JOIN USBajirao Mastani
Hindi (U)
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Rating: ***
Maratha warrior Bajirao Ballal (Ranveer) who is married to Kashibai (Priyanka) falls for Mastani (Deepika) after she saves his life in a battle at Bundelkhand. Bajirao’s family doesn’t approve of the half-Muslim concubine who comes to Puna as a self-proclaimed gift after she sees the same “overnight love” in Bajirao’s eyes.
What next? A Hindu-Muslim epic wrapped in some fabulous attire on stages set to define and refine the 18th century “sa-------ga”.
The “re” and the “ma-pa-dha-ni” that follow would make you go gaga. Hold on. It’s over. Yeah, nothing more from the story is actually worth watching or waiting for.
But one can’t just rob the brilliance of the cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee coupled with outstanding graphics work and fabulous editing. Again, these things won’t please you, as you would lose the sweetness in the gum much before interval.
Actors who partially proved their mettle and could have been way better are: first, Tanvi Azmi who plays Bajirao’s mother, next Milind Soman who is a confidant in the Maratha kingdom, and above all Yatin Karyekar, a Brahmin priest. Mahesh Manjerekar and Aditya Pancholi are just wasted.
Priyanka tries to do justice to her character but then again, the unnecessary dialogue-baazi and more focus on Bajirao’s moods and celebrations spoil the opportunity.
A mesmerising Deepika looks like Athena with a Durga within, whereas street-smart Ranveer portrays well what he was chosen for, especially his accent and body language.
The movie, though with a loose screenplay, is a good one-time watch.
Had Sanjay Leela Bhansali substantiated the love factor and the reasons behind its growing so strong — instead of unnecessary occasions coupled with song and dance, especially the “Dola re Dola” sequel “Pinga” — Bajirao Mastani could have been a parallel to Jodha-Akbar.