Five days after a tragic accident claimed the life of a crew member on the set of Love & War, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali resumed the period drama’s shoot at Royal Palms in Goregaon on June 22. We’re told the latest schedule, which already faced months of delays, commenced under heightened safety measures.

In the wake of the accident that happened around 3 am on June 17, Bhansali Productions has apparently put an immediate stop to all night shoots of the Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal-starrer until further notice.

The demise of carpenter Chandradhari Yadav, 42, who was working on the film’s set when he allegedly suffered an electric shock, has naturally affected the crew.

A source from the set told mid-day, “The electric wire was loose and he got a shock. After the accident, the makers have decided that no night shoots will be conducted going forward. They have also ordered additional electrical inspections, mandatory safety audits before every shift, and stricter monitoring of on-set work conditions to prevent such an incident in the future.” 

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Following an accident that led to the death of a carpenter on the sets of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love & War on June 17, Bhansali Productions has offered compensation of Rs. 40 lakh to the victim’s family.

The incident took place in the early hours of June 17 at Royal Pump Studio in Mumbai’s Film City, where 42-year-old carpenter Chandradhari Singh Yadav died after suffering a severe electric shock. Preliminary findings suggest a short circuit may have caused the electrocution.

FWICE general secretary Ashok Dubey says, “Humne Rs. 50 lakh kaha tha aur humne apni taraf se prayatna kiya hai for Yadav’s family to get maximum compensation. Unhone (production team) hume bataya hai that insurance se bhi Rs. 10-15 lakh direct victim ki family ko mil sakta hai.”

The film body’s chief advisor Ashoke Pandit adds that members are urging the administration to “form a joint committee to get an audit for old structures and check on safety measures”.

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We’ve been in talks with the production team since the day of the accident. Humne apni taraf se prayatna kiya hai for Yadav’s family to get maximum compensation.

- ASHOK DUBEY, FWICE GENERAL SECRETARY

An accident on the set of Love & War at Royal Pump Studio in Goregaon (East) claimed the life of 42-year-old Chandradhari Yadav, a carpenter and member of the Film Studio Setting and Allied Mazdoor Union (FSSAMU), at around 3 am on June 17. According to union representatives, the incident prima facie appears to have resulted from a short circuit, although the exact cause of death will be determined only after the post-mortem report is released. Chandradhari is survived by his wife and two daughters.

FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and FSSAMU jointly approached the producers of the film seeking financial assistance and support for the bereaved family, following which Bhansali’s production house offered Rs. 40 lakh to Chandradhari’s family.

However, FWICE president Birendra Nath Tiwari believes the tragedy raises larger concerns about working conditions on film sets.

He says, “Apart from monetary compensation, we have requested the producer to take responsibility for the children’s education. Workers are often made to work far beyond the prescribed eight to ten hours, and there is a limit to how much a person can physically stretch themselves at work. Once the post-mortem report comes, we will decide our next course of action. No matter how big the producer is or how big a film is being made, workers’ lives cannot be put at risk.”

Ashok Dubey, honorary general secretary of FWICE, says, “Chandradhari had been working continuously on the set for the past three days and had been on duty from 7 am until 3 am on the day of the incident. According to those present, he suffered an electric shock and was rushed to hospital, where he passed away. We have also written to Mr Bhansali requesting employment for his wife in his production house.”

The incident has prompted industry bodies to once again call for mandatory safety protocols, defined working hours and government oversight on film sets.

Ashoke Pandit, president of IFTDA and chief advisor to FWICE, says, “We have repeatedly urged producer bodies, studios and government authorities to conduct regular audits of sets, electrical wiring and cabling, considering that 150 to 200 workers are often present on a set. There are lives at stake and significant investments involved in building these sets. Mandatory compliance with fire, electrical and structural safety norms and comprehensive SOPs is the need of the hour. Unfortunately, our appeals have not received any response from the authorities.”

