Bajirao Mastani - Movie Review

After hearing the poignant songs and engrossing visuals, I was determined enough to watch Bajirao Mastani. My intention for watching this movie is purely based on its cinematography not for the history and narration. It was the performances from the lead actors that made me awestruck, which was beyond the cinematography, music or even the narration by itself. Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have come with the performances of their life, with implausible emotion.

Alright, enough of pre-review talks it’s time to get into details. Let’s see which element can make you stay seated throughout the movie and which element would have been better. This review is all about story, screenplay, music and performances.

What makes you stay seated?

It is unquestionably the performances that make you stay seated throughout the movie. Ranveer Singh, known for his flamboyant attitude, looked ideal for the role of Peshwa. He was strong, sensitive, witty and also dominant. He was astonishing with his commanding dialogue delivery, romance and also in emotional sequences. The scope of acting was incredible in this movie and he grabbed it like the hungry lion seeing a prey and executed every single scene to perfection. Deepika Padukone is simply amazing in whatever she does nowadays. Be it Piku, Tara or Mastani, she does it all to perfection at ease. Mastani started off as a blistering warrior having a faceoff with Peshwa but later she mesmerizes everyone with her suave and romantic performance. She didn’t have much of dialogues. Her magical eyes speak volumes instead. She was absolutely a delight to watch in this movie. Priyanka (Kashi) who was silent in first half pulled the string off in the second. Kashi’s role is poetic, filled with intense love and emotion. She adores Mastani for her elegance and gutsy womanhood, meanwhile unable to forgive her husband. Milind Soman as Ambaji, Vaibbhav Tatwawdi as Chimaji, Tanvi Azmi as Radhabai - Bajirao’s mother, Ayush Tandon as Nana Saheb played their part efficiently and remarkably.

Screenplay is another thing that captures the audience. The dialogues by Prakash Kapadia were influential, hard and also romantic, adding value to the beautiful setting. The clash between the cultures was nicely articulated in the form of green-safron colour exchanges. The art work was eminent with the expressive fountains and drape, glittering Mirror Palace and the dominant Fort. It all captured the intricate details of the Mughal Empire. I was very particular about the glowing crystalline palace chandeliers and lanterns and a stretched out piston-shaped conduit used to turn off the lights.

Sudeep Chatterjee (Cinematography) had done magic with his lens. Low light scenes were captures perfectly without compromising the prettiness of characters, locales and the scene by itself. Mahima Basu and Anju Modi (Costume Designers) brought back the history on screen with their unconditional designing. However, with that massive headgears and jewellery, actors would have weighed down to misery.

Music was enchanting in this movie. It has a touch of class and elegance. Bhansali was very careful with the usage of instruments. Most of the song has a classical essence evoking your emotion.

Just saw song #deewanimastani from #BajiraoMastani your eyes speaks volumes @deepikapadukone you are awesome. Wonderful Choreo @remodsouza
— Gowthama Rajavelu (@gowthy87) November 12, 2015

Deewani Mastani being everyone’s favourite by now is an ear-soothing splendor sung by the Shreya Ghoshal, who can never go wrong with romantic numbers. Mohe Rang do laal is another classic with some amazing kathak moves by Deepika Padukone. Malhari is a perfect victory song and is cheerfully choreographed. The war BGM is nerve racking and commanding indeed. Sanjai Leela Bhansali who was reasonably good as a composer in Ghuzaarish and Ram Leela came up with pretty-decent album this time, especially for classical lovers.

What would have been better?

Story was the only element that wasn’t refined enough to convince the viewers. Bajirao Mastani, as the name itself suggested is more about the enticing love between the Maratha warrior Bajirao I and his second wife Mastani. The movie revolves around them unconditionally, hence avoiding other element of the kingdom. Honestly, I feel kind of good that Bhansali has done justice to the story-line considering the complexities in genre.

Bajirao Mastani, irrespective of its dialogues and emotional sequences, will never bore you at any point. It is a worthy enjoyable ride.

Bottomline

Bajirao Mastani is another gloriously made Indian Epic Fiction on par with International standards.

My Rating

Story - 3.5 / 5

Screenplay - 4.5 / 5

Music - 4.5 / 5

Performance - 5 / 5

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