Having a Hindi film with a production cost of ₹400 crore is no longer something that makes headlines in terms of trade. The level has been raised for Bollywood once more when it comes to the large format cinema that has now become a part of the fabric of Bollywood and the desire for larger budgets in movies.
As an example, take Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War, which will star Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Bhansali has recently stated that the film will cost the production company (not the actors' salaries) is going to be approximately ₹425 crores (about $63 million).
Since the industry is still trying to recover from the pandemic, an increase of this scale expresses a very strong message; although the scale is returning, so too is the degree of risk.
A Romance-War Epic Built for the Big Screen
Announced in 2024, Love & War marks Bhansali’s return to a sweeping romance set against a backdrop of conflict. The film reportedly places Ranbir Kapoor in the role of a lover-soldier, with Alia Bhatt as the emotional anchor of the narrative and Vicky Kaushal as the rival figure in a layered love triangle.
Following the streaming success of Heeramandi, Bhansali appears to be pivoting back to theatrical storytelling on a grand canvas. Industry observers note that the director is known for prioritising visual authenticity and elaborate staging over tight shooting schedules.
Initially budgeted at around ₹350 crore with a planned 120-day shoot beginning March 2025, the project has since expanded significantly.
Why the Budget Increased
According to trade inputs, the shoot has already stretched to approximately 175 days and is now projected to touch 225 days in total. That is nearly double the originally planned duration.
Key cost drivers reportedly include:
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Extension of principal photography for large-scale musical sequences
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Reshoots to refine dramatic portions
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Complex aerial war sequences requiring heavy visual effects
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Custom-built sets instead of location shooting
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Longer post-production timelines
Bhansali has a reputation for revisiting scenes until they align precisely with his visual imagination. While that creative rigor often results in cinematic richness, it inevitably adds to production outlay.
Importantly, the ₹425 crore figure does not include actor fees. Reports suggest that the three leads have structured backend profit-sharing agreements, aligning their earnings with the film’s eventual box office performance.
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Pre-Sales Cushion the Risk
Large-scale films today rely heavily on pre-release monetisation to mitigate risk. Industry reports indicate that:
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Digital streaming rights have reportedly been acquired by Netflix for around ₹130 crore
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Music and satellite rights are said to be secured by Saregama in the ₹70–80 crore range
This suggests nearly ₹200 crore may have been recovered before theatrical release, although official confirmation from the producers is awaited.
Such pre-sales typically cover 30 to 40 percent of big-budget productions. However, the theatrical run remains critical for full recovery and profitability.
Bhansali’s Commercial Track Record
Bhansali’s career reflects a pattern of calculated high-risk ventures. Consider these past performances:
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While not every release crossed ₹500 crore, Bhansali’s films have consistently generated strong domestic and overseas returns relative to their scale.
Industry Context: The ₹1000 Crore Benchmark
The gross amounts for major film productions in India in recent years have changed expectations regarding what can be achieved with regard to gross revenue. RRR and Kalki 2898 AD, for example, were able to gross over $1 billion at the worldwide box office.
According to industry experts, movies that are produced with a production cost of greater than $40 million must normally achieve a final gross of between $100 and $120 million (or $1 to $1.2 billion) globally, to recover their costs (including completion costs).
However, Bhansali's style of storytelling does not fit within the same genres as most of the pan-Indian action films that are popular today; he primarily caters to a more urban audience and his films tend to be well received in North America, the UK and throughout the Middle East.
Theatrical Landscape and Ticket Economics
In metro markets such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, multiplex ticket prices often range between ₹200 and ₹500, with premium IMAX formats commanding higher rates. Tier-2 cities remain more price-sensitive, typically around ₹150–250.
Large-format films benefit from premium screen formats, particularly if VFX-heavy sequences justify the upgrade. If Love & War delivers immersive battlefield visuals, IMAX and large-screen formats could significantly boost per-screen revenue.
Advance booking momentum, especially through platforms like BookMyShow, will serve as an early indicator of audience appetite.
Competitive Release Window
Reports suggest the film’s release is planned around March 2026, with possible strategic adjustments depending on competing tentpoles, including projects such as Ramayana and Toxic.
Release timing matters significantly for films of this scale. Holiday windows, IMAX screen availability and limited competition often influence final revenue outcomes.
Audience Expectations
Viewers drawn to Bhansali’s cinema typically expect:
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Lavish period detailing
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Emotionally intense storytelling
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Grand musical compositions
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Distinctive production design
That audience loyalty provides a foundation. However, post-pandemic attendance patterns remain uneven, with occupancy levels often stabilising around 60 to 70 percent for most releases outside major opening weekends.
Final Thoughts
The reported ₹425 crore budget places Love & War among Hindi cinema’s costliest productions. While pre-sales appear to offset a substantial portion of the investment, theatrical performance will determine whether the film becomes a landmark success or a cautionary tale.
For now, the project reflects Bollywood’s renewed appetite for scale, even in a cautious market. Bhansali has delivered high-stakes spectacles before. Whether this one joins his commercial triumphs will depend not just on visual grandeur, but on how deeply the story connects with audiences across India and overseas.