The cameras are ready to roll again for Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. After a brief pause, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War is set to return to the sets on June 18 for the film’s grandest sequences yet. mid-day had earlier reported about remainign shoot (Climax caught in a calendar clash – April 5).

The upcoming schedule centres on an elaborate song sequence, featuring nearly 200 dancers alongside the lead cast. “It’s being designed as a spectacle. It was originally to kick off on June 8, but is now starting on the 18th at Royal Palms,” reveals a production insider.

The sequence will be shot over multiple days on a specially constructed set, with extensive rehearsals already underway.

The insider adds, “The choreography, costumes, and production design have been in preparation for weeks. The scale is enormous, even by Bhansali standards. Every frame has been meticulously storyboarded, which is why the shoot was pushed by two weeks.”

Like Shraddha Kapoor aptly pointed out, Aneet Padda is the perfect blend of cuteness and acting, but that doesn’t mean she lacks fierceness. The ‘Saiyaara’ breakout star is reportedly playing both a goddess and a demoness in Maddock Horror Comedy Universe’s (MHCU) ‘Shakti Shalini’. After months of gruelling shooting that began in March this year, the film has now entered the final leg of production.

The current outdoor schedule is expected to continue through May, with the team aiming to wrap principal photography by the end of the month before shifting focus to post-production and VFX work. The makers are in no hurry to lock the release date yet.

A source close to the film says, “The idea is to finish the film properly and then spend enough time on the VFX. If everything goes as planned, they’re looking at a January 2027 release.”

Since Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ is scheduled to release on January 21, the source says, “The makers are tentatively looking at the first half of the month. [But the final] call will be taken post the release of ‘Cocktail 2’, from the same stable.”

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‘Shakti Shalini’ marks a reunion for Aneet Padda and Vishal Jethwa, who previously shared the screen in the film, ‘Salaam Venky’ (2022)

When filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali sets his mind on something, he refuses to settle for anything less than perfection — and perfection takes time. Since his ambitious period saga Love & War was announced in January 2024, the film has stayed in the news — not just for its star-studded cast of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, but also for its persistent delays.

Originally slated for a March release this year, the film remains incomplete. Bhansali recently shared that only 10 per cent of the shoot is pending. However, scheduling conflicts loom at large. “Ranbir has Ramayana: Part Two, and Vicky has Mahavatar in the line-up. Nitesh Tiwari wants to wrap up the second part to begin post-production, because July onwards time will be dedicated to the promotions of Ramayana: Part One,” says a source.

Kaushal, who was expected to bulk up for Mahavatar, but was busy with Love & War shoots all through 2025, has now finally set that plan in motion. As a result, Love & War will only resume filming in the second half of 2026, adds the source.

What remains? The climax. Despite a recent health scare, Bhansali is determined to meet the January 2027 deadline. “He has been working non-stop for the last two years. The team is reworking timelines. Post-production is progressing alongside to save time. Sanjay is certain that the film will release on schedule and exactly how he envisioned it,” another insider reveals.

Actor Ranbir Kapoor is currently awaiting the release of two of his films, Ramayana Part One and Love & War. While the former is locked for a Diwali 2026 release, there has been considerable speculation around the latter’s timeline.

During an Instagram Live session on Saturday, Ranbir confirmed that rumours of Love & War being postponed are true. However, he stopped short of announcing a fresh release date. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the movie stars Ranbir alongside Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. When first announced, the film was slated for Christmas 2025, but was later pushed to March 20, 2026, a window that also sees the release of Dhurandhar 2.

Earlier this year, reports suggested the film might now arrive only in 2027. However, a source close to the project denied this exclusively to HT, reiterating that the film is still targeting a 2026 release. “The film is very much set to release in 2026,” the source said, adding that production remains on track. “Sanjay Leela Bhansali has just completed shooting a song track, and most of the major sequences have already been wrapped.”

In the Live session, Ranbir clarified that the movie will release after Ramayana Part One, which is slated to hit screens in October. If schedules hold, the film is likely eyeing a December 2026 window, though no official date has been locked.

