Padmaavat, the epic historical drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was one of the most highly anticipated Bollywood films of 2018. The film, which was initially plagued by controversies and delays, eventually released on January 25, 2018, and went on to become a massive success at the box office.
Controversies and Hurdles
The film faced several controversies and hurdles leading up to its release. The Rajput Karni Sena, a fringe group in India, claimed that the film distorted history and showed the queen Padmavati in a poor light. The group even vandalized the sets of the film and threatened violence if the film was released. This led to delays in the film’s release, with the makers being forced to change the title from Padmavati to Padmaavat and make several modifications to the film.
Despite the controversies, Padmaavat was finally released on January 25, 2018, in India and several other countries. The film opened to rave reviews from critics and audiences alike and went on to become a massive success at the box office.
Box Office Collection
Padmaavat grossed over Rs. 585 crore ($80 million) worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The film earned over Rs. 300 crore ($40 million) in India alone, making it the second-highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time.
The film’s box office success was due to a combination of factors, including its grand scale, stunning visual effects, powerful performances, and engaging storyline. The film’s lead actors, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh, were widely praised for their performances, with Singh in particular being lauded for his portrayal of the antagonist, Alauddin Khilji.
Impact on Indian Cinema
Padmaavat’s success had a profound impact on Indian cinema. The film’s massive box office collection demonstrated the power and potential of Indian cinema to compete with Hollywood on a global scale. It also showcased the immense talent of Indian filmmakers, who were able to create a film that was both visually stunning and emotionally powerful.
The film’s success also paved the way for other historical dramas and epic films in Bollywood. Filmmakers now have more confidence in making big-budget films with grand sets and stunning visual effects, as they know that there is a market for such films.
The film’s success also brought attention to the issue of censorship in India. The controversy surrounding Padmaavat highlighted the need for a more transparent and fair system of certification and censorship in the country. It also brought attention to the issue of free speech, with many people calling for greater artistic freedom and creative expression.
Critical Acclaim
In addition to its massive box office success, Padmaavat was also praised by critics for its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and engaging storyline. The film won several awards, including Best Music Director and Best Playback Singer (Male) at the 2018 National Film Awards.
The film’s director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was also widely praised for his vision and direction. Bhansali is known for his epic historical dramas and has directed several other highly acclaimed films, including Devdas and Bajirao Mastani.
Conclusion
Padmaavat’s massive box office collection and critical acclaim have cemented its place in the history of Indian cinema. The film’s success demonstrated the power and potential of Indian cinema to compete with Hollywood on a global scale and paved the way for other historical dramas and epic films in Bollywood.
