Sanjay Leela Bhansali to recreate Italy in Mumbai for Love & War after overseas schedule falls through: Report

Update on film Love & War

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his grand vision and signature opulence. Now he’s now proving that no logistical setback can stand in the way of his ambition. His upcoming film Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, was initially set for an extensive shoot in Italy.

However, according to a report by Mid-Day, SLB has decided to recreate an Italian backdrop within Mumbai after the international leg was called off.

Originally, the team had planned a 45-day shooting schedule in Italy, but the plan had to be scrapped due to logistical complications and scheduling issues, the report stated.

Refusing to compromise on visual grandeur, Bhansali opted to build a lavish replica of Italy at Royal Palms in Goregaon, Mumbai to ensure the production stays on track while maintaining his trademark aesthetic.

A source was quoted in the report, “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 keeping 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 latest filming schedule reportedly focuses on the film’s climactic scenes, with the trio Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky shooting together for key emotional sequences. Following leaked photos of Alia Bhatt from the set earlier this month, SLB has imposed strict on-set privacy rules to prevent any further leaks.

The source added, “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. The production team will now share details of the venue with the unit only closer to the shoot.”

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt’s Love & War aims for Rs 1000 Cr blockbuster

According to reports, the filmmaker aims to wrap up filming by mid-December, with Love & War slated for a March 2026 release. The team is currently on a short break and will soon resume a final 20-day schedule in the last phase of production.

Orry is rumoured to appear in a small role, while Deepika Padukone is reportedly set to make a cameo in Sanjay eela Bhansali’s epic romance.

While the official release date hasn’t been confirmed, trade buzz suggests that Love & War might clash with Yash’s Toxic on March 19, 2026, coinciding with the Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid weekend.