Silks, swords & stories: When Bollywood mastered the period aesthetic

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s eye for detail turned Bajirao Mastani into a period film that felt like a moving painting. The Maratha Peshwa-era grandeur was captured through authentic architecture, vibrant sarees, warrior costumes, and traditional weaponry. The blend of dramatic lighting and ornate interiors gave each frame a timeless, regal touch that was historically rooted yet cinematically bold.