Netflix has dropped the trailer for upcoming Indian series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, showcasing the private exchanges of courtesans amid sweeping scenes of revolution in British-ruled India.

Marked as a tentpole for the streamer on its India content slate and set to premiere on May 1, Heeramandi tells the story of Mallikajaan (played by Manisha Koirala) ruling over an elite house of courtesans, while the country’s independence movement picks up steam.

“We’ve given up our pursuit of respectability and love has long deserted us. The only thing left to fight for is this struggle for freedom,” one courtesan says.

Heeramandi is the first long-format series from director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari and Richa Chadha. The series’ trailer highlights extensive sets, rich music scores as well as elaborate costumes.

Heeramandi is part of Netflix’s plans to bolster its original content production in India, with other titles like Wild Wild Punjab, Vijay 69 and Khakee: The Bengal Chapter set to premiere later this year. A teaser dropped earlier this year.

“This is a story of love, power, freedom, and extraordinary women, their desires, and struggles. It marks a new milestone in my journey,” director Sanjay Leela Bhansali said. “In Netflix, we found the ideal partner
—- one who not only shares our love for storytelling but also possesses the unparalleled capability to
bring our series to the most diverse and global audience imaginable.”

Monika Shergill, Vice-President of Netflix India, added: “We’re preparing to unveil our grandest endeavor yet — Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. This series, akin to all of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s exquisite
creations, is a work of art, offering a stunning visual experience and a visceral world with unforgettable
characters.”