The makers of Panipat hosted a huge song launch event at a popular multiplex in Juhu, Mumbai. It was attended by Arjun Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Ashutosh Gowariker, and music duo Ajay-Atul. All pictures/Yogen Shah

Ashutosh Gowariker said at the song launch event that he doesn't mind parallels being drawn between his upcoming directorial Panipat and Bajirao Mastani as Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus was a well-made film.

Panipat chronicles the third Battle of Panipat in 1761 fought between the Marathas, under the leadership of Sadashivrao Bhau, and invading Afghan army, led by Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Arjun Kapoor stars as Sadashivrao and Sanjay Dutt plays Ahmad Shah in the film, scheduled to be released on December 6.

"Comparisons will always be there. When I made Jodhaa Akbar, my direct comparison was with Mughal-E-Azam. There was no connection, but it was probably because the film was set in the Mughal period and had Akbar in it. When Bajirao Mastani had come, it was compared to Jodhaa Akbar... When Padmaavat trailer came, it was compared to Baahubali," said director Ashutosh Gowariker.

The filmmaker was speaking at the song launch of Panipat. He said it took him about one-and-a-half years to write the script. Pune-based historian Pandurang Balkawade was also a part of the film's writers room.

Ashutosh Gowariker, whose period dramas have often run into controversies, including his last Mohenjo Daro, said it is natural that questions are raised whenever history is depicted on celluloid.

Ashutosh Gowarikar, who best known for lavishly mounted period films, said he often makes a promise to himself about directing a smaller film but always goes back to history.