Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the celebrated director known for his visually stunning and emotionally rich films, is currently immersed in the production of his upcoming multi-starrer, "Love & War". Featuring a stellar cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, the film has already generated considerable buzz among fans. In a recent turn of events, Bhansali has opted to recreate a slice of Italy in a Mumbai studio, foregoing the initially planned international shooting schedule.
Originally, the "Love & War" production team had scheduled a 45-day shoot in Italy. However, logistical complexities and the director's desire to maintain complete control over the film's opulent setting led to a change of plans. According to sources, Bhansali decided to recreate 1970s Italy on a lavish set erected near Royal Palms in Goregaon, Mumbai. This isn't the first time Bhansali has meticulously recreated a specific environment; he has previously brought Lahore's Heera Mandi to life for "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar" (2024) and Gujarat for "Ram Leela" (2013).
A source close to the production revealed that the Italy schedule was proving to be logistically challenging and time-consuming. Bhansali, known for his meticulous attention to detail, wanted to ensure that the film's opulence was maintained while keeping a firm grip on the setting. Recreating Italy in Mumbai offered him greater control over the environment and allowed for a more efficient production process.
In early October 2025, Bhansali commenced the latest schedule of "Love & War", a love triangle set against the backdrop of the 1970s. A stunning set of an Italian club was constructed for scenes originally intended to be filmed in Italy. The filmmaker recently completed a 10-day shooting stint with the lead actors on this elaborate set.
The unit is currently on a short break, but the filmmaker and his actors are expected to return to the world of "Love & War" by the end of October for the final 20-day schedule. This final leg of shooting is crucial, as it includes filming portions of the film's climax. Following a leak of Alia Bhatt's pictures from the set a few days prior, Bhansali has enforced stricter protocols, with the production team now sharing venue details with the unit only closer to the shoot to prevent any further leaks. Bhansali aims to wrap up filming by mid-December, with "Love & War" slated for a March 2026 release.
