Padmavat - review

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film Padmaavat is all set to release on IMAX 3D and 3D in selected cinema halls today. If you’ve not been living under the rocks, you must know that the Deepika Padukone-starrer film became controversy’s child right from the word go. It all started with a rumour that Bhansali has pitched in a romantic dream sequence between Alauddin Khilji and Padmavati. The rumours sparked the protests, which went to the extent of vandalising theatres and film set. But after fighting a long war with the fringe group and CBFC, the film finally got a green signal from the apex court. After watching the film, we got a bit of mixed feelings for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat.

First things first, we would like to talk about Padmaavat’s background score. The film starts with the tantalizing background music of the film, which you also witnessed in the trailer of the film. One thing is for sure, Padmaavat will sweep all the awards this year for its background score. A commendable job done by Sanchit Balhara.

Let’s begin talking about each aspect of the film point by point. Coming to the cinematography of the film, the Padmaavat is nothing less than a spectacular visual treat. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has painted a beautiful picture of Royal Rajasthan on celluloid. A fair share of credit can also be given to the IMAX 3D format of the film. It’s just like a time travel. While watching the film, you’ll see yourself traversing through the magnificent palaces of Rajasthan. One cannot take it away from Sanjay Leela Bhansali when it comes to cinematography and depicting the grandeur of an Indian princely state. We cannot forget the dazzle and splendour of Bajirao Mastani and how it floored the audience with its majestic architecture and VFX.

Coming to the performances of the three leads of the film Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor. It’s not fair to say who did the best. But it won’t be an overstatement to consider that Ranveer Singh’s menacing character did tower the charisma of Maha Rawal Ratan Sen and Rani Padmavati. And when talking about Alauddin Khilji, the Twitter trends spoke for itself last night. Despite the fact the film was made for and around Padmavati, Ranveer Singh won the stage with his spectacular antics. The way he clapped and danced while slashing the throats of his kins will send a shudder down your spine. Right through the 15 minutes into the film, you will develop an immense hatred for Alauddin Khilji in your heart. You will feel like meeting Ranveer Singh in person and saying ‘I Hate You’ right into his face. And that’s where the actor comes out victorious. It is the triumph of an actor who is playing a villain on screen, to get the audience hate him to the core. After all, that’s what he was chosen for.

Rani Padmavati is what true royal beauty looks like. Deepika Padukone looked ethereal than ever. I find it okay to say that this is Deepika Padukone’s finest performance till now. We never imagined in the wildest of our dreams that an actress as glamorous as Deepika Padukone could floor the audience with her traditional Rajasthan avatar. She adopted the Rajasthani accent well, but at times her tongue slipped out few words which didn’t sound Rajasthani to me.

Coming to Shahid Kapoor, though he was a bit overshadowed by Ranveer Singh’s fierce character, he still managed to evoke pride in our hearts. It’s not about Rajput or any other particular community, the way he portrayed a dedicated Indian king; he surely filled us with immense pride in our glorious past. Kohl in his eyes, valour in his heart and a depth in his voice, you have never seen Shahid Kapoor in such a magnetic role ever. It is one of his best, after Udta Punjab and Haider.

Another surprising highlight of the film was Jim Sarbh’s character. He played the titular role of Malik Kafur, which was controversial as Alauddin Khilji. But the Neerja actor did utmost justice to his character. He got us praising him right through the first minute of his performance. The way he said ‘Sultan’ in his Arabic diction, splendid! It was a worth-watching entertaining act when Malik Kafur and Alauddin Khilji were on screen together. It isn’t t too early to say that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has his hands on when it comes to picking the star cast for his film.  

The last seen of the film where Rani Padmavati commits Jauhar is a heart-rending one. You know how it’s going to end, but still your heart goes to Rani Padmavati. You wish if you could change how it ends. Such a pure depiction of love between Maharani Padmavati and Maha Rawal Ratan Singh. At times, you will find your eyes welled up, with a lump in your throat.

All in all, the film could've been a stunner if it was a bit shorter. The war sequence between Alauddin Khilji and Maha Rawal Ratan Singh seemed a bit extended and drab. During the end of first half, you will find your attention finding wandering in the cinema halls. Also, the part played by Anupriya Goenka as Maha Rawal Ratan Sen's first wife landed as a big failure. There could've been more depth and strength in her character. 

Watch the film as an epic saga narrating the love story of Rani Padmavati and Maha Rawal Ratan Singh. Talking about the historical accuracy, the film laid a disclaimer right at the beginning that it doesn't claim to be 100 per cent accurate in terms of historical facts. 

Padmaavat is just like a love letter written by Sanjay Leela Bhansali to Rajputana valour!