Netflix has finally lifted the veil on its much-awaited original series “Heeramandi,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The trailer, released on Tuesday, promises a visual extravaganza akin to Bhansali’s cinematic masterpieces, albeit in the form of a web series.
Set in pre-independence India, “Heeramandi” delves into a world where the ‘tawaif’ wields significant influence over the visiting ‘nawabs.’ As slogans of ‘Inquilab’ echo through the air, even the women of Heeramandi’s palaces find themselves drawn into the burgeoning freedom struggle.
Manisha Koirala portrays the enigmatic head of the palace, where women are trained in the arts of seduction through dance and song. Sonakshi Sinha embodies the rebellious spirit seeking to carve out her own identity, while Aditi Rao Hydari’s character emerges as a leader in the fight for independence. The trailer also features Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman in pivotal roles.
“Heeramandi” serves as an extension of Bhansali’s signature style, reminiscent of his cinematic spectacles like “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” “Padmaavat,” and “Devdas.” The opulent sets, intricate costumes, and poetic dialogues transport viewers to a mesmerizing realm crafted by the filmmaker.
This marks Bhansali’s foray into the realm of web series, and during the 2023 launch announcement, he addressed perceptions of being a demanding director, stating, “There’s nothing like that. I’m not a taskmaster… We just sit over there and find a moment which emerges out of discussion and conversation… and that moment of magic comes to us.”
“Heeramandi” is scheduled to premiere on May 1 exclusively on Netflix. Bhansali has already set his sights on his next cinematic venture, “Love and War,” featuring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal.
