For the past few months, the Indian film industry has been buzzing with anticipation over a potential cinematic showdown on Eid 2026. On one side, South Indian superstar Yash was set to arrive with his highly awaited film 'Toxic', while on the other, acclaimed Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was preparing to release his magnum opus 'Love And War', starring a formidable ensemble of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. This clash was poised to be one of the biggest box office battles of the year, while however, recent developments indicate that this mega-clash has been averted, paving the way for Yash's 'Toxic' to have a solo run at the box office during the festive Eid period.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Love And War' Faces Delays
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and grand cinematic vision, has reportedly fallen behind schedule on his ambitious project, 'Love And War'. According to reports, a significant portion of the film's production work remains incomplete, making it impossible for the makers to meet the Eid 2026 release deadline. This delay is primarily attributed to the extensive shooting schedule and Bhansali's characteristic perfectionism, which often requires more time than initially planned. As a result, the film's release date will have to be pushed back.
Extensive Shooting Schedule Remaining
Sources suggest that approximately 75 days of shooting for 'Love And War' are still pending. This is a substantial amount of work, especially when aiming for a specific release date. Bhansali has reportedly requested Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal to provide bulk dates until the summer of 2026 to complete the remaining portions of the film. The director aims to consolidate their schedules to expedite the process. It's evident that completing such a large volume of shooting by. Eid is unfeasible, putting the film roughly 40 days behind its original timeline.
Yash's 'Toxic' Set for Eid Domination
Both 'Love And War' and 'Toxic' are envisioned as pan-India films, targeting audiences across the country, while a direct clash between two such high-profile and large-scale productions could lead to significant financial losses for both parties. The makers of both films are well aware of these potential repercussions. Given that 'Love And War' couldn't meet its production timeline, the decision was made to avoid a head-on collision, while this is a pragmatic business decision that benefits both films, allowing each to maximize its box office potential without direct competition.
Meanwhile, South Indian superstar Yash's 'Toxic' is fully prepared to make a grand impact on Eid. The film is reportedly on its scheduled track, with production progressing at full speed. 'Toxic' has been shot in both Kannada and English, further enhancing its pan-India appeal. Yash and the film's makers are highly enthusiastic about presenting this movie to the audience. Yash already commands a massive fan base in the South, and his fans are eagerly awaiting this release. 'Toxic' is expected to be a major treat for his admirers, and now, with no major competition, it stands to benefit Notably from a solo Eid release.
Potential New Release Date for 'Love And War'
Should 'Love And War' withdraw from the Eid race, an early June release could be a potential new target date. Considering the tight deadlines, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his team will need to make a swift decision. It's anticipated that the director and the actors will soon finalize. A new release strategy for the film and make an official announcement. It remains to be seen when Bhansali will complete this ambitious project and when Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky's much-anticipated film will finally grace the big screens.
