Sanjay Bhansali is a respected name in Bollywood. He has to his credit, numerous hits and thought-provoking films.His last Film on the Maratha warrior Baji Rao and his love for a Mulsim princess was a hit at the box office. The film starred Ranvir Singh and Deepika Padukone. The duo has also been romantically linked and are at the apex of their careers. Sanjay Bhansali has now brought the film about the lust of the ruler of Delhi, Sultan Allauddin Khilji for the queen of Chittor, Rani Padmavati to the screen. The film is based on historical fact that took place in the 13th century.
Reports of the film and its release were published by the Indian Express.
The historical tale
The historical tale relates that Allauddin was a great warrior, but a cruel ruler. He had heard of the beauty of the queen of Chittor, a state in Western India about 1000 km from Delhi. The thought of possessing Padmavati for his harem obsessed him and he marched and laid siege to the city of Chittor. But he agreed to go away if he could get a glimpse of the queen. The Rana of Chittor, husband of Padmavati agreed and showed to Allauddin a reflection of the queen in a mirror. Allauddin went away, but he was obsessed by the beauty of the queen and the next year he marched against Chittor. In the battle, Allauddin prevailed and the Rana led the last charge against the force of Allauddin and was killed.
As per Rajput tradition, Padmavati and her handmaidens committed the act of "Jauhar," death by jumping into a flame, and killed themselves to save their honor. Allauddin thus failed in his objective.
Deepika in Hollywood
This tale has now been brought to the screen by Bhansali and the film is slated for release on 1 December this year.
The role of Allauddin is played by Ranvir Singh and queen Padmavati is portrayed by Deepika. One will recollect that she made her Hollywood debut when she starred opposite Vin Diesel in "Return of Xander Cage." However, she has lagged behind the other Indian girl in Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra
Political controversy
The film has generated a lot of interest in India and many people (mostly from the Rajput community), are opposed to the film for supposedly distorting facts.
This is a politically motivated controversy to pander to Hindu chauvinism. A group called the Karni Sena attacked the sets of the film while shooting was going on in Jaipur. Bhansali had no choice but to shift the shooting of the film to MP, reported by the Hindustan Times
Despite this, the film is due to be released on 01 December. The promotional trailers have been released and the general opinion is that Ranvir has given a standout performance as Allauddin.