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During the Instagram Live interaction, when asked about his current favourite film, Ranbir Kapoor quickly named Dhurandhar and praised the project. “I think the entire cast and crew just smashed it...really good times at the movies... I am listening to all the amazing tracks from Dhurandhar.”

If Chhaava (2025) was any indication, Vicky Kaushal slips effortlessly into larger-than-life characters. Now, another ambitious role is waiting for him. We’ve heard that Mahavatar — which will see the actor play Chiranjeevi Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu — will go on floors in October. That’s eight months away, and for good reason. The actor needs to build a bulky physique for the mythological epic that will be directed by Amar Kaushik of Stree fame.

Considering the epic is mounted on a grand scale, its pre-production has already begun. But it will be a while before Kaushal immerses himself in its world.

A source told mid-day, “The actor cannot begin his physical prep as he is currently shooting Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, in which he sports an athletic look. For Mahavatar, he will need to build a heavy frame like that of a wrestler, complete with a rugged look and long, matted hair. After Love & War reaches the finish line in April, the actor will adopt a new diet plan and workout regime to attain the required look.”

Given his distinct look for the epic, it’s unlikely that Kaushal will sign any new projects while filming it.

Producer Dinesh Vijan and the director are using this time to build the mythological drama’s world. The source added, “The DoP [Director of Photography], art, production, and costume design teams have begun soft prep. The hunt for the leading lady, who will play Dharini, is underway. The rumour of Deepika Padukone being the female lead was baseless.”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali builds his on-screen world perfectly and patiently. Love & War is no exception. Word in the industry is that the Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal-starrer, which went on floors in November 2024, still has 70 days of filming left.

The love triangle is currently being shot at Film City in Goregaon, Mumbai. A source close to the production told mid-day, “We have over two months of shoot remaining, with six songs yet to be filmed. Nearly 35 days have been blocked only for the songs. As with any Bhansali film, these aren’t quick tracks; they have been envisioned as elaborate sequences mounted on a grand canvas. These period-specific songs will need a lot of prep before being filmed.”

Naturally, the delay in completion has impacted its release plans. Love & War was earlier targeting an Independence Day release. However, Aamir Khan recently announced that his production, Lahore 1947, will arrive in cinemas on August 13.

“Independence Day was an attractive window, but Love & War’s team would have to race against time to meet that deadline. Plus, with Lahore 1947 booking the date, it didn’t make sense to crowd the space. Bhansali would prefer a clear run for his love story,” added the source.

The movie’s new release date is yet to be finalized.

With several tentpole releases locking in dates for late 2026 and 2027, chatter around big-screen timelines has only grown louder, and Love & War is the latest to be pulled into it.

A recent update suggested that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, had been pushed to 2027 due to filming delays. Fuelling the speculation is the way the film’s release window has been repeatedly discussed in trade circles as the 2026 calendar tightens. The film was earlier linked to an Eid/March window, where it was expected to run into competition from Yash’s Toxic. That title is now set to clash with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Part 2, leaving the release grid even more crowded. Buzz then suggested Love & War may shift to an August window — a slot that also appears packed with other big titles, including Kartik Aaryan’s NaagZilla and Prabhas’ Fauzi, turning the film’s release plans into something of a musical chairs moment.

However, that is not the case. A source close to the production has denied the postponement reports and told us: “The film is very much set to release in 2026.”

The clarification comes after a report in Pinkvilla on Monday claimed the makers were looking at a 2027 release window, citing pending portions of the shoot and the scale of post-production. It also suggested that VFX work and the edit timeline could rule out a 2026 release.

But dismissing the speculation, our source insists: “Bhansali has just completed shooting a song track, and the major sequences for the film have already been shot,” the source adds. The exact release date, however, is yet to be locked.

