FIR Registered Against Sanjay Leela Bhansali In Bikaner; Controversy Over ‘Love & War’ Shoot

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The FIR registered in Bikaner on September 1st was the genesis of many complications on the legal front for a particular filmmaker. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been accused of fraud, misbehavior, and breach of trust related to his upcoming film Love & War, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. 

This issue is going to serve as an obstacle for one of Bollywood’s most-awaited movies. As per the complaint, Mathur was hired as a line producer with multiple roles, including overseeing security and interfacing with government departments, but was later dropped from the project without a fee. 

The Allegations and FIR Details

Prateek Raj Mathur, a hospitality CEO, asserted that Bhansali Productions hired him as the line producer for Love & War, but he was later dismissed without pay. Mathur claimed that he secured the security, logistics, and government permits for the shooting of the film will be released in Rajasthan. Even though he had email confirmation of his role, no official contract was ever signed. 

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Mathur alleges that on the 17th of August, 2025, Bhansali and team members Arvind Gill and Utkarsh Bali physically abused him in a Bikaner hotel, including with threats. After a court order, the Bichhwal police registered the FIR based on the allegations of fraud, criminal conspiracy, and intimidation.

Influence on the Sector and Manufacturing

Bhansali is believed to have filmed some pricier sequences, such as the showdown, in Rajasthan. Alia Bhatt’s, Ranbir Kapoor’s, and Vicky Kaushal’s action sequences, along with the focal point of the love saga, ‘Love & War,’ are scheduled for launch on March 20, 2026. No one from Bhansali Productions has addressed the media slam. 

Industry experts mention that these types of disputes point to chronic problems with contract clarity in Bollywood production team-ups.

Upcoming Steps and Legal Matters 

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The matter is under the investigation of Bichhwal SHO Govind Singh Charan, who is looking into issues of financial fraud and breach of contract. Mathur’s court action illustrates the seriousness of the allegations. 

Legal professionals say that if an extended case develops, it will have some impact on the resolution of the film, and possibly on the scheduling for non-movie projects. The effect this decision may have on how producers can be held accountable for productions in the future is also curious.

Changes to the Status of Love & War

The FIR lodged against Sanjay Leela Bhansali complicates the production of Love & War, bringing legal issues into the Bollywood glamour. The industry responds with vigilant concern, striving to align imaginative and innovative objectives with the necessary ethical and legal standards. The outcome of this situation will be a huge factor in the protocols the Indian film industry adopts for future productions.


Bollywood's Ethical and Legal Crossroad

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The FIR lodged against Sanjay Leela Bhansali complicates the production of Love & War, bringing legal issues into the Bollywood glamour. The investigation continues to unfold, and the industry watches with caution, attempting to balance the creative goals with the appropriate ethical and legal behaviors. This particular outcome will greatly influence the workflows of the Indian film industry in their upcoming projects. 

I would like to bring attention to the fact that the investigation continues to be watched closely in the film business, underlining the tension between creative work and workplace discipline. Bhansali, who is wading in controversy as always, is tied with conflict concerning his production and with the old fire of his earlier films, including Padmaavat.