Amid swirling rumours and repeated postponements, actor Vicky Kaushal has finally addressed the status of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, Love and War. While confirming the project has faced delays, Kaushal expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity and assured fans the film is now eyeing a release in 2026.
Navigating the Delayed Timeline of a Mega Project
The journey of Love and War has been one of high anticipation and shifting schedules. Announced by Bhansali in January 2024, the film created an instant sensation by bringing together a powerhouse trio: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. Initially slated for a grand Christmas 2025 release, the project was later pushed to Eid 2026. However, ongoing production delays have now cast doubt on even that revised date, leaving industry watchers questioning if a 2026 release is feasible.
In a recent conversation with Just Too Filmy, Vicky Kaushal directly addressed these delays. He shifted the focus from the timeline to the unparalleled experience of working with Bhansali. "It’s on the bucket list of every actor to be a part of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film," Kaushal stated. He lavished praise on the filmmaker, calling him a "unique voice from India" and a "master of the craft."
"Having a Great Time Filming": Kaushal's On-Set Experience
Despite the external chatter about delays, Kaushal's account from the sets is overwhelmingly positive. "We are filming right now. We are having a great time filming it, and we’ll see you next year," he revealed. The actor emphasized his feeling of being blessed to collaborate with Bhansali and his esteemed co-stars so relatively early in his career.
"I genuinely feel blessed that in just ten years of my career, I’m getting to be a part of his film with two fantastic actors that we all adore, Ranbir and Alia," Kaushal added, highlighting the significance of this project in his filmography.
Beyond Love and War: Fatherhood and Box Office Success
The interview also touched upon Kaushal's life beyond the arc lights. The actor, who recently welcomed a baby boy, spoke with visible emotion about his new role as a father. At an NDTV event where he was honoured for his acting, he humorously remarked that he is now "better at changing diapers than acting."
Reflecting on the early days of parenthood, he said, "It is too new to feel any challenges. It’s all magical right now. It’s all very blissful... It’s just a very special feeling." He dedicated his recent acting honour to his family and his newborn son.
Professionally, 2025 has been a remarkable year for Vicky Kaushal. His film Chhaava was a major box office hit, securing its place as the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. This success adds to the momentum as he films what is poised to be one of Bollywood's most awaited films, Love and War.
While fans must wait longer than initially expected, Vicky Kaushal's words assure them that the wait will be for a project crafted with Bhansali's signature grandeur and performed by one of Hindi cinema's most exciting casts.
