BREAKING: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War Delayed; Yash’s Toxic Retains Eid 2026 Slot

Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal starrer to now release post-June 2026; Yash’s dark fairy tale epic marches ahead as planned

In a major reshuffle on the 2026 release calendar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated epic Love and War has officially bowed out of the Eid 2026 window, clearing the stage for Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups to dominate the festive season.

According to industry insiders, Love and War has fallen significantly behind schedule and will no longer meet its previously targeted March–April 2026 release. The film, which brings together Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal for the first time, is now expected to hit theatres in the second half of 2026, most likely around June or later.

“The film is running about 40 days behind schedule,” a production source revealed. “Nearly 75 days of shooting are still pending. Bhansali has asked Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky to block bulk dates till summer 2026 so the project can be completed smoothly.”

No Eid 2026 Clash After All

The delay effectively prevents what would have been one of the biggest box-office clashes in recent years — between Bhansali’s romantic saga Love and War and Yash’s genre-bending action romance Toxic.

Earlier this morning, Yash and the producers of Toxic reaffirmed their commitment to the Eid 2026 release, promising an “immersive cinematic experience” that blends fantasy, dark romance, and high-octane action. The film is reportedly being shot in both Kannada and English, making it one of the few bilingual large-scale productions in Indian cinema.

Industry analysts believe the shift could be beneficial for both films.

“It’s a blessing in disguise,” said a trade source. “Two pan-India films targeting the same weekend would have divided audiences. Now each has room to command the box office when it arrives.”

The Road Ahead

While Bhansali’s team has yet to issue an official statement, discussions are underway between the filmmaker and Ranbir Kapoor to finalize a revised release strategy. The makers are expected to make a formal announcement once shooting resumes in early 2026.

Meanwhile, Yash’s Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas and co-starring Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Akshay Oberoi, continues production on schedule. The project has generated massive buzz for its distinctive tone — described by the makers as “a fairy tale for adults” — and will mark Yash’s first big-screen outing since KGF: Chapter 2 (2022).

With Love and War moving out of Eid 2026 and Toxic standing firm, the festival now looks set to belong entirely to the Rocking Star.