Padmaavat, Jodhaa Akbar and others: The best period dramas to watch on OTT

Period dramas are churned dime a dozen in Bollywood, but not all of them manage to catch the pulse of the audience. Often, filmmakers are accused of taking too many cinematic liberties and tweaking key facts of the narrative, leading to quite a lot of uproar from the audience. Regardless of that, the genre remains extremely popular, and leading filmmakers are often on the lookout for the perfect period drama script, that will not only entice the audience, but also pass on a key history lesson or two. If you are a fan of period dramas, here are some to binge watch on OTT...

Mughal-E-Azam narrates the timeless tale of love and rebellion amidst the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. It delves into the forbidden romance between Prince Salim and the mesmerizing court dancer, Anarkali, sparking a monumental clash between father and son, Emperor Akbar and Prince Salim. The film captures the essence of undying love and the struggles against societal norms with its stellar cast and captivating storyline, making it a classic in Indian cinema. Starring Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor in lead roles.

Set against the backdrop of the British East India Company's rule in India, Mangal Pandey: The Rising recounts the tale of Mangal Pandey, a sepoy whose rebellion against the introduction of rifle cartridges greased with animal fat played a pivotal role in sparking the Indian Rebellion of 1857. With Aamir Khan in the titular role, the film portrays the friendship between Mangal Pandey and British officer William Gordon, their camaraderie tested by the tumultuous events of the era. Co-starring Rani Mukerji and Ameesha Patel.

Based on the epic poem Padmavat, the film narrates the saga of Queen Padmavati of Chittor, her valor, and her sacrifice to defend her honor against the tyrant Sultan Alauddin Khilji. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Padmaavat is a visual spectacle, boasting breathtaking performances by Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor. It weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and valor against the backdrop of medieval India, captivating audiences with its grandeur.

Jodhaa Akbar chronicles the epic romance between Emperor Akbar, the illustrious ruler of the Mughal Empire, and Jodhaa, a fiery Rajput princess. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film captures the cultural richness and political intrigue of 16th-century India, portraying the evolving relationship between the emperor and his queen amidst the backdrop of imperial courts and battlegrounds. Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan deliver mesmerizing performances in this opulent saga.

Devdas unfolds the tragic tale of Devdas Mukherjee, a man whose love for Paro, forbidden by societal norms and familial discord, leads him down a path of self-destruction. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film is a poignant portrayal of unrequited love, despair, and redemption, set against the backdrop of colonial India. Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit Nene deliver powerful performances, breathing life into the characters immortalized by literature.