Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ budget rises to Rs 350 crore, makers deny bigger claims - Reports

Acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is preparing one of the most ambitious projects of his career: ‘Love & War’. The film has generated enormous buzz, largely due to its powerhouse casting of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal sharing screen space for the first time. Recent reports claimed the film’s budget had increased to Rs 425 crore, sparking speculations about trouble in the production. However, insiders suggest the situation is far more stable than the rumours indicate.

As stated by Scoopwoop, sources close to the production say the film is progressing smoothly despite rising costs. The report stated that while the budget for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Love And War' has increased, such fluctuations are standard for the filmmaker's ambitious projects. Originally conceived as a Rs 250 crore epic, the production cost has climbed to Rs 350 crore as Bhansali refuses to compromise on his creative vision for what he considers his potential masterpiece. The source dismissed the rumored Rs 425 crore price tag as a malicious attempt to undermine the film, stating that those specific high-cost claims are entirely fabricated. The clarification suggests that while the scale has expanded, the production remains firmly under control.




The report further stated that unlike CGI-heavy blockbusters, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Love And War' relies more on the physical sets to recreate its historical setting. Dismissing the rumored Rs 425 crore figure as an exaggeration, the insider confirmed that the actual production budget stands at Rs 350 crore. With an additional Rs 30 crore allocated for marketing, the total investment for the film is expected to reach Rs 380 crore.

Release timeline and production update

The filming schedule is reportedly on track, with principal photography expected to conclude by June. ‘Love & War’ is now slated for a 2027 theatrical release, positioned strategically between the two parts of ‘Ramayana’. The timing is expected to maximise audience interest while avoiding direct box office clashes. With its star-studded cast and Bhansali’s reputation for grand storytelling, the film is already among the most anticipated releases on the horizon.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”