Love & War Update: SLB Locks Massive 20-Day May Shoot For Ranbir-Alia-Vicky

Mumbai — Sanjay Leela Bhansali is officially turning up the heat this summer as Love & War prepares for a massive 15 to 20-day song schedule starting in May.

The master of opulence has reportedly locked the dates for his power-packed trio—Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal—to create what insiders are already calling a musical masterpiece.

This isn’t just another shoot; it’s a full-blown cinematic event. While most films wrap entire sequences in a week, Bhansali is dedicating nearly three weeks to a single song schedule. The industry is buzzing. Fans are losing it. Stan Twitter is already theorising about the scale of the sets.

After the movie’s theatrical release was pushed to January 2027, this May schedule is the first major move to prove that the project is back on the fast track. It’s a strategic PR move that screams confidence, especially after multiple delays had the fandom worried.

But let’s get real for a second. Is a 20-day schedule for a musical sequence a bit much in 2026? Most big-budget directors would finish an entire action climax in that time.

One has to wonder if Bhansali is overcompensating for the long wait until 2027 by doubling down on visual grandeur.

Can even the combined star power of Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky justify such a massive, time-consuming set-piece?

Or is this just Bhansali being Bhansali, refusing to settle for anything less than perfection?

SLB Opulence Incoming: Why This 20-Day May Schedule Is A Game Changer

As per reports from multiple industry insiders, the production team is currently erecting a set that defines “larger than life.” Bhansali is known for his precision. He doesn’t just direct; he paints with light and shadow. This 20-day window isn’t just about dance moves; it’s about a chart-topper that needs to carry the emotional weight of the entire narrative.

The news of this schedule has sent ripples through the trade, as it signals that the film’s pre-production delays are officially a thing of the past.

The Ranbir-Alia-Vicky Chemistry Test

This song marks the first time we will see the “it-couple” Ranbir and Alia sharing the screen with the powerhouse performer Vicky Kaushal under Bhansali’s lens.

The chemistry between these three is the movie’s biggest selling point. We haven’t seen a trio this high-profile in a musical setting since the days of Dil To Pagal Hai or Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

The schedule is expected to be gruelling.

Reports suggest the actors have already begun rehearsals to ensure their timing is flawless. In an era where “fast-food cinema” is the norm, seeing actors commit nearly a month to a single musical sequence is a rare sight. It’s a soft launch for the musical vibe of the film, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

New Casting Details And The Rishi Kapoor Connection

The buzz doesn’t stop at the lead trio. We recently got a peek behind the curtain thanks to actor Ashwin Kaushal, who has bagged a pivotal role in the film. He’s playing Ranbir Kapoor’s father, and the revelation has tugged at the heartstrings of many fans.

Ashwin shared that the late Rishi Kapoor was always his ideal, making this role a deeply emotional and full-circle moment for him.

Ashwin also couldn’t stop praising Ranbir’s behaviour on set. He described the Animal star as incredibly sanskari, dispelling any myths about the star’s ego. This kind of positive energy on set is exactly what a high-pressure SLB production needs.

If the vibe behind the scenes is this respectful, the onscreen results are bound to be electric.

January 2027: The Long Road To The Big Screen

Despite the excitement, the January 2027 release date still feels like a lifetime away. Love & War has faced its share of hurdles, but Bhansali seems undeterred. This May schedule is the first step in a long, meticulous journey toward that 2027 deadline.

The director is reportedly taking no chances with the music. Given that he often composes his own tracks now, this 20-day shoot is likely for a song that will define the film’s identity.

For the audience, the wait is long, but if history is any indication, Bhansali’s “war” will be well worth the “love” we give it. We are looking at a project that aims to be a definitive pop-culture moment for the decade.

About the Author

Priti Mishra, Journalist

I’m Priti Mishra — a writer. Since 2021, experience in TV, OTT and celebrity news. Currently working at BoxOfficeWala, where I cover entertainment and industry updates. . [X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, Facebook]