Vicky Kaushal Charms in ‘Love & War’ First Look

Actor Vicky Kaushal has unveiled an intense and striking avatar in the first-look poster of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming period drama Love & War. The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in leading roles. Released by Bhansali Productions on Saturday, the poster presents Vicky in a dramatically different look. Sporting a thick moustache, a visible scar on his forehead and a cigarette between his lips, the actor appears in a brooding and charismatic avatar. A lighter in his hand and his piercing gaze further add to the mysterious mood of the poster. The visual is dominated by deep green and golden tones, while smoke surrounds Vicky’s face, creating a period-drama aesthetic that reflects the film’s epic setting. The makers shared the poster with the caption, “Nazre milengi, lekin hatengi nahin!” and confirmed that Love & War is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 21, 2027. The film was originally announced in January 2024 with a Christmas 2025 release date. Its release was subsequently postponed to March 2026 before being pushed further to January 21, 2027. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Love & War is described as an epic saga set against the backdrop of war. The project marks Vicky Kaushal’s first collaboration with the acclaimed filmmaker. For Ranbir Kapoor, the film marks a reunion with Bhansali nearly two decades after the actor made his Bollywood debut with Saawariya in 2007. The film also starred Sonam Kapoor. Alia Bhatt, meanwhile, has previously worked with Bhansali in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), which went on to receive the National Film Award for Best Actress for Alia. She was most recently seen in Shiv Rawail’s female-led spy thriller Alpha. Ranbir Kapoor also has Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated Ramayana in his upcoming lineup. The film is planned as a two-part release during Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027. He is also set to return in Animal Park, the sequel to Animal. Vicky Kaushal, meanwhile, was last seen in Laxman Utekar’s historical film Chhaava. With Love & War, his collaboration with Bhansali brings together an ensemble cast and a period setting that has generated considerable interest among movie audiences.