With inputs by Vishakha Pandit

Where there is Sanjay Leela Bhansali, there are bound to be grand song sequences. In the last leg of Love & War, the filmmaker is gearing up to shoot two dance numbers with lead actors Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. Sources have told mid-day that the first number, to be choreographed by Ganesh Acharya, will go on floors next week.

An insider revealed, “The song is high on energy, dramatic, and visually lavish as is expected from a Bhansali creation. The shoot will kick off on January 20 with the three leads in Film City, Goregaon.”

The second song, scheduled to be shot on February 9, is being described by unit members as one of Bhansali’s most experimental musical set-pieces to date. It will see the filmmaker collaborate with choreographer Shiamak Davar, who will bring a contemporary spin to the number.

“It is unlike anything Bhansali has attempted before. It’s experimental in form, movement, and staging, with Shiamak bringing a theatrical energy to the sequence,” added the source.

The actors are currently rehearsing for the songs before they report to the set next week.

Mumbai: Bollywood's getting ready for a blockbuster year. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Sunny Deol, Ranbir Kapoor all have releases lined up, in what's going to be the most superstar-heavy lineup of films since before the pandemic. A broad range of big-budget Hindi titles are scheduled to hit theatres, complemented by a strong slate of regional movies and Hollywood offerings.

Down south, Rajnikanth, Vijay, Yash, Prabhas, and Kamal Haasan have movies coming up, apart from which Mammootty and Mohanlal will be seen together in a movie (Patriot) for the first time in 17 years.

Producers, distributors, and trade analysts are predicting a record haul, extending the buoyant momentum after a reassuring 2025. Net box office receipts may surge 25-30%, reaching Rs. 14,052 crore to Rs. 14,614 crore in 2026, from Rs. 11,242 crore last year, going by some of the more conservative estimates.

"2026 could be the year of highest box office collection for the Indian film industry," said Vikram Malhotra, founder and CEO, Abundantia Entertainment. "Beyond the conventional big-star films, 2026 will be about films which will connect deeply with audiences. I see sleeper hits become monsters at the box office. In addition, genre experiments will find takers."

A key reason for the industry optimism is the wide array of movies lined up this year. These include Ramayana, Love & War, Lahore 1947, King, Battle Of Galwan, Drishyam 3, Dhurandhar 2 and Border 2. Highly anticipated regional films include Jailer 2, Jana Nayagan, Toxic. Hollywood films such as The Odyssey, Dune: Part Three, Moana, Avengers: Doomsday, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day are also expected to boost box office receipts.

"Even by conservative estimates, the Indian box office collection may grow at least in the range of 25-30% in 2026 compared to 2025 because of diverse offerings across Hindi, regional and Hollywood," said Girish Johar, film producer and industry expert.

The number of superstar releases is another reason for the optimism. "2026 is indeed a big year," said Navin Shah, joint MD, EMC Solutions Worldwide, a leading company in branded entertainment. "It is important to note that most superstars such as Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Sunny Deol have either one or two releases in a single year. This is happening after a long time."

Trade analysts predict the share of Hindi films in net box office collection to climb to 45-50% this year, from a historical average of 35-40%. Premium ticket pricing will also drive growth.

"There is at least one notable film which is either VFX-driven spectacle or has a big superstar in every quarter of 2026," said Shaaminder Malik, film distributor and trade analyst. "This provides room for premium ticket pricing, especially for formats such as IMAX and 4DX, thereby boosting total box office collection."

Growing Gen Z attendance at movie theatres is also boosting industry confidence, said producers. "Apart from a fantastic lineup, a big positive for the industry is the theatre attendance of Gen Z audience, which increased by 25% in 2025. This trend is likely to continue in 2026," said Sunir Kheterpal, producer, Athena E&M.

On a set marked by star egos and a perfectionist filmmaker, many assume the atmosphere would be nothing short of dramatic. However, that is far from the truth on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War. Recent rumours suggest an apparent fallout between the actors — Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal — and the director, allegedly delaying the film’s theatrical release. Industry insiders, however, tell mid-day that the film is progressing exactly as planned.

