Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Love & War’ delayed to avoid clash with Yash’s ‘Toxic’? Here’s what we know

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited romantic drama ‘Love & War’ has been creating buzz ever since its announcement. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles, the film has become one of the most anticipated releases of the coming year.

However, fresh reports now suggest that Bhansali’s big project may not make its planned Eid 2026 release. The film is said to be running behind schedule and could be strategically delayed to avoid a box office clash with Yash’s action-packed film ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups’.

03:40

Alia Bhatt Reveals Her Relationship with Ranbir Kapoor Was Never 'Rose Tinted'

‘Love & War’ likely to miss its Eid 2026 release

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, ‘Love & War’ will “miss its Eid 2026 deadline” and is now expected to arrive later that year. The report stated, “It’s a blessing in disguise, as it made no sense for two Pan-Indian films to clash on the same date. Love And War is running much behind its shooting schedule, and will now release in the second half of 2026. Around 75 days of shoot still remains, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali has requested Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal to allot bulk dates till Summer 2026 to wrap up the film.”

Known for his grandeur and attention to detail, Bhansali seems to be taking his time to ensure the film meets his high creative standards.

Shooting delay pushes release further ahead

The report further added that the film is currently “running approximately 40 days behind schedule.” It mentioned, “The film is running approximately 40 days behind schedule, and the earliest it can now be released is in the month of June 2026. Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will take a call on the film's release soon and officially announce the delay in its release.”

‘Love & War’ was earlier planned for Christmas 2025 release

‘Love & War’ was first planned for a Christmas 2025 release, but those plans were soon altered. Reports earlier this year stated that the release had been shifted to 20 March 2026, aligning it with the Eid festivities.

Now, with new updates indicating a further delay, the film might not even arrive by March. Though it is to be noted that the makers have not officially confirmed this change.

Makers expected to avoid a box office clash

One of the key reasons behind the possible postponement is believed to be the upcoming release of Yash’s ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups’, which is scheduled to release just a day before on 19 March 2026.

The film’s production house, KVN Productions, confirmed this date in a social media post that read, “140 days to go… His Untamed Presence is Your Existential Crisis. Toxic The Movie releases worldwide on 19-03-2026.”

About Yash’s ‘Toxic’

Yash’s ‘Toxic’ is a period gangster drama, alongside a stellar cast that includes Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi, and Sudev Nair. Shot in Kannada and English, the movie will also be dubbed in Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil, making it a true Pan-Indian release.

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Merry Christmas wishes, messages and quotes !