Padmaavat is an Indian epic period drama film, released in January 2018, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It is based on the epic poem Padmavat written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540, which narrates the legendary tale of the Rajput queen Padmavati.

Plot Summary:

The film is set in medieval India and tells the story of Queen Padmavati, the beautiful and intelligent wife of King Ratan Singh of Mewar. The main plot revolves around the obsessive desire of Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi to capture Padmavati after hearing of her unmatched beauty. This leads to a tragic series of events where Khilji lays siege to the kingdom of Mewar, resulting in a fierce battle for honor, dignity, and love.

Main Cast:

  • Deepika Padukone as Queen Padmavati – the central character of the film, known for her beauty and strength.
  • Shahid Kapoor as King Ratan Singh – the brave and noble king of Mewar.
  • Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji – the ruthless and power-hungry ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Aditi Rao Hydari as Mehrunisa – Khilji's wife.

Themes:

The movie explores themes of love, sacrifice, honor, and the role of women in a male-dominated world. Padmavati’s character represents a symbol of strength, honor, and dignity, while Khilji’s character epitomizes obsession, lust, and cruelty.

Controversies:

The film faced significant controversy during its production, primarily because of the portrayal of historical figures and the film's perceived distortion of history. There were protests from various Rajput groups who believed the movie misrepresented Queen Padmavati and Rajput history, especially regarding the character of Sultan Alauddin Khilji. The film was also met with opposition from political parties, and several states initially banned its release.

Box Office and Reception:

Despite the controversies, Padmaavat was a commercial success, grossing over ₹585 crore (approximately $80 million) worldwide. The film was praised for its grandeur, spectacular sets, and stunning visuals, as well as the performances of the lead actors, particularly Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Alauddin Khilji.

Music:

The film's music, composed by Bhansali, became hugely popular. Songs like “Ghoomar,” “Ek Dil Ek Jaan,” and “Binte Dil” became instant hits and are known for their traditional and royal compositions.

Cinematic Aspects:

  • Visuals and Direction: Bhansali’s direction and his attention to detail in the period setting stood out, with elaborate costumes, sets, and large-scale battle sequences.
  • Acting: Deepika Padukone's portrayal of Padmavati was lauded for its grace and strength. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of the villainous Khilji was particularly acclaimed, earning him a lot of praise for his intense and memorable performance.

Overall, Padmaavat is considered one of the most visually stunning films of Bollywood and a significant achievement in terms of cinematic craftsmanship, despite the controversies it sparked.