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Padmaavat

Padmaavat is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language epic historical drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Padmaavat is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language epic historical drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It is based on the 16th-century epic poem Padmaavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi and stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh. The film centers on Alauddin Khilji’s attack on the kingdom of Mewar and the legend of Queen Padmavati.

Plot and source material

The film adapts Malik Muhammad Jayasi's Padmaavat, a Sufi epic poem that presents a legendary account of Queen Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji. The film follows Khilji's campaign against the kingdom of Mewar after hearing of the queen's beauty.

Production

Padmaavat was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and produced under Bhansali Productions with major studio partners. Its release was delayed and heavily scrutinized amid controversy over historical representation.

Cast

The principal cast includes Deepika Padukone as Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Ratan Singh, and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji. Supporting roles include Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim Sarbh, Raza Murad, and Anupriya Goenka.

Release and reception

The film was released in 2018 and was screened theatrically in India under the title Padmaavat. It was widely discussed for both its commercial performance and the protests surrounding its release.

Key facts

  • The film is a 2018 Hindi epic historical drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
  • It is based on the 16th-century poem Padmaavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
  • The film stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh.
  • It faced major controversy in India before release over its depiction of history.
  • It became a major commercial success and is among the highest-grossing Indian films of its period.
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Canadian context

Padmaavat is available to Canadian audiences through international streaming and film distribution platforms, and it is notable to Canadian readers as a major Hindi-language historical drama from contemporary Indian cinema.

Frequently asked questions

What is Padmaavat?
Padmaavat is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language epic historical drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
What is Padmaavat based on?
It is based on the 16th-century epic poem Padmaavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
Who stars in Padmaavat?
The film stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles.
Who directed Padmaavat?
Padmaavat was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Why was Padmaavat controversial?
The film faced protests and criticism in India over claims that it distorted historical and cultural representation.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmaavat
    Supports: Director, release year, language, cast, and basis on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s poem.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-42048512
    Supports: Overview of the protests, controversy, and historical context of the film.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/padmaavat
    Supports: Genre, synopsis, and theatrical release date.
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/82739701
    Supports: Streaming availability, cast, language, and synopsis.
  5. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/padmaavat-2018
    Supports: Identification as a controversial adaptation of Jayasi’s epic poem.