Internet Slams Alia Bhatt’s Cabaret Look in Love & War

The first-look poster of Alia Bhatt from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming period drama, Love & War, has sparked heavy debate online. While the movie is one of the most anticipated projects, Alia’s cabaret dancer avatar—featuring a wine-red sequinned outfit and feather accessories—failed to impress a large section of social media users.
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Within minutes of its release, the internet was flooded with mixed reactions. Many users on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) criticized the poster, calling it heavily edited or looking too much like “AI slop”. Several movie buffs pointed out that the overall mood, lighting, and retro styling felt derivative.

​Netizens quickly began comparing the aesthetic to other recent films, with comments calling it a mix of “Toxic meets Bombay Velvet”. Some users even felt the framing and heavy retouching made the actor look unrecognisable or unflattering, taking away from her natural appeal.

​Despite the online trolling and debates over digital touch-ups, the poster also received love from dedicated fans who praised the grand, old-school Bollywood glamour. Co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, Love & War is slated for a grand theatrical release, and these early discussions have undoubtedly pushed the film into the spotlight.