Padmavati trailer: Meet Deepika the beauty and Ranveer Singh the beast in Bhansali epic

It is a forgone conclusion that a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film would be a grand affair. The question is: Can Bhansali take the grandeur, opulence a few notches higher? The CGI-heavy (computer-generated imagery) trailer of his upcoming film is enough to suggest that Padmavati is likely to be the most opulent film by Bhansali.

The 3.10-minute trailer hooks you right from the beginning. It has little dialogue, but the visuals serve as a basic introduction to the principal characters — Rani Padmavati (Deepika Padukone), Raja Rawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) and the antagonist Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh). 

The trailer stands out particularly for the CGI-heavy scenes on the battle field and a desert storm.

While Padukone looks resplendent as Rani Padmavati, Kapoor's body language gives an impression of a true blue Rajput. The duo is sharing screen space for the first time and they look fabulous as a pair. If Padukone is the ethereal beauty, it’s Singh as the beast Alauddin Khilji that leaves you in an awe that is oddly discomforting.

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Bhansali’s scarface Khilji comes across as demonic in nature. The visuals of Khilji devouring meat like an animal is prominently shocking.

Will there be a romantic connection between Singh and Padukone in this film? The scary persona of Khilji is enough to do away with such unwarranted hopes. This Khilji is a beast and a narcissist. Would the 13th century ruthless Sultan, who didn’t spare his own relatives, stop at anything to conquer the Rajput kingdom? We'll have to wait and watch.

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Kapoor's Raja Rawal Ratan Singh outlines the strength and pride of the Rajputs in the beginning of the trailer. His voiceover also seems like an attempt in appeasing the anti-social elements that attacked the crew and vandalised the sets of Padmavati during the shooting.

The visuals are exemplary and Bhansali has managed to create a gripping trailer.   

Padmavati is set to be released on 1 December.

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Watch the extravagant trailer below: