Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the master of grandeur and visual opulence, is all set to take his upcoming magnum opus Love & War to Madhya Pradesh. After months of intense shooting in Mumbai, and plans for Europe, the filmmaker has locked Mhow, a historic military town, as the next backdrop for his highly anticipated period drama.
Why Mhow? The Perfect Period Canvas
Mhow — also known as Dr Ambedkar Nagar — is steeped in history. Established in 1818 by John Malcolm during the British Raj, it once served as the headquarters of the 5th (Mhow) Division of the Southern Command. Today, it houses three premier Indian Army training institutions.
The location is not just picturesque; it’s politically and culturally loaded. Mhow is the birthplace of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, a fact that adds depth to its identity beyond military heritage.
The Shoot Details — Precision Planning, Military Discipline
- Schedule Duration: ~15 days (awaiting final permissions)
- Main Cast for MP Shoot: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal
- Reason for Location Choice: Authentic pre-independence artillery and architecture for the film’s period setting
- Next Stop: Italy in October for the next leg of filming
The production team reportedly zeroed in on the British-era army base to recreate war-time visuals with historic accuracy. This isn’t a CGI-heavy shortcut — Bhansali is known for building his worlds with tangible, lived-in authenticity.
Behind the Glamour — High Stakes and Tight Deadlines
While Love & War is scheduled for a 2026 release, industry whispers point to delayed timelines due to the scale of production. Bhansali, however, appears unfazed, preferring perfection over punctuality — a habit that’s both his trademark and his critics’ favorite talking point.
The Madhya Pradesh schedule will reportedly feature major confrontation and bonding scenes between Kapoor and Kaushal’s characters, setting the emotional foundation for the film’s central conflicts.
The Bigger Picture — Love, Friendship, and Sacrifice
Billed as a passionate love story set against a fictional war, Love & War promises not just visual spectacle but layered human drama. With Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal front-lining, and Bhansali’s obsessive attention to detail, the project has already become one of the most talked-about films in the industry.
In an age where many filmmakers rely on green screens, Bhansali’s decision to shoot at real heritage sites is both a creative statement and a gamble. If executed flawlessly, Love & War could redefine how Bollywood handles historical fiction. If not, it risks becoming a cautionary tale of ambition overreach.
By – Nikita