'Mughal-e-Azam', 'Devdas', 'Jodhaa Akbar', 'Padmaavat': Step into Bollywood films that built their own breathtaking cinematic worlds

K. Asif’s 'Mughal-e-Azam' raised the bar for period filmmaking in India. Its legendary Sheesh Mahal set was built using imported Belgian glass and took years to complete. Emperor Akbar’s courtroom and the prison sequences were crafted with a level of detail unheard of in the 1960s. The shimmering reflection of Madhubala in “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya” showcased the grandeur of the era. Even today, the film’s sets inspire designers working on historical epics.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Devdas' was crafted as a visual opera with breathtaking detailing. Paro’s elegant haveli and Chandramukhi’s mesmerising kotha were constructed entirely in Film City with marble floors, stained-glass windows, and ornamental pillars. These sets recreated a stylised version of 1900s Bengal while retaining cultural authenticity. With a budget of over ₹20 crores at the time, the art direction redefined luxury in Indian cinema. The red-glowing kotha during the song "Maar Daala" remains one of the most iconic Bollywood visuals.

Ashutosh Gowariker’s 'Jodhaa Akbar' recreated the Mughal and Rajput worlds with meticulous precision. Constructed at ND Studios, the sets featured intricately carved stonework, Mughal arches, and regal courtyards. The Amer-inspired palace interiors added emotional depth to the romance between Jodhaa and Akbar. The wedding mandap, glowing with traditional lamps, felt like a living slice of royal history. Every frame showcased an authentic blend of architectural influences.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali designed 'Padmaavat' with contrasting visual palettes to mirror its characters. The Chittor palace was rich with Rajasthani motifs, pastel stonework, and expansive halls. Alauddin Khilji’s palace, by contrast, carried a dark, rough, and menacing visual style. The film’s sets enhanced the emotional stakes of the story without overwhelming it. The Ghoomar sequence, featuring hundreds of diyas illuminating a marble hall, remains unforgettable.

The epic 'Baahubali: The Beginning' blended real sets and CGI to create the mythical kingdom of Mahishmati. Ramoji Film City housed enormous structures like the royal court, the war arena, and the elephant statue. These elements contributed to a fantasy world with its own architectural language. The scale of the sets rivalled international productions. The visuals helped elevate the film into a genre-defining milestone for Indian cinema.

Farah Khan’s 'Om Shanti Om' recreated the flamboyance of the 1970s with affectionate detail. The film featured retro studios, shimmering disco-lit stages, and exaggerated Bollywood backdrops. Dream sequences were mounted on lavish sets with golden statues and mirrored floors. The reincarnation twist took place within a meticulously recreated film set. Each element captured the glamour and melodrama of vintage cinema.

'Kalank' showcased some of the most ambitious sets created by Dharma Productions. The fictional town of Husnabad blended Indo-Islamic architectural styles with muted colours and emotional depth. Handcrafted structures included an elaborate Durga Puja pandal and detailed lanes of a bygone era. The Ram Navami dance sequence was shot on a massive, custom-built stage. The sets added an atmospheric richness that defined the film’s tone.

In 'Lagaan', authenticity took precedence over extravagance. The village of Champaner was built from scratch in Bhuj, complete with real mud houses and hand-crafted artefacts. The cast lived within the village set to stay immersed in their roles. This realism added depth to the cricket sequences, giving them emotional power. The film’s commitment to naturalistic design remains a benchmark in historical storytelling.