“The unit is currently on a scheduled year-end break. This was locked months ago,” says a source from the production team. “Bhansali films are mounted on a massive scale, so any pause is immediately seen as a delay.”

An insider familiar with the schedule adds that the remaining shoot will cover “patchwork and VFX because it is a period film, select scenes, and musical portions.” Addressing rumours of frayed equations on set, the source clarifies that “there’s been no fallout”. “These are long, demanding shoots. Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky are fully on board and committed.”

Confirming that Love & War will release as scheduled in August this year, the source explains that the shoot will continue for another three months once filming resumes. “They plan to resume by mid-January until March, with post-production moving along parallelly,” shares the source.

Having completed 13 years in the film industry, Alia Bhatt finds herself at a point defined less by speed and more by intention – also shaped by her journey into motherhood. Looking back, the actress says her relationship with work remains instinct-led. “I don’t really look at my career in phases or milestones. The way I chose films earlier is the same way I choose them now – by trying to do different things, setting myself up for new challenges and constantly putting myself outside my comfort zone,” she tells us.

Meanwhile, life has expanded beyond the set, and what has evolved is the pace. “Of course, the volume and the speed at which I work now are different because I have a child. But it’s a comfortable pace, and I’m happy with it. I like doing one film at a time and giving it all my energy. Earlier, I would do two or three films simultaneously, but I don’t want to do that anymore,” she says.

Alia’s connection with cinema remains deeply emotional. “Movies make me happy. I’m finding ways to stay connected to that magic in different ways now, not just as an actor. I’m also producing content. We’re developing projects that will go on the floor next year, and I’m creatively involved in that process because I consider myself a creative producer,” she says, adding, “When it comes to my career, I’ve always gone by my instinct and gut.”

Her next release, Alpha, marks a shift into the action genre. “I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – I don’t consider Heart Of Stone an action film for me. It was an action world, but my character wasn’t action-oriented in that sense. With Alpha, the opportunity to actually do action is something I’m supremely excited about,” she clarifies.

Doing the film post motherhood added a new dimension to the experience. “Doing action after having a baby was very interesting because it allowed me to see what my body is capable of. It was such a learning experience, and it gave me a lot of respect for my body,” she adds.

Unfazed by the unpredictability of outcomes, Alia says she doesn’t dwell on success or failure. “Success and failure are not in your hands. What is in your hands is learning, growing and finding a process that nurtures you as an artiste and as a person. Filmmaking is never about one individual. It’s an entire crew coming together to work towards one shared vision,” she concludes.

Alia’s next two films are among the most anticipated. First up is Love & War, which sees her reunite with Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “It’s a very special film. We’ve been shooting it through the year, and it never feels like enough. You always want one more day, one more moment, one more scene where you’re just jamming the energy,” she says.

Working with Bhansali continues to be one of her most cherished creative collaborations. She adds, “Working with Sanjay sir is one of my most treasured experiences because of the way he brings his magic to every single moment. But it’s also deeply collaborative. The energy on set is very quiet and focused. We come in, we work hard and everyone brings something different to the table. Of course, the final magic wand is always in Sanjay sir’s hands. It is one of the most fulfilling creative experiences I’ve had on a film set.”

Reflecting on Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia says the film reshaped how she approaches performance. “What I learned on the Gangubai set was to walk in every day with a blank slate and a blank mind. That element of surprise is something Sanjay sir thrives on, and it teaches you to surrender completely to the process.”

Ever since Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced Love & War in January 2024, fans have been eager to get a peek into the world of the Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal-starrer. Well, that may happen sooner than later. Sources have told mid-day that Bhansali is likely to share the first glimpse of the romantic saga in January 2026.

“The idea always was that the team will put out an asset in January to tease the audience about the world they have in store. It could be an official poster or images from the set, which Bhansali has meticulously created. The audience has already seen the actors’ avatars through leaked pictures. But now, the director wants people to see his vision of Love & War,” said a source.

