Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali takes us to the palatial bungalows and bylanes of colonial Pakistan’s largest red light district to narrate an epic saga of love, power and freedom with his OTT debut Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, the first-look teaser of which was dropped by streaming platform Netflix on Thursday.
Featuring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hyadri, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Segal and Richa Chadha, the first-look clip offers a glimpse into the world of courtesans with imposing sets and haunting music reminiscent of Bhansali’s previous works.
During the Mughal reign in the 15th and 16th centuries, Heeramandi functioned as the primary center of prostitution in Lahore, a role the market maintained even under British colonial rule.
The teaser begins with a lively portrayal of the area's dance culture as Sharmin and Aditi elegantly perform kathak mudras. Clad in yellow attire and matching ornaments, the dancers engage in a depiction of female camaraderie as they embrace one another.
However, with the introduction of Sonakshi, the ambience instantly turns menacing, gloomy and volatile. Streets outside the brothel are ravaged by protestors, thereby compelling the women of Heeramandi to pick up arms.
The makers recently shared a concept poster on social media, teasing the revelation of Heeramandi’s first look.
“Get ready for the first look at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's majestic world of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, arrives tomorrow,” the streaming platform wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
Bhansali has also joined hands with Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal for his epic saga Love and War, slated to hit the theatres during Christmas next year.