On his much-awaited film, Love & War, Sanjay Leela Bhansali decided to recreate Italy of the 1970s in a Mumbai studio and not in the endless land of Italy-a film that features Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. Bhansali had initially planned a 45-day international schedule in Italy. Sanjay Leela Bhansali Cancels International Shoot For Love & War; Here’s why.
However, his overseas program was canceled due to logistical challenges and time constraints. Instead, he metamorphosed a studio near Royal Palms in Goregaon into an opulent Italian club, capturing the essence of Italy in the 1970s. This was to allow Bhansali to keep control of the film’s grandeur without international complications. The Mumbai leg was completed in a focused 10-day schedule just before Diwali.
Transposing Italy in Mumbai
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s commitment to authenticity is manifested in the intricately designed set. Which closely mirrors the elegance and charm of Italy in the 1970s. According to a source closely associated with the production, the call to shoot inside was primarily a creative control measure plus the chance to maintain the film’s opulence. Without worrying about the twists and turns of international logistics. However, the Mughal-e-Azam shoot was wrapped up in a tight 10-day window before Diwali.
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Final Schedule and Release Plans
The Love & War team is currently taking a short break and will start shooting the last 20-day schedule by the end of October. This last batch of shoot includes shooting the climax of the film. Bhansali intends to complete shooting by mid-December to keep the film on track for its planned release in March 2026. Reportedly, the director has instituted a fortified security system against leaks and has kept the final shooting site details hooked onto the team close to shooting dates.