Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming period film Padmavati has got a shot in the arm with global studio Paramount Pictures all set to distribute it in the international market.

The Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Sanjay Leela Bhansali production opens in India on December 1.

“This is a first ever collaboration of this kind with Paramount Pictures releasing a Viacom18 Hindi feature across international markets,” said Ajit Andhare, CEO, Viacom18 Motion Pictures.

Padmavati stars Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khuilji and Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Viacom18 Motion Pictures on this exciting new release. Padmavati, has all the makings of a hit film and we are excited to bring Sanjay's incredible vision to audiences across the international market place," said Megan Colligan, spokesperson of Paramount Pictures.

Viacom18 has co-produced Padmavati along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali production. It opens in India on December 1. Viacom18 is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. and Network18 Media & Investments Ltd, also owned by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd.

The film tells the story of Rani Padmavati, the legendary Mewar queen known as much for her beauty and intelligence as she was for her courage; her husband Maharawal Ratan Singh, a glorious Rajput ruler and a warrior king who fought until his dying breath to defend his kingdom and his wife’s honour; and Sultan Alauddin Khilji, an ambitious and obsessive invader, who left no stone unturned in his pursuit of Padmavati.

comment COMMENT NOW