Disney+ Hotstar has joined hands with prolific filmmaker Nikkhil Advani of Emmay Entertainment to present the biggest show created in India, The Empire – a fiction saga of a warrior-turned-king and the kingmakers who forged his destiny.
Mounted on an unrivaled scale that brings together India’s finest talent, spectacular visuals and a gripping narrative, the trailer of this much-awaited series garnered high praises from critics, media and audiences alike.
The saga in Hotstar Specials presents The Empire begins with a young 14-year-old ascending the throne of Ferghana, and follows his journey of becoming King Babur (Kunal Kapoor). The series highlights how a king is created by his people, kingdom and the significant role his family plays in building him. It largely features the earlier aspects of his life in Fergana and Samarkand with a focus on his personal life. Being politically astute with a razor-sharp mind, his foresighted fearless grandmother Esan Daulat (Shabana Azmi) plays the role of the ultimate kingmaker. Another powerful force behind him is the iron-willed Khanzada (Drashti Dhami) Babur’s sister and his guide, the epitome of royal grace who is vigilant, sharp and resilient; and as important as any general in his huge army. However, his greatest enemy is Shaibani Khan (Dino Morea), a menacing, overly-ambitious and ruthless emperor whose chase for desire knows no limits. Also featuring actors Aditya Seal (Humayun), Rahul Dev (Wazir Khan), Sahher Bambba (Maham) among others, in critical roles, the series showcases Babur’s battles to protect Ferghana and Samarkand, his time spent in Kabul as a nomad, and the ultimate capture of his personal turmoil.
Directed by Mitakshara Kumar who has also co-written this mammoth project with Bhavani Iyer, produced by Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani , Hotstar Specials presents The Empire, set to release for all subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar on 27 August.