Love and War Budget Balloons to Rs 425 Crore, Setting New Record for Indian Cinema
The highly anticipated Bollywood film 'Love and War', featuring a star-studded cast of Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, has officially entered the ranks of the most expensive productions in Indian cinematic history. According to a recent Variety India report, the film's budget has escalated dramatically from an initial Rs 350 crore to a staggering Rs 425 crore, cementing its status as a monumental financial undertaking.
Perfectionism Drives Costs to Unprecedented Heights
The report attributes this substantial budget overrun primarily to the meticulous and perfectionist approach of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Known for his unwavering dedication to visual grandeur and narrative detail, Bhansali's insistence on achieving his exact vision has led to significant delays and additional filming days. Originally scheduled for a 120-day shoot, production has now stretched to 175 days, with several major sequences and elaborate song shoots still pending completion. This relentless pursuit of excellence, while hallmark of Bhansali's legendary filmmaking, has directly contributed to the film's escalating costs, officially making it the most expensive project he has ever undertaken.
Lead Actors Opt for Profit-Sharing Model
In a notable financial arrangement, the report reveals that the lead actors—Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal—have not taken upfront fees for their roles. Instead, all three have agreed to a backend profit-sharing deal, meaning their compensation will be derived from the film's theatrical revenue. This strategic move aligns their financial interests with the movie's box office performance, potentially mitigating some of the upfront budget pressures while incentivizing a successful release.
Pre-Release Deals Provide Financial Cushion
Despite the soaring budget, Bhansali has proactively secured substantial pre-release revenue streams to offset the financial risk. The report indicates that approximately Rs 200 crore has already been recovered through early rights sales, including:
- Streaming rights sold to Netflix for nearly Rs 130 crore
- Music and satellite rights sold for approximately Rs 80 crore
These deals demonstrate strong market confidence in the film's potential, even as its costs have far exceeded initial projections. In today's volatile cinema landscape, such a high budget represents a significant gamble, but Bhansali's track record of delivering blockbuster hits suggests his bold investments often yield substantial returns.
Release Timeline Adjusted Amid Delays
Amid growing speculation about postponement, Ranbir Kapoor recently addressed the delays during a live session celebrating the first anniversary of his lifestyle brand, ARKS. The actor confirmed that 'Love and War' is indeed delayed, with the team yet to finalize a release date. However, he emphasized that the aim remains to launch the film in 2026. Kapoor also clarified that his other major project, 'Ramayana Part One', scheduled for an October 2026 release, will precede 'Love and War'. Industry reports suggest that this sequencing likely positions 'Love and War' for a late 2026 debut, potentially in December, contingent on the completion of shooting and post-production phases.
The film's production scale and financial dynamics underscore a bold move in Bollywood, blending artistic ambition with high-stakes commercial strategy. As costs continue to rise, all eyes will be on whether Bhansali's vision translates into another cinematic triumph, justifying its record-breaking budget.