Even though the first promotional asset will be unveiled in January 2026, there is no word on when the film will arrive in cinemas, after its March 19 release was postponed. Meanwhile, we’ve heard the shoot is nearing completion.

Another source shared, “A few days ago, Alia shot for a wedding sequence with Ranbir in Mumbai. Now, she has only the climax left to shoot with the leads, after which it will be a wrap for her. The male leads, however, will continue to shoot for another six weeks.”

Actor Ranbir Kapoor is currently working on two major projects — Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War.

While Ramayana was initially planned as a two-part release targeting Diwali 2026 and 2027, a new report suggests that the second instalment may no longer meet its 2027 timeline.

According to a report in Deccan Chronicle, Ranbir had initially agreed to complete both parts of Ramayana before moving to Bhansali’s film. However, the shoot is reportedly progressing slower than expected.

A source quoted in the report added: “Ranbir had planned to complete the two parts of Ramayana, then finish Bhansali’s Love & War. But the film is showing no sign of getting done. He has no choice but to give Bhansali all the dates that were originally meant for Ramayana Part 2. This means Part 2 may not reach theatres as planned.”

Ranbir plays Ram, with Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey appear as Hanuman and Lakshman, while Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh play Mandodari and Surpanakha. The ensemble also includes Arun Govil, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Sheeba Chaddha and Indira Krishnan.

While the edit of Part 1 is reportedly complete, Part 2’s schedule now depends on Ranbir wrapping Bhansali’s Love & War, starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.

Be it Lahore’s Heera Mandi for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024) or Gujarat for Ram Leela (2013), Sanjay Leela Bhansali has a way of recreating worlds for the silver screen. This time, the filmmaker has recreated Italy of the 1970s in the heart of Mumbai. While Bhansali had planned a 45-day Italy schedule for Love & War, sources tell mid-day that the filmmaker had a change of heart and recently shot the portions of the Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal-starrer at a studio near Royal Palms in Goregaon.

In early October, Bhansali kicked off the latest schedule of the love triangle that is set in the 1970s. A stunning set of an Italian club was erected for the scenes originally planned to be shot in the European country.

A source close to the production revealed, “The Italy schedule was turning out to be logistically complex and would have taken a lot more time to execute. Bhansali wanted to maintain the opulence, while having firm control over the setting. So, he decided to recreate the portions on a set in Mumbai. He conducted a 10-day stint with his lead actors before Diwali.”

The unit is currently on a short break. By the end of  October, the filmmaker and his actors will return to the world of Love & War for its final 20-day schedule. It looks like Bhansali has saved the toughest for the last — the climax.

The insider added, “This leg is crucial as the leads will film portions of the climax. After Alia’s pictures from the set leaked a few days ago, the director made it clear that he doesn’t want any of his actors’ looks or details to make their way online. So, the production team will share details of the venue with the unit only closer to the shoot.”

Bhansali is planning to wrap the film by mid-December for its March 2026 release.

They gave a glimpse of the magic they could create together when they teamed up for Sanju (2018). Since then, people have hoped Rajkumar Hirani and Ranbir Kapoor would return to the drawing board for another project. In fact, there was considerable chatter about the duo collaborating on a biopic. However, we now hear that the film on an athlete is off the immediate slate. Industry insiders claim the film has been deferred until 2027.

“Hirani and Ranbir were very excited about this one; they had been jamming on it through the year,” informs a trade source, adding that since the script needed more time, “Hirani decided to park it. Ranbir’s calendar is packed, so it made sense to regroup later. Everyone wants it to be like Sanju, so they’re okay to wait.”

In the interim, the director has shifted focus to a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, starring Aamir Khan, set to begin in January 2026. An insider reveals that Khan has been in preparation for months. “He’s growing out his look and will dive straight into workshops in December. This is the first time he’s playing a real-life pioneer of cinema, and Hirani wants to give it the grandeur it deserves.”

