The first look into the world of Nikkhil Advani's retelling of the Mughal Empire features expansive war sequences, grand sets and political drama. Kunal Kapoor plays a troubled Babur, with the weight of responsibility that has fallen on him suddenly after the death of his father. Shabana Azmi, as Esan Daulat, is the kingmaker – guiding him to fufill his duties to the people of his empire. The trailer sets up the premise for us, showing us why the Mughals had to leave Samarkand and conquer territory in India.
The series is based on the first book from Alex Rutherford's bestselling fictionalisation of the Mughal Empire, Empire of the Moghuls. Drashti Dhami, Dino Morea and Aditya Seal will star in key roles. Nikkhil Advani, Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani are producing The Empire, with Mitakshara Kumar directing. The Empire releases on Disney+ Hotstar on August 27th.