Renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is facing a new legal challenge in Rajasthan, where a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against him and two of his team members. The complaint, filed in Bikaner, alleges fraud, criminal conspiracy, and breach of trust related to the production of his upcoming film, Love & War.
The FIR was lodged on Monday at the Bichhwal police station following a court order, after local police initially refused to register the case. The complaint was filed by Prateek Raj Mathur, a Jodhpur-based professional who claims he was appointed as a line producer for the film’s shoot in Bikaner. Mathur alleges that despite making all necessary arrangements for the August shoot—including securing government permissions and security—he was removed from the project without payment.
Allegations of Misbehavior and Breach of Trust
According to the complaint, Mathur claims that he was hired on a verbal agreement, with an email confirming his role, but a formal, written contract was never provided despite repeated requests. He further alleges that when he went to meet the film’s team at a hotel on August 17, Bhansali and two of his managers, Arvind Gill and Utkarsh Bali, misbehaved with him, pushed him, and threatened to obstruct his company’s future projects.
Police have confirmed that they are investigating the matter. This incident adds to a history of legal and public disputes for Bhansali in Rajasthan, particularly during the production and release of his film Padmaavat, which faced widespread protests.
Love & War is an ambitious project for Bhansali, an epic saga starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. The film, which has been in production in Rajasthan for much of the year, is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 20, 2026. Despite the legal hurdle, production is reportedly continuing, with sources indicating that the team plans to release the film’s first poster or teaser on Ranbir Kapoor’s birthday, September 28.