Movie Review: Bajirao Mastani Is Lengthy but Hard to Dismiss

Bajirao Mastani has Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s touch of opulence as well as panache.

Bajirao Mastani should not be missed, if you can stomach Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s brand of grandeur. (Photo courtesy: Bajirao Mastani‘s Facebook page)

Welcome to the Bhansali universe, where everything is an XL version of everything else. This magnum opus boasts of all things grand and opulent, from the gigantic battlefield spread to magnified emotions, along with the humongous setting. But then if you are familiar with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s vision then this should come as no surprise!

The artist in him takes over once again, as he paints his canvas with bold brush strokes to evoke a shimmering world palpitating with passion soaked in the golden hue of royalty. The antique drapes, magnificent jewelry, synchronised movements and dramatic dialogues all come together as part of his grand vision to tell the story of Bajirao – the valiant Maratha Peshwa torn between battlefield bravado and bedroom bonhomie with his love interests.

Deepika Sizzles, Ranvir Roars

Deepika Padukone plays warrior Mastani in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest opus. (Photo: Twitter)

Sometimes this transition is abrupt and absurd, but it mostly has a melancholic charm to it. The longing of two lovers whose fates are intertwined, the dignified silence of a wife, the crescendo of war and the ominous whisper of politics create a mesmerising symphony, while Ranvir Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra’s performances make it look like visual poetry.

Another characteristic typical of Bhansali is his picture perfect frames. Every scene is like a beautiful painting, each setting carefully carved. But the question is will our Tinder-hardened hearts accept this royal five-course spread?

The biggest hindrance that might just make a lot of us fast-food loving brats “swipe left” and reject Bajirao Mastani will be its length. At 158 mins it’s quite frankly just too long. Somewhere right after the interval we get exhausted and want out. Yes, the intensity and gorgeousness become too much to handle. But let me warn you it’s not an easy film to dismiss.

Priyanka Chopra Maintains Kashibai’s Poise

Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai leaves a mark. (Photo: Twitter)

For one, Deepika and Ranvir have decked it up with scintillating performances. Deepika is luminous; her un-kohled eyes ensure we can’t take ours off her as she hypnotises us with her sword work. Ranvir’s unbridled energy finds a perfect outlet in the character of Bajirao as the passionate and resplendent Peshwa.

Priyanka plays the devoted wife, and while she doesn’t have a big role she still manages to do complete justice to her character. Milind Soman, Mahesh Manjrekar and Tanvi Azmi pack a powerful punch. The exceptional performances making it worth a watch at many levels.

Now before you ask me if you should go for Bajirao Mastani you must ask yourself if you can stomach the Bhansali brand of grandeur. This elaborate meal means you must work up an appetite for it.

Even though the story has a familiar Ram-Leela trajectory, it’s clearly Ranvir and Deepika’s emotional flourishes that win the day. I’ll go with 3.5/5 QUINTS for Bajirao Mastani.

Deepika has spoken a lot about depression, and she may now just well be the cause for her contemporaries being extremely depressed and jealous. Yes, she is THAT good!