Kathmandu

The story of Bajirao Mastani is obvious as the trailer says it all. It’s another love story based on historical era of Peshwa Bajirao. Though Peshwa’s story depicted in the film has caused quite a stir regarding the facts, its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali can be excused keeping in mind the creative leverage. First thing that strikes is the set’s grandeur. Explaining it will be an injustice, watch it to experience its magnificence.

Bajirao (Ranveer Singh), a Maratha warrior is born to be Peshwa (prime minister) with his wit, knowledge, and bravery. He aims to conquer Hindustan so is often on a voyage. In one of the trips he meets Mastani (Deepika Padukone), daughter of Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundela in an unconventional circumstance. It’s not love at first sight, but is love indeed. The problem is Bajirao is already married to Kashibai (Priyanka Chopra) and Mastani is half Muslim. Belonging to the Brahmin family, Mastani is not accepted and it takes a while for Bajirao to fathom his unconventional love for her. But when he does he leaves no stone unturned to accept Mastani, which becomes an eyesore to his mother. Thus, begins the tragic love story.

Bhansali is definitely a brilliant director but this film is not a masterpiece, though you won’t get bored watching it. He has made sure to bring out every element when it comes to acting from his actors, which is a cast well chosen.

Singh as Peshwa garners applause. As a warrior he is blood thirsty, as a conqueror he is fierce, as a lover he is passionate, as a husband he is obedient... but there are times when he overdoes it. There is a scene where Bajirao is bathing, Kashibai enters, and he turns to look at her in estyle, not style, estyle, get the hint? Who does that? Even in films it’s ridiculous.

Padukone on the other hand is flawless and she looks absolutely stunning. The character is gorgeous and a warrior at the same time, but not once has Bhansali portrayed someone beautiful as meek. Padukone with every film is evolving, just before this it was Tamasha and now as Mastani she will go to new heights. It seems you give her any role and she will portray it will finesse.

As for other actors, there is not much screen space, but they do what they do best — acting. Not one of the characters are out of line, they are part of the film and that’s how it remains. Even Chopra.

Action scenes in this one ought to be mentioned, both Singh and Padukone have been trained in Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art, and it is effortless in the movie. From the sword fight to horse riding to battle scenes, Padukone and Singh do not look rehearsed.

When it comes to music of Bhansali’s films, it usually catches up before the movie releases, this one does not fall in that league. Malhari though has catchy beats and steps, it will pump you up, it is a very energetic song.

With all this the final mention is for costume. Anju Modi has done a spectacular work with the costume designs, it may not coincide with the then Maratha regime, but it surely will get her a huge clientele.

Bajirao Mastani

Genre: Drama, History, Romance

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Milind Soman, Mahesh

Manjrekar, Aditya Pancholi

Being screened at QFX Cinemas