Alauddin Khilji's portrayal in the film has been criticised by historians and critics for its historical and geographical inaccuracies and staying not faithful to the epic Padmavat.[178][2][179][180][5][175] Before their ascension to the throne, Jalaluddin and Alauddin Khilji were known as Malik Feroze and Ali Gurshasp, respectively.[175][181] Jalaluddin Khilji is portrayed as an arrogant, cunning and cruel man. He was actually popular for being a mild-mannered, humble and pious ruler.[182][175] Jalaluddin ascended the throne of Delhi in 1290 only to end the chaos that ensued after the death of Sultan Ghiyas ud din Balban.[178] He was not ambitious by nature and did not lead an attack on the Delhi Sultanate from Ghazni, Afghanistan.[183] In the film, the Delhi Sultanate's flag is shown in green colour with a white crescent moon. The Sultanate actually had a green flag with a black band running vertically on the left.[175] The film shows an unsuccessful assassination plot by Alauddin's nephew, one which seriously injures the Sultan, but none of this actually happened.[181] Historian Rana Safvi wrote that Khilji was sophisticated, not barbarian as portrayed in the film.[184][183] Historian Mohammed Safiullah also criticised Khilji's portrayal and the implicit depiction of a homosexual relationship between Khilji and his slave-general Malik Kafur.[185] Historian Archana Ojha of Delhi University criticised Alauddin Khilji's look and clothing in the film.[186]