By now everyone knows Bajirao Mastani is
the story of forbidden love between Peshwa Bajirao Ballal and Mastani. It’s
also the story of Kashibai, Bajirao’s gamine-like wife who’s the most
interesting character in the tempestuous triangle. And when it’s been
narrated by the creative Sanjay Leela Bhansali one has to expect nothing but opulence!!!
From the first frame, one knows that everything is scaled
up, grander than grand. The Maratha court is in session. As all eyes
turn to Peshwa Bajirao (Ranveer Singh), we are invited not just to see, but to
behold a warrior in the full glory of manhood, striding off to conquer new
places and hearts.
This is a film to view many times, once just for the way
colors are used to convey emotions. When Bajirao heads home after a war
victory his buoyant wife dances with a gigantic saffron flag unfurling in
tandem with her joyous heart. The visual and emotional impact of the moment is
so exhilarating, you want to clutch Kashibai’s (Priyanka Chopra) ecstasy close to your heart.
The
uncontrollable mutual passion between the Maratha warrior and half-Muslim
princess (Deepika Padukone) is unleashed so fast and furiously that you sometimes wish the indefatigable
narrative would slow down so we can catch our breath. The films looks and feels
gloriously epic, be it the war sequences so crucial to the efficacy of the
plot, are done with splendid skill. Bhansali focuses more on the emotions
underlining the desperate aggression rather than just the grandeur. Whether it
is Mastani gazing at Bajirao with an adoration in Mughal-e-zam style
or Bajirao the warrior tearing through a field of wounded soldiers,
cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee mines the epic canvas for human emotions that
lie buried too deep for tears.
Deepika looks downright beautiful and acts with increased
poise and skill with every film. Priyanka’s subtle performance adds
grace to her character of Kashibai, the Peshwa’s first wife. Tanvi Azmi playing Ranveer’s mom with such power and elegance that she makes you fear her. Even
the supporting cast of Mahesh Manjrekar as Chhatrasal Shahu, Vaibhav Tatwawdi
as Bajirao’s brother Chimaji and Milind Soman as Bajirao’s friend and advisor
add gravity to the story.
At times one feels that it is moving at a snail’s
pace especially with the occasional lengthy dialogues but overall one can’t
help but appreciate the grandeur and the epic the movie is. Definitely a one-time
watch.