Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; September 24: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited romantic period drama ‘Love & War’ has been at the centre of discussion for nearly two years. With Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt leading the cast and the story set against the backdrop of the 1971 war, anticipation surrounding the film has continued to grow since its announcement. On Thursday, Bhansali finally ended the wait by unveiling Ranbir Kapoor’s much-awaited look from the film.

The promotional glimpse released on September 24 presents Ranbir in a striking retro avatar. Dressed in a light-coloured polo T-shirt and sporting sunglasses, a slicked-back hairstyle and a thin moustache, the actor appears in a vintage blue convertible with a bloodied face and body. Even after apparently being shot, his character looks completely fearless. Blood can be seen flowing heavily from one hand while he firmly grips the steering wheel with the other.

The dramatic first look immediately created a buzz across the film industry. Fans were quick to react to Ranbir’s intense appearance, while some cinema observers began discussing the film’s potential at the box office. Several fans also drew comparisons with the actor’s memorable appearance in ‘Animal’, particularly because of the blood-soaked and aggressive visual style.

Bhansali’s production house released the poster featuring Ranbir and described the character’s appearance with the words, “The same elegance, the same swagger, the same passion.” The production team also confirmed the film’s release date. ‘Love & War’ is scheduled to reach theatres on January 21, 2027, and will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

The casting of the film has been one of its biggest attractions. Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal are reportedly playing fighter pilots in Bhansali’s period drama, while Alia Bhatt will portray a cabaret dancer. The combination of the three leading actors, along with the film’s large-scale period setting, has made ‘Love & War’ one of the most closely watched upcoming Hindi films.

The latest reveal has also added to the excitement surrounding the chemistry and rivalry between Ranbir and Vicky’s characters. Following the release of Ranbir’s look, Vicky Kaushal reacted enthusiastically, writing, “RK, you are fire.”

The film has been generating considerable curiosity since its announcement, not only because of its star-studded cast but also because of the scale of Bhansali’s vision. The director is known for his elaborate visual presentation and detailed approach to period storytelling. His films often involve extensive production work, and ‘Love & War’ appears to be no exception.

The production journey has reportedly taken longer than initially expected. The makers had earlier indicated that the film would make a major impact during the summer box-office season, but work on the ambitious project has continued. Bhansali’s reputation for taking considerable time to perfect his films has often been linked to the scale and visual demands of his projects.

Although Bhansali has previously explored stories rooted in history and literature, ‘Love & War’ marks a different territory for the filmmaker. For the first time, he is bringing together romance, war, fighter aircraft and the atmosphere of conflict in a single narrative. The combination of love and the violence of war is expected to give the film a distinct visual and emotional identity.

With Ranbir’s bloodied retro look now out in the open, expectations surrounding ‘Love & War’ have risen further. The film still has a considerable wait before its scheduled theatrical release, but the first glimpse of Ranbir has already ensured that Bhansali’s ambitious project remains firmly in the spotlight.