As per Kapoor’s schedule, he will first wrap Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War and the second instalment of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. The source adds, “Post that, depending on which script is ready, he will take a call between Dhoom 4 and Animal Park, as they are both in advanced development.”

Ranbir Kapoor rang in his birthday with more than just cake and candles — he gave fans a front-row seat to his life and line-up of movies. During an Instagram live session, the actor dropped big updates: from Animal Park rolling in 2027, to Ramayana, and his much-awaited reunion with Alia Bhatt in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War. The session flowed easily – with the actor talking about his big-screen ambitions to the everyday happiness of being with family.

Ranbir gave an update about Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-talked-about sequel to Animal. The actor revealed that Animal Park is expected to go on floors in 2027. “Sandeep has been interacting with me on the idea, the music and the characters. It’s just crazy and I can’t wait to be on set,” shared the actor who turned 43.

The actor also gave everyone a glimpse into his personal life, sharing how he spent the day with wife Alia Bhatt and daughter Raha. “Raha made me a promise that she would give me 43 kisses, and I got that. She made me a beautiful card, which really moved me. It’s been a perfect birthday,” Ranbir said with a smile.

On his birthday, Ranbir took a quick vacation with Alia, Raha and mom Neetu Kapoor, and daughter Raha.

“Had a wonderful birthday last night. The last two days have been great because I was with mother, Alia and Raha. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday,” he shared.

The live chat wasn’t just about films — it was also about what truly inspires him. Ranbir revealed his current mu-sic playlist and said that Barbaad from Saiyaara is a song that “resonates deeply” with him. He also praised the soundtrack of Kalyani Priyadarshan’s superhero film Lokah , describing it as “just excellent.”

When quizzed about his long-discussed directorial ambitions, Ranbir admitted he’s closer than ever to making it happen. “I am dying to direct a movie. I’ve actually started a writer’s room recently and I’m working on two ideas. It’s definitely on my to-do list in the next couple of years,” he shared.

On Brahmastra 2, he assured fans that Ayan Mukerji is busy writing the script and updates will follow soon.

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, Love & War, might be several months away from release, but the filmmaker has a treat in store for fans of Ranbir Kapoor, who headlines the romantic saga alongside actor-wife Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. mid-day has learnt that come September 28 — Kapoor’s birthday — a visual asset from the film will be unveiled.

“It will surely be a gift for Ranbir’s fans. Several ideas have been discussed. There is a possibility of either Ranbir’s first look poster or a teaser featuring all three actors being shared with the audience,” informs a source. Currently, the filmmaker is working out the dates of all the actors for the teaser shoot. Once finalized, the teaser will be filmed in the coming days.”

“This will be the first visual from the film, and Sanjay wants it to evoke curiosity among fans regarding the ambitious romantic drama, which shows Ranbir in an intense role with shades of grey,” adds the source.

Love & War is currently being shot in Mumbai. Bhansali aims to wrap up filming by year-end. While March 26, 2026 is the officially announced release date, there are strong reports that the film has been pushed by a few months.

Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal are back in the Love & War universe as Sanjay Leela Bhansali resumed its shoot at Prime Focus Studio in Film City, Goregaon, earlier this week. We’ve heard that a set of a hospital has been built for the first few days of the shoot. According to a source close to the production, the schedule kicked off amid tight security.

“A hospital set has been constructed on one of the larger floors at Film City. Bhansali sir, who is known to be hands-on when it comes to his film’s visual aesthetics, was personally involved in the set’s detailing. About 20 additional actors have been brought in for the indoor sequences,” the insider revealed.

A period romance set against the backdrop of war, Love & War reunites Bhansali with Bhatt after Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) and with Kapoor after Saawariya (2007). It marks the filmmaker’s first collaboration with Kaushal. The source added, “All three leads are required for this 20-day leg. On Friday, Ranbir had an early call time and was ready for his shot by 11 am.”

After the ongoing leg is wrapped up by early August, the cast and crew will be Rome-bound.