Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt could be heading towards another collaboration after their upcoming period drama Love & War. According to recent reports, the filmmaker and actor are in discussions to revive Inshallah, the ambitious project that was originally announced in 2019 but was eventually shelved.
The development has generated considerable interest because Inshallah was initially planned as a collaboration between Bhansali, Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt. However, the original version never went on floors after Salman Khan’s exit from the project and reported creative differences.
Now, industry reports suggest that Bhansali is once again exploring the story with Alia. However, this is reportedly not simply a revival of the exact film that was announced seven years ago. The script and material are said to be undergoing substantial changes, with the filmmaker looking at a fresh approach to the story.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt in Talks for Inshallah
According to a report by Mid-Day, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt have begun conversations about revisiting Inshallah after completing their work on Love & War.
The report suggests that the core story could remain intact, but Bhansali intends to rework the material and give the project a new treatment. This means that the version eventually made, if the project moves ahead, could be significantly different from the one originally announced in 2019.
The report also indicates that casting decisions have not yet been finalised. Bhansali is reportedly focusing on the script before deciding who will eventually play the male lead.
Therefore, while Alia Bhatt’s possible return to Inshallah is generating headlines, audiences should wait for an official announcement before considering the project fully confirmed.
What Was the Original Inshallah Project?
Inshallah was officially announced in 2019 as a Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial starring Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt.
The project immediately attracted attention because it would have brought together two major Bollywood stars with Bhansali. For Alia, it would also have marked another collaboration with the filmmaker after Gangubai Kathiawadi.
However, the film was eventually shelved before production began. Salman Khan’s departure from the project changed the plans surrounding the movie, and Bhansali subsequently moved forward with other projects.
The filmmaker then directed Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt, which became an important collaboration for both. Alia’s performance in the film was widely recognised, and she later won the National Award for Best Actress for the role.
Why Inshallah Could Be Different This Time
The biggest difference between the original Inshallah and the reported new version is the script.
According to the latest report, Bhansali is not simply taking the old screenplay and restarting production. Instead, the filmmaker is reportedly looking at the story again and developing a reworked version.
A source quoted by Mid-Day said the core story remains, but the material will be reworked and given a fresh spin.
This approach would allow Bhansali to retain the central idea while adapting the film to his current creative vision.
It also means that assumptions about the original cast, characters and storyline may no longer apply to the proposed version.
Will Salman Khan Return to Inshallah?
At present, there is no confirmation that Salman Khan will return to Inshallah.
The original film was planned with Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt. However, the latest reports indicate that Bhansali wants to finalise the material before making casting decisions.
This is important because the revived project could potentially have a completely different male lead.
According to Mid-Day, names including Shah Rukh Khan had previously been linked to the project, but no casting decision has been locked. The report also notes that the story could eventually require a younger actor.
Therefore, reports about Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan joining the new Inshallah should currently be treated as speculation rather than confirmed casting.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Name Was Previously Linked to Inshallah
Before the latest update, Shah Rukh Khan’s name had also been associated with the possibility of playing the male lead in Inshallah.
However, the latest report suggests that Bhansali has not finalised the casting because the screenplay itself is still being worked on.
This follows a familiar approach for Bhansali, whose films often depend heavily on the final script, characterisation and overall creative vision.
Until the filmmaker officially announces the cast, the identity of Alia Bhatt’s potential co-star remains unknown.
Alia Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Collaboration
Alia Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have already created a strong professional association.
Their first major collaboration was Gangubai Kathiawadi, in which Alia played the titular character. The film became one of the most significant performances of her career and earned her the National Award for Best Actress.
Their next collaboration is Love & War, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
The film is scheduled to release in theatres on January 21, 2027, and its shooting has already been completed. The project is now moving through post-production.
If Inshallah moves forward with Alia, it would mark another major collaboration between the actor and filmmaker.
Love & War Comes Before Inshallah
Before any potential Inshallah reunion, Bhansali and Alia have Love & War on their slate.
The film stars Alia Bhatt alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. It is described as an ambitious romantic drama set against a wartime backdrop.
The film has been in production for an extended period, with filming finally wrapping in September 2026. It is now scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on January 21, 2027, in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
Recent promotional material has also increased anticipation around the film, including Alia’s retro-inspired first look released in September.
Alia Bhatt’s Busy Line-Up
Alia Bhatt currently has several major projects associated with her name.
She is expected to headline Alpha, Yash Raj Films’ female-led spy thriller, before Love & War. Reports have also linked her with projects such as Housewife and other upcoming films.
However, the schedule of her future projects can change, particularly because Inshallah itself is still in the discussion stage.
The reported revival therefore adds another potentially major title to an already busy professional slate.
What Could the New Inshallah Be About?
Very little is currently known about the reworked version of Inshallah.
The original project was described as a love story, but the latest reports do not reveal detailed information about the new screenplay.
Since Bhansali is reportedly reworking the material, the characters, setting and tone could potentially evolve from the original concept.
For now, the safest description is that Inshallah remains a proposed revival of Bhansali’s shelved romantic project, with Alia Bhatt reportedly in discussions to continue with the film.
Why the Inshallah Revival Is Creating Buzz
The possibility of Inshallah returning is significant for several reasons.
First, the project has remained one of Bhansali’s most discussed shelved films since its 2019 announcement.
Second, Alia Bhatt’s association with the filmmaker has grown considerably since the original announcement. Their collaboration on Gangubai Kathiawadi produced an acclaimed performance, while Love & War brings them together again.
Third, the question of the male lead adds another layer of curiosity. With Salman Khan no longer attached to the original version and no new actor officially confirmed, speculation about potential casting is likely to continue.
When Will Inshallah Release?
There is currently no confirmed release date for the reported new version of Inshallah.
The project is still at the discussion and development stage according to the latest reports. The screenplay reportedly needs to be reworked before casting decisions are finalised.
Therefore, any specific release date currently circulating online should be treated as unconfirmed.
Will Alia Bhatt Definitely Star in Inshallah?
Alia Bhatt is reportedly in discussions with Sanjay Leela Bhansali about reviving Inshallah, but an official announcement confirming her participation in the new version has not yet been made.
The latest reports indicate that Bhansali wants to finalise the script before locking the cast.
This means the project should currently be described as being in development rather than officially greenlit with a confirmed cast.
