Padmaavat is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language historical drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It is an adaptation of the epic poem of the same name by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The film features a star-studded cast, including Deepika Padukone , Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh. Supporting roles are filled by Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim Sarbh, Raza Murad, and Anupriya Goenka
The story is set in medieval India and revolves around the beauty and valor of Rani Padmavati. Rani Padmavati is the wife of Ratan Singh, the Rajput ruler of Mewar. She is also the obsession of Alauddin Khalji, the Sultan of Delhi.
Who was Alauddin Khalji?
Set in the 13th century in Afghanistan and India, the narrative begins with the Khalji ruler, Jalal-ud-din Khalji. He is planning to take the throne of Delhi. His nephew, Alauddin Khalji, marries Jalaluddin’s daughter Mehrunisa, but the marriage is overshadowed by Alauddin’s ambition and misconduct. Alauddin murders a senior courtier who witnessed his adultery, further proving his terror. Soon after the wedding, Alauddin rises to power.
Meanwhile, in Singhal (present-day Sri Lanka), the Rajput ruler of Mewar, Maharawal Ratan Singh, is wounded during a hunting expedition and is treated by Princess Padmavati. Their encounter blossoms into love, leading to their marriage. Additionally, Padmavati moves to Mewar with Ratan Singh and becomes an integral part of his life and kingdom.
Why did Alauddin lay siege to Chittor?
Back in Delhi, Alauddin, after a successful military campaign against the Mongols, assassinates Jalaluddin and usurps the throne of Delhi. He becomes infatuated with Padmavati’s beauty after hearing about it from the banished priest, Raghav Chetan. Driven by his obsession, Alauddin invites the Rajputs to Delhi, but they refuse, leading to Alauddin laying siege to Chittor, Ratan Singh’s capital.
Alauddin’s relentless pursuit leads to a deceptive peace offering during the festival of Holi, where he is granted entry into Chittor. He demands to see Padmavati, but Ratan Singh cleverly allows Alauddin a glimpse of her reflection. However, the meeting turns into a trap, and Ratan Singh is captured and taken to Delhi.
In an audacious plan to rescue Ratan Singh, Padmavati agrees to meet Alauddin in Delhi, setting certain conditions. During this time, Alauddin survives an assassination attempt by his own nephew. Padmavati, along with two loyal generals, Gora and Badal, and with the help of Mehrunisa, Alauddin’s wife, successfully rescues Ratan Singh. However, their escape leads to a tragic confrontation.
Padmaavat ending: Was Chittor saved from Allauddin Khalji?
As the Rajputs plan an ambush against the Khilji forces, their plan is discovered, leading to a fierce battle. The Rajputs fight valiantly but are outnumbered. During the confrontation, Alauddin and Ratan Singh engage in a duel. Ratan Singh is mortally wounded by Kafur, Alauddin’s close aide, in a dishonorable attack, showcasing the difference in values between the Rajputs and Alauddin.
The film culminates in a poignant and tragic climax. As Alauddin’s forces overrun Chittor, the Rajput women, led by Padmavati, choose to commit Jauhar (mass self-immolation) to protect their honor from the invading army.
This act of collective bravery and sacrifice is a testament to their indomitable spirit and defiance against Alauddin, who, despite his military victory, fails in his quest to capture Padmavati. The film ends with Alauddin entering the fort only to find it empty, with the Rajput women having chosen death over dishonor, leaving him in furious despair.
