In the 13th century of Afghanistan, the ambitious Jalaluddin Khilji (Raza Murad) from the Khilji dynasty schemes to claim the throne of Delhi. Gathered support from various Afghan tribes, he aims to forge a formidable army to overthrow the Sultanate of Mughals. In a twist of fate, Jalaluddin's nephew, Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh), seeks his uncle's daughter, Mehrunissa (Aditi Rao Hydari), in marriage in exchange for an ostrich. Initially offended by the proposal, Jalaluddin obliges when Mehrunissa expresses her acceptance, thus setting the stage for numerous conflicts.
As Alauddin's wedding nears, he openly commits adultery and viciously murders Jalaluddin's courtier, Shareef Pasha. This shocking act leaves his fiancée, Mehrunissa, in utter disbelief. Alauddin's audacity is evident as he declares himself entitled to all beautiful things the world has to offer. Meanwhile, the Rajput ruler, Maharawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor), embarks on a quest to procure exquisite pearls for his first wife, Nagmati (Anupriya Goenka). However, after an act of unforeseen bravery, Ratan finds himself wounded by Padmavati (Deepika Padukone), the princess of Singhal, during a hunt. Though injured, he survives with Padmavati's assistance, leading to an unexpected romance and their subsequent marriage, returning to Mewar as its new Queen.
As Jalaluddin ascends the throne of Delhi, declaring himself the Sultan, he commands Alauddin to thwart a Mongol invasion. Believing Alauddin's forces are insufficient for the task, Jalaluddin is shocked when Alauddin emerges victorious, solidifying his reputation. However, ambition deepens as Alauddin raids Devagiri and captures its princess, Chittai (Priyanka Pawar), adding her to his harem. In a bid to solidify their alliance, Jalaluddin presents Malik Kafur (Jim Sarbh) to Alauddin, whom Alauddin then directs to murder Jalaluddin, usurping the throne.
Upon returning to Delhi, Mehrunissa confronts the horrifying reality that her father has been slain by Alauddin for power. In Chittor, Padmavati captivates the court with her grace, causing jealousy to brew among the royal family, particularly from the queen Nagmati. Raghav Chetan (Aayam Mehta), the royal priest, becomes infatuated with Padmavati, which leads to tension when he is banished for peeping on the royal couple.
Desperate to claim Padmavati, Alauddin invites the Rajputs to discuss peace only to have Ratan Singh refuse allegiance to him, prompting an attack on Chittor. In a final act of rebellion, Ratan attempts to rally support from neighboring Rajput rulers, but his efforts prove fruitless as fear of Alauddin’s wrath looms large. As the siege of Chittor intensifies, Ratan showcases his skills by igniting Alauddin’s camp.
As both sides engage in a tense standoff, Padmavati bravely offers herself to Alauddin in exchange for her husband's safety, leading to poignant moments where loyalties are tested, and honor confronts ambition. Ratan finally confronts Alauddin in combat, honoring their warrior code, only to be betrayed through deceitful tactics leading to Ratan's demise. With Padmavati and the other Rajput women choosing Jauhar over surrender, Alauddin’s brutal conquest results only in bitter defeat, further igniting the saga of love, honor, and betrayal in a tale that transcends time.
