Renowned for his grand cinematic vision and meticulous attention to detail, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has long been a subject of speculation for being notoriously difficult to work with. This reputation has stemmed from stories that detail his intense temperament and the high-pressure atmosphere that surrounds his film sets. In a recent enlightening interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali provided clarity on these claims, attributing them to his unwavering artistic drive and an insatiable quest for perfection that characterizes his filmmaking process.
During the interview, Bhansali candidly acknowledged, “There is always a restlessness in the mind when I’m making a film, so people who work with me find it a little difficult because sometimes there is something I don’t know what I want at times.” This statement highlights how his restless pursuit of excellence can create an atmosphere of uncertainty and challenge for those working alongside him. Bhansali is not just a director but an auteur who requires that every single aspect of his vision is executed to the minutest detail, even if it takes multiple retakes to achieve the desired result.
His illustrious filmography boasts of iconic films like “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” “Devdas,” “Padmaavat,” “Bajirao Mastani,” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi.” With each of these movies, Bhansali has cemented his reputation as a filmmaker who demands complete control, whether it’s ensuring the precise movement of a sari in a dance sequence or capturing the exact lighting on an actor’s face to evoke the intended emotion. “I’m walking the set, and sometimes I’ve traveled somewhere else in my mind,” he explained. “Sometimes I don’t get a scene, and it doesn’t happen the way I want it to happen, and not because of me, but because of the 150 other people working with me who may not sometimes understand what I want. But I pardon them, forgive them for not always understanding me, and sometimes they tolerate me for all my idiosyncrasies, restlessness, and chaos,” he elaborated, showcasing a rare empathy for his crew.
Adding another chapter to his storied career, Bhansali’s upcoming directorial venture, “Love and War,” has seen a change in its release schedule. Initially scheduled for a Christmas 2025 release, the film, now starring acclaimed actors Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, will make its debut in theaters on March 20, 2026. This shift has piqued considerable interest, as fans eagerly anticipate the film’s eventual release.
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“Love and War” marks a significant collaboration, bringing Ranbir Kapoor and Bhansali together once again since Ranbir’s debut in 2007 with “Saawariya.” Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal will be working with Bhansali for the first time, having already shared the screen with Alia Bhatt in past projects. Alia, too, reunites with the director after their successful collaboration in the critically acclaimed “Gangubai Kathiawadi.”
The buzz surrounding the film was further amplified when trade expert Taran Adarsh updated fans through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “RANBIR KAPOOR – ALIA BHATT – VICKY KAUSHAL: SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI FINALISES RELEASE DATE… 20 March 2026 is the release date of #SanjayLeelaBhansali’s next film, titled #LoveAndWar… Stars #RanbirKapoor, #AliaBhatt, and #VickyKaushal.”
The film’s initial announcement was made in January 2024 with an impactful post on Instagram, declaring, “We Bring You Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Epic Saga ‘Love & War.’ See You At The Movies Christmas 2025,” signed by the lead trio, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.
With each passing project, Bhansali continues to enthrall audiences with his storytelling prowess, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to his creative ideals despite challenges, solidifying his place as a maestro in contemporary cinema. As we await the release of “Love and War,” it’s clear that Bhansali’s relentless pursuit of perfection, though demanding, is also what sets him apart as a true master of the craft.
