Edited by Editor-in-Chief, The Indus Pulse 24 Sept 2026, 04:06 PM 2 min readentertainment

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War to Release in IMAX Format

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming romantic drama Love & War will be released in the IMAX format, marking the filmmaker's return to the premium large-screen experience nine years after his 2018 epic Padmaavat. The announcement accompanied the unveiling of the film's first-look poster, which features lead actor Ranbir Kapoor in a rugged, blood-stained appearance, signaling an intense narrative tone.
The upcoming multilingual release features a notable cast including Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, while past works by the director achieved substantial commercial milestones during holiday windows.

IMAX Return and Production Scale

The confirmation of the IMAX release was revealed through branding on the film's promotional poster, which also highlights the January 21, 2027, theatrical release date. Bhansali, known for his meticulous production design and grand visual storytelling, previously utilized the IMAX 3D format for Padmaavat, which achieved significant commercial success. The decision to bring Love & War to IMAX is expected to leverage the film's expansive production design and cinematic scale.

First Look and Narrative Hints

The newly released poster showcases Ranbir Kapoor driving a vintage blue convertible, with his character sporting a moustache and sunglasses. The presence of blood on his arm suggests that the film will balance its romantic premise with elements of violent conflict. The project, which also stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, is set to arrive in cinemas during the Republic Day week, mirroring the release timing of Bhansali's previous IMAX-supported project.

Release Strategy

Love & War is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on January 21, 2027. The film will be available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, reflecting a broad distribution strategy. While promotional materials have begun to circulate, further details regarding the storyline and character arcs are expected to be released as the marketing campaign progresses toward the January premiere.
The Indus Pulse is committed to accuracy and transparency.