It will be a sight to behold – if it happens! Yes, we admit we are keeping our fingers crossed about the grand Padmavati promotion event being planned, which will see the principal cast come together on one platform for the first time in Ahmedabad. Now that is pretty much taking the bull by the horns and we are so hoping it pays off.

The marketing strategy of this Sanjay Leela Bhansali magnum opus has clearly been rejigged. Eyebrows had been raised when Deepika had been the only star present at the 3D trailer launch of the film. The plan then had been to involve only Deepika in the promotions of the film. However, now individual promotions are a thing of the past; now the strategy is for the stars to go all out and win the day together. The decks have now been cleared for Deepika, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor to come together and embark on a cross-country promotional blitzkrieg.

All the principal players have wound up their individual commitments as well. Deepika is completing her dubbing, Ranveer has finished his shooting portion last week, and Shahid will be ready for the round of promotions post his holiday. Their combined dates have been acquired and the trio will go all out to promote the film.

In a bid to pour oil over already troubled waters, the makers had released a video wherein the director addresses the allegations against Padmavati. Bhansali is to be heard vouching, “Through this video, I want to tell you all something. Padmavati has been made with a lot of responsibility and hard work. I have always been inspired by Rani Padmini’s story and this film is just a tribute to her honour and courage. But because of some rumours, the film is being dragged into a controversy. The rumour is of Rani Padmini and Allaudin Khilji having a dream sequence. I have clarified it earlier and I am doing it again through this video that there is no scene in the film which will hurt anyone’s sentiments. We have kept the honour of Rajputs intact. So, there are no such scene or any sort of dream sequence which would hurt anyone. Thank you.”

Will this ensure that the film faces no more trouble from protestors? Gujarat will be the litmus test.