Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is reportedly set to kick off the promotional campaign for Love & War with a unique promotional asset instead of a conventional launch. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on January 21 next year during the Republic Day weekend in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
According to sources, Bhansali is personally supervising the creation of the promotional material, which is expected to give audiences their first look into the world of Love & War. Rather than opting for a traditional teaser or poster launch, the makers are reportedly developing an immersive experience to introduce the film.
An industry source said, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali is personally overseeing the creation of a special promotional asset that is expected to offer audiences their first glimpse into the world of Love & War. It is expected to mark the official beginning of the film's promotional campaign."
The source added, "The makers are taking a rather unconventional route with Love & War. Instead of a standard promotional launch, they are developing a special asset that will serve as the audience's first introduction to the film. Conceived as an immersive experience, the asset will be personally shaped by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is working closely with his trusted creative team to bring his vision to life."
Sources said the approach reflects Bhansali's signature filmmaking style, with the material being designed as a cinematic introduction rather than a series of character posters or a standard teaser. The objective is to showcase the scale, atmosphere and emotional depth of Love & War while setting the tone for the film's broader marketing campaign.
Another source said, "The immersive asset is currently in the final stages of development, with SLB closely involved in every creative aspect. If all goes according to plan, audiences can expect to witness the film's first official unveiling soon, giving fans their first taste of the filmmaker's ambitious vision."
Although details about the format remain under wraps, industry insiders said the presentation is intended to be much more than a promotional video. Instead, it aims to deliver an event-like experience that immerses audiences in the film's world.
Release shifted to January 2027
Love & War was originally scheduled for a summer release this year, but the makers recently postponed it to January 2027. While no official reason has been announced, several media reports have attributed the delay to changes in the screenplay and extensive post-production work.
The film also reunites Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt on screen for the first time since Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva (2022). It marks Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first directorial venture since Gangubai Kathiawadi, which was released in 2022 and also featured Alia Bhatt in the lead role.
With its revised release date, Love & War is expected to face box office competition from Rishab Shetty's The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which is also slated to release during the Republic Day weekend next year.
