Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated film Love And War, featuring a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, has been delayed to avoid a potential box office clash with Yash's Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups.

Initially slated for a Christmas 2025 release, Love and War was then moved to March 20, 2026, coinciding with Eid. However, recent reports indicate that the film is running behind schedule, with approximately 75 days of shooting still remaining. Bhansali has reportedly requested the lead actors to allocate bulk dates until the summer of 2026 to complete the film.

According to Bollywood Hungama, the film is approximately 40 days behind schedule, with the earliest possible release date now being June 2026. Another report by Variety suggests the film has been further postponed to August 14, 2026, coinciding with Independence Day. This move aims to capitalize on the extended holiday weekend.

Sources suggest the postponement is a strategic decision to avoid a direct box office confrontation with Yash's Toxic, which is slated to release on March 19, 2026. Toxic is directed by Geetu Mohandas and features a stellar ensemble cast, including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, and Tara Sutaria. The film has been shot in both English and Kannada and will be dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, ensuring a broad pan-Indian and international release.

Despite the delay of Love and War, Toxic is still expected to face competition from Ajay Devgn's Dhamaal 4 and Adivi Sesh's Dacoit. Furthermore, Love and War may face a box office clash with Fauji, starring Prabhas, which is also eyeing an Independence Day 2026 release.

Love and War is touted as an epic saga of passion, pride, and conflict, marking Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first-ever Indian Independence Day release. Bhansali is known for his perfectionism and is reportedly taking extra time to maintain his signature scale and visual excellence. The film is produced by Maddock Films and Sanjay Leela Bhansali Films.

The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. This project marks the first film for the lead trio together and Vicky Kaushal's first collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The team is expected to head to Italy to shoot the film's climax.