‘Animal Hangover Is Still Strong…’ First Look Of Ranbir Kapoor From Love And War Faces Criticism

Ranbir Kapoor’s first look from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War has finally arrived, but it has sparked an unexpected debate online. While the poster gives fans their first official glimpse of his character, several viewers compared its styling and tone to his Animal look.

Bhansali Productions unveiled the poster on Instagram on September 24. Ranbir is shown driving a vintage car while wearing a white T-shirt, glasses and a short buzz cut. His other hand appears bruised and bloodied, adding an intense touch to the otherwise simple look.

The caption read, “Woh rutba, woh raub, woh junoon!” Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt also shared the poster. Vicky confirmed the film’s January 21, 2027 release in his post.

The poster quickly drew criticism on Reddit. One user wrote, “Literally everything about this picture except that is very Animal coded though. No beard, but even the font reflects that tone.”

Another commented, “Animal hangover is still strong. And what's with the typography, looks really cheap.”

A third user said, “I am shocked to see SLB also following the whole animal style..I was not expecting it”

Another user quipped, “Animal in early 90s.”

Love & War brings Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film for the first time. It also reunites Ranbir with Bhansali nearly 20 years after Saawariya. Alia previously worked with the filmmaker on Gangubai Kathiawadi. Ranbir and Vicky have also shared the screen in Sanju, while Alia and Vicky appeared together in Raazi.

The makers have kept the plot largely under wraps. Reports describe the film as a period romantic war drama involving two officers and a woman caught in a complicated relationship. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ila Bedi Dutta have written the film, which also features Supriya Pathak.

The film completed its main shoot in September after production began in November 2024. It went through several schedules, with the final leg starting in August 2026. The project is now moving into post-production ahead of its January 21, 2027 theatrical release.

Earlier reports also said the makers took strict steps to protect details from leaking. An industry source told Hindustan Times, “The team of Love & War is leaving no stone unturned to protect the film’s world and prevent any content from leaking out. Not just the principal cast, but makers has reportedly asked a large section of the crew working on the project to sign strict NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements). Over 500 NDAs have already been signed or are currently in process, ensuring that information, visuals, or material from the sets do not make their way into the public domain.”