, with industry buzz even pointing towards a possible release in August or late 2026. However, the latest reports suggest that the ambitious project will now miss 2026 entirely. According to Pinkvilla, Love and War has faced extended shooting schedules and elaborate production requirements, which have significantly pushed back timelines. Known for his grand visuals, detailed set designs, and emotionally layered storytelling, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is reportedly taking extra time to perfect key sequences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Reportedly, the film's shoot will be wrapped by June this year, following which an extensive post-production phase, including editing, background score, and visual enhancements, will take several more months. Given the scale of the film, the makers are in no hurry to rush the release. With post-production expected to stretch into late 2026, Love and War is now being eyed for a theatrical release in early 2027. While no official date has been locked yet, reports suggest that the makers may opt for a holiday window such as Republic Day or Valentine's Day to maximise box-office potential. Love and War marks Sanjay Leela Bhansali's reunion with Ranbir Kapoor after Saawariya, while also bringing together Ranbir, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in a powerful, dramatic setting for the first time. The film is said to revolve around intense emotions, romance, and conflict, staying true to Bhansali's signature cinematic style. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, January 2 - The mega success of Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar may have a lot more to say than just its box office numbers, as the latest report suggests a massive change in the industry regarding two of the most-awaited films, which are reportedly going Dhurandhar way. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar has proved to be a game-changer with over 1100 crores worldwide (so far), and its second part, which is scheduled to release on March 19, 2026, is easily one of the most hyped films in Indian cinema. Following this monstrous success, the buzz is that Shah Rukh Khan's King, along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War, might also go the same way. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to the report by Bollywood Hungama, there are very high-level discussions in Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's camp around the release of King and Love and War. It is said that both films are big-budget spectacles and have gone beyond what was on paper when it comes to the cost of production. The report suggests that both SRK and Bhansali are individually contemplating splitting their epics into two parts and releasing them in a gap of less than 6 months. While Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal-fronted film could arrive in August 2026 and January 2027, King is reportedly contemplating September 2026 and March 2027. While the idea is in preliminary discussions, it will only happen if both films have enough footage to be able to release in two parts, just like Dhurandhar. The final decision regarding this will be taken on the editing table, once the shoot is done. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, November 26 - Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has one of the best line-ups of films with multiple potential blockbusters. The Animal star will be seen headlining some of the most-awaited Indian films, including Love & War, Ramayana, and Animal Park. While the release dates of Ramayana Part 1 and Part 2 are locked for Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027, the uncertainty over director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War is looming large, as the latest reports hint at a major twist despite it being already locked for an August 2026 release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Love & War, which also stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, has been in production since last year, and some portion of the shoot is still pending. It was recently postponed to August 2026 from March 19, but according to the latest report by Bollywood Hungama, Ranbir is pushing SLB to prepone the release by a couple of months. Indian Cinema Prepares For Its Most Ambitious Line-up Yet With Ramayana, Varanasi, King, and More Since Ramayana Part 1 is already scheduled for Diwali 2026 release, Ranbir has reportedly requested SLB to move his period romantic drama up in June 2026, to maintain a reasonable gap between the two films. "He wants to ensure that there's at least 4 months' gap between Love And War and Ramayana. Since the date of Ramayana can't move, RK has requested Sanjay Leela Bhansali to bring Love And War on the big screen, latest by June 2026", says the report. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It is said that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is still adamant to launch Love & War in August on Independence Day, since it's a lucrative window for box office dominance, but RK feels that there's too little of a gap between Love & War and Ramayana. Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra is also reportedly putting pressure on SLB to release his movie in June, as he doesn't want the aftermath of Love And War to impact Ramayana in any way. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is expected to take a call on the release date soon and make an official announcement. It will be Ranbir's first release since Animal (2023), which went to become his highest-grossing film with over 900 crores at the worldwide box office. Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar Theatrical Runtime Revealed: One of The Longest Bollywood Films Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, October 31 - Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly-awaited period romantic action drama film Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, has officially been postponed from Eid 2026 release, averting a clash with Yash-fronted Toxic, which is slated to hit the big screens on March 20. According to the report by Variety, Love and War will be released on the big screen on one of India's most coveted national public holiday frames, Independence Day 2026. It will debut on August 14, possibly setting up with a big box office clash with the Pan India biggie Fauzi, starring Prabhas. Though not yet official, Fauzi, directed by Sita Ramam fame Hanu Raghavapudi, is eyeing the same holiday frame for worldwide release. If true, it will be one of the biggest box office clashes as Fauzi will release in multiple languages, including Hindi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fauzi (@fauzithemovie) Independence Day has historically been one of the most lucrative holiday slots for Hindi cinema, which has yielded massive results at the box office. Shraddha Kapoor's Stree 2 and Sunny Deol's Gadar 2 were released during this period in 2024 and 2023, respectively, and turned into massive box office juggernauts. Love and War marks the first film for the lead trio together, and first for Vicky Kaushal with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Most of the shooting of the film has been completed, but a major chunk of the filming is left, which is one of the main reasons it has been postponed. Touted as an epic saga of passion, pride, and conflict, Love & War marks Sanjay Leel Bhansali's first-ever Indian Independence Day release. It promises the filmmaker's signature blend of scale and emotion, combining opulent visuals with deeply felt storytelling. Stay tuned...