Numerous tributes to Rajput honour; Alauddin Khilji as a wild-eyed and meat-chomping invader; Deepika Padukone as a glistening symbol of honour: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati should keep his detractors happy.
The trailer of Bhansali’s latest historical epic was released at 13.03pm: a supposed reference to 1303 AD, when Khilji conquered Chittor.
Based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem Padmavat, the film features Padukone as the fictional queen Padmini of Chittor. Shahid Kapoor stars as her husband Rawal Ratan Singh while Ranveer Singh plays the antagonist, whose lust for Padmini leads to war and destruction. Jim Sarbh plays Khilji’s scheming advisor. The film is scheduled to be released on December 1.
The shooting of Padmavati has faced several roadblocks from Rajasthan-based right wing groups, who have accused Bhansali of distorting history and glorifying Khilji. Later, sets in Kolhapur in Maharashtra were set ablaze by unverified miscreants with petrol bombs.
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