Hydari's first project of 2017, "Kaatru Veliyidai", marked her first collaboration with director Mani Ratnam and second film in Tamil Cinema. She played the role of Leela Abraham, a doctor based in Kargil during the 1999 war, who has a tumultuous and abusive relationship with a fighter pilot, played by Karthi. Upon release, "Kaatru Veliyidai" garnered mixed reviews; though critics predominantly praised the performance of Hydari along with A. R. Rahman's music and Ravi Varman's cinematography. She next appeared as the titular lead in Omung Kumar's "Bhoomi", with Sanjay Dutt. Hydari then played the role of Alauddin Khalji's first wife, Queen Mehrunisa, opposite Ranveer Singh in the epic film "Padmaavat" directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film released on 25 January 2018 amidst numerous controversies and protests. "Padmaavat" received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success. Hydari received much praise for her portrayal of Mehrunisa. 2018 also marked Aditi's second film with Mani Ratnam and third film in Tamil Cinema with "Chekka Chivantha Vaanam". She played Parvathi, one of the eight lead roles. She was paired with actor Arvind Swamy. Meanwhile, her other co-stars of "Chekka Chivantha Vaanam" included Vijay Sethupathi, Arun Vijay, Silambarasan, Jyothika and Dayana Erappa. The film had a worldwide release on 27 September 2018. She did her Tollywood debut with "Sammohanam" which was critically acclaimed directed by Mohan Krishna Indraganti. She was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu and SIIMA Award for Best Actress (Telugu). She won Best debut actress award at the Zee Cine Awards Telugu and Special jury award at TSR TV9 awards. Aditi Rao Hydari was also part of Telugu space thriller film "Antariksham 9000 KMPH".