Deepika Padukone
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 2, 2017)

Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmavati is gearing up to hit screens in across 150 countries. Should the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed outing procure the essential permissions, it will be the first Indian film to attempt this wide a global release. Mounted on a budget of Rs 180 crore, the historic drama, also starring Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, is being promoted by Hollywood studio Paramount Pictures, which is backing the worldwide release.

Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom Motion Pictures, the Indian distributors of Padmavati, tells mid-day, "Paramount and Viacom have a long-standing relationship. This story is universal. Historical films have the power to mesmerise people, whether or not the audience is familiar with the culture. This is also the reason behind the mammoth success of Game Of Thrones [American series]. Also, Deepika Padukone's global appeal, given that she starred in XXX: Return Of Xander Cage, is another bonus." Andhare adds that while the Hollywood studio was happy with what they saw of the film in the trailer, the makers have more to offer with the entire outing. "We kept them informed about the developments while filming."

The film will release in places that have a sizeable Indian population, including the US, UK, Fiji, Singapore, Malaysia and Middle East. "Once the film garners attention through positive word-of-mouth and social media, we might also consider taking it to China. It's a large market, and Paramount' influence could be crucial."

The makers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a successful run at the domestic box-office too, eyeing a release in 4,500 screens. With this feat, Padmavati will become the biggest release in India as well, given that both Dangal and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, touted to be the biggest Indian films, hit fewer screens.