Vicky Kaushal’s first look from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited period drama Love & War is finally out, and it has immediately sparked speculation about his character.
While Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s first looks had already given fans a glimpse into the film’s visual world, Kaushal’s poster brings a noticeably darker and more intense mood.
The actor is seen with a cigarette between his lips, smoke partially covering his face, a thick moustache and a visible scar on his forehead. His intense stare and rugged styling have prompted some fans to wonder whether his character could have an antagonistic edge.
However, the first look itself does not confirm that Kaushal is playing a villain.
Vicky Kaushal’s intense first look
In the newly released poster, Kaushal holds a silver lighter as he lights a cigarette. His eyes remain fixed on the camera while his furrowed brows and facial scar add to the character’s hardened appearance.
He is dressed in a dark collared shirt and accessorised with a gold ring, completing the period-inspired, rugged look.
The makers unveiled the poster with the caption, “Nazre milengi, lekin hatengi nahin!”, announcing the film’s theatrical release for January 21, 2027.
Fans debate whether Vicky is the antagonist
The poster’s darker visual treatment has led to considerable discussion among fans about Kaushal’s role in the film.
Some viewers on Reddit compared the apparent contrast between Kaushal’s character and Ranbir Kapoor’s look to the dynamic between Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in Bhansali’s Padmaavat.
One Reddit user described Kaushal’s look as giving more of an “antagonist” impression than that of a conventional co-lead.
The comparison remains purely speculative. Neither Bhansali nor the makers have confirmed that Kaushal is playing the antagonist in Love & War.
Love & War posters reveal contrasting moods
With the first looks of all three principal actors now revealed, the posters appear to present distinctly different visual moods.
Ranbir’s first look featured a vintage turquoise convertible, while Alia appeared in a dramatic red, retro-inspired setting. Kaushal’s poster, by contrast, leans into darker colours, smoke and a more intimidating expression.
The contrast has added to curiosity about how the three characters will be connected within Bhansali’s period war drama.
What is Love & War about?
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Love & War stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in the lead roles.
The film is scheduled to release in theatres on January 21, 2027, and is expected to be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
As the makers gradually unveil more details about the characters, the question surrounding Kaushal’s role is likely to remain one of the film’s biggest talking points.