Ranbir Kapoor’s first look from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly anticipated film Love & War has been unveiled, offering audiences their first official glimpse of the actor’s mysterious character ahead of the film’s worldwide theatrical release in January 2027.
The newly released poster presents Kapoor in a striking vintage avatar, seated behind the wheel of a classic car. Wearing sunglasses and a light-coloured outfit, the actor appears calm and composed, while his bruised and bloodied arm provides a stark contrast to the otherwise understated visual.
The image immediately raises questions about the character’s story. The visible injuries suggest that Kapoor’s character has been through a serious confrontation, but the poster deliberately reveals little about what happened or the circumstances surrounding the apparent wound.
Adding another layer to the reveal is the music accompanying the first look. Rather than relying on an intense or dramatic soundscape, the promotional material uses a smooth retro-inspired track with rock and jazz influences, creating a distinctly vintage atmosphere around Kapoor’s appearance.
That contrast between the character’s injured appearance and his relaxed attitude adds to the mystery surrounding the film. The visual presentation, colour palette, styling and soundtrack appear designed to offer clues about the world of Love & War without giving away the character’s complete identity or journey.
The film marks another collaboration between Kapoor and Bhansali nearly two decades after the actor made his acting debut with the filmmaker’s Saawariya in 2007. Their reunion has been closely followed since Love & War was announced, particularly because Kapoor is now returning to Bhansali’s cinematic world in a substantially different role.
Love & War also brings together Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal as the central cast. The three actors are appearing together in a Bhansali film for the first time, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.
The first look has also intensified curiosity around the relationships between the three principal characters. Details about their individual roles and the precise nature of the story have been kept closely guarded, leaving audiences to interpret the visual clues while waiting for further promotional material.
The release of Kapoor’s poster comes as the film moves into a more visible promotional phase following the completion of its principal shoot. Recent reports have indicated that Bhansali has also undertaken additional filming for the war portions of the movie, with Kapoor, Bhatt and Kaushal returning for the schedule.
Written and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Love & War is scheduled to arrive worldwide in cinemas on 21 January 2027. The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, giving the project a broad theatrical reach across Indian-language markets.
With the first glimpse now public, attention is expected to turn towards the next stages of the film’s promotional campaign. Further character reveals, songs, trailers and story details could gradually provide audiences with a clearer picture of the roles played by Kapoor, Bhatt and Kaushal.
For now, Ranbir Kapoor’s bloodied yet composed appearance has offered only a small window into Bhansali’s latest cinematic world. The combination of the vintage styling, mysterious injuries and carefully selected music leaves much of the character’s story unanswered, keeping the focus firmly on what Love & War will reveal next.
