Wed Feb 25 14:01:38 UTC 2026: ### Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ Faces Budget Overrun and Production Delays

The Story:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious project, “Love & War,” starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, is experiencing significant production delays, leading to a substantial budget increase. Originally slated for a 2026 release, the film’s production schedule has extended from the initial 120 days to a projected 225 days, pushing the budget to approximately Rs 425 crore. The director’s pursuit of “perfection” and the complexity of large-scale war sequences are cited as primary reasons for the overrun.

Despite the challenges, Bhansali is reportedly self-financing the film, a departure from contemporary industry practices. The film has already secured Rs 130 crore from a deal with Netflix and an estimated Rs 70-80 crore from music and satellite rights. The lead actors have reportedly opted for profit-sharing deals, foregoing upfront fees.

Key Points:

  • “Love & War” budget has escalated to Rs 425 crore due to extended production.
  • Production schedule has increased from 120 days to an estimated 225 days.
  • Major sequences, including three songs and war scenes, are yet to be filmed.
  • Sanjay Leela Bhansali is reportedly self-financing the project.
  • The film has secured significant revenue through deals with Netflix and music/satellite rights.
  • Lead actors are working on a profit-sharing basis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ambitious filmmaking can lead to significant budget and schedule overruns.
  • Director-driven pursuit of perfection can impact production timelines and costs.
  • Self-financing in the film industry, while rare, can provide creative control.
  • Profit-sharing models can align the interests of actors and producers.
  • Early revenue generation through streaming and satellite deals is crucial for large-scale productions.

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