Written By: Aparna Kunal Jain
Bajirao Mastani Movie Review: Let me start by saying that no one can create a period film as remarkably as Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He weaves such magic on screen with grand sets, elaborate costumes, and a perfect cast that you feel transported to that era, not merely watching from the other side of the screen.
The best part of the film for me was Bajirao. Ranveer Singh is nowhere to be seen; you only witness Bajirao on the screen. Right from his accent to his arrogance, from his walk to the intensity in his eyes, it’s undoubtedly Ranveer’s best performance to date. Priyanka Chopra has outperformed Deepika Padukone. Whether portraying the love and pride in Kashibai’s eyes when she looks at Bajirao, or the coldness she exudes upon discovering his affair, or the casual indifference once she accepts Bajirao’s love for Mastani, Priyanka has excelled in every aspect. Deepika is mesmerizing, and I appreciate how she restrains her vivacious smile for most of the film, but I would have liked to see more of her. Perhaps it’s the lingering impact of “Tamasha,” but I prefer her chemistry with Ranbir Kapoor.
I appreciated the religious contexts, highly relatable to present times, and Bhansali’s signature touch of using the song “Albela Sajan” from “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” albeit with a suitable regional flavor. The film also bears uncanny similarities to “Mughal-e-Azam,” and Tanvi Azmi reminded me of Maha Manga from “Jodha Akbar.”
Two moments stood out for me:
1) when Bajirao confronts his mother and brother – he’s so consumed with rage that he can’t even walk straight,
2) when Kashibai meets Mastani – her love and devotion to her husband almost brings tears.
Unlike other Bhansali movies, the songs are just okay and become monotonous quickly. The movie starts well but drags in the middle; fortunately, the dialogues are great and often flow beautifully like poetry.
Despite all the positives, the movie would have been an average flick for me if Bhansali hadn’t given it an over-the-top climax. The last 10 minutes were so intense that they more than compensated for any shortcomings. When the film ended, I was numb… I didn’t want to talk and break the spell; I didn’t want to return to my life. I just wanted to be quiet and reflect on Bajirao and Mastani and the intensity of their love for each other.
I can understand how Bajirao Mastani movie might have bored some and moved others to tears. Watch it only if you believe in “Ishq wala love”…
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