The contrasting visuals have left much of the character’s story open
Vicky Kaushal has finally been unveiled in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, with the actor’s striking first look offering fans their first glimpse of his mysterious character.
The highly anticipated film marks Kaushal’s first collaboration with Bhansali, bringing him together with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt for a dramatic story that has generated considerable attention.
The first look features Kaushal in two contrasting images, highlighting what appears to be different sides of his character.
In one image, the actor is seen lighting a cigarette while looking upwards with an intense expression. The moody portrait presents Kaushal in a serious and brooding setting.
The second image shows a noticeably softer side, with Kaushal emerging drenched from a swimming pool while holding a bouquet of white flowers.
The contrasting visuals have left much of the character’s story open to interpretation, with the imagery raising questions about the role he will play alongside Kapoor and Bhatt.
The reveal is accompanied by an orchestral soundtrack featuring sweeping strings and trumpets, adding to the cinematic atmosphere surrounding Kaushal’s introduction.
The imagery also places emphasis on recurring elements including fire, water, and white flowers. While the significance of these details has not been revealed, they add further mystery to the character.
Vicky Kaushal’s role in Love & War has remained closely guarded, particularly as audiences have speculated about the relationship between his character and those played by Kapoor and Bhatt.
The three actors are at the centre of the film, with Love & War expected to explore romance, conflict and complicated relationships against Bhansali’s distinctive visual style.
For Kaushal, the project represents a major creative collaboration with Bhansali, who is known for his elaborate productions and detailed approach to storytelling.
The first look also gives audiences an early indication that Kaushal’s character could have both an intense and vulnerable side.
Love & War is written, directed and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.
The film is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on January 21, 2027, across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages.
With Kaushal’s first look now revealed, anticipation is building to see how his character fits into the film’s central story and the complicated dynamic between the three leads.
