Padmavati song: Deepika's 'Ghoomar' is enthralling introduction to legendary tale

Ever since the release of the first poster of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic Padmavati, the buzz for the film's music and dance sequences has been building up. Knowing the director's record of filming lavishly mounted and beautifully shot dance sequences, it was no surprise that social media has been abuzz with expectaction for the release of the film's first song, 'Ghoomar'.

Sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Swaroop Khan, Ghoomar is a traditional dance performed by Rajput women on auspicious occasions. The song features Deepika Padukone's Padmavati arriving as the new bride at the castle of rawal (king) Ratan Singh. The 'Ghoomar' dance then becomes her initiation and welcome into the Rajput royal household. While Padukone looks fiercely confident and utterly graceful performing this revolving dance, she is watched closely by Shahid Kapoor's Ratan Singh.

The song is beautifully picturized, as might be expected of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali production, with its gorgeous costumes and choreography. The low lighting and sepia-tinted glow of dusk add to the graceful choreography.

Swaroop Khan brings in a strong traditional voice with his wonderful classical introduction into the song. Ghoshal's serene tone joins Khan as the song proceeds.

Bhansali has deviated very marginally from the traditional format of the song, keeping true to its rhythm and movement. While it feels a little underwhelming, as the song does not touch the climactic frenzy expected, it certainly delivers a good opening to the soundtrack of Padmavati.

The director has reportedly told sources how 'Ghoomar' remains the track closest to his heart, and Padukone recently spoke about training with traditional ghoomar dancers for the sequence. The hard work shows, but the song still falls a little short of its impact sonically. As for the visuals, they are captivating and surreal, raising the expectation for Bhansali's film when it arrives.

Padmavati stars Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Aditi Rao Hydari in pivotal roles. The film is set to be released on 1 December 2017. You can predict the film's box-office performance here.