Cast
|
:
|
Deepika
Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh
Aditi
Rao Hydari, Jim Sarbh
|
Director
|
:
|
Sanjay
Leela Bansali
|
Cinematographer
|
:
|
Sudeep
Chatterjee
|
Music
|
:
|
Background:
Sanchit Balhara
Songs: Sanjay
Leela Bansali
|
Editor
|
:
|
Jayant
Jadhar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Akiv Ali
|
Producer
|
:
|
Bhansali
Productions
Viacom
18 Motion Pictures
|
Release
Date
|
:
|
26 January
2018
|
Length
|
:
|
2 Hours
& 44 Minutes
|
Language
|
:
|
Hindi
|
Sanjay
Leela Bansali’s magnum opus Padmavat (formerly
known as Padmavati) is a poetic
presentation of the valor and glory of the Padmavati, queen of Chittor who
defeats the ruthless Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khalji with her resolute demeanor. The
movie is loosely based on the poem written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi
in 16th century, who praises both the beauty and courage of the
Rajput queen who lived in 13th century. There are a lot of
controversies relating to the poem itself; if it is a fragment of imagination
or narration of real life incidents. Having said that Padmavat is a celebration of womanhood which highlights strength of
women and the heights she could go to protect her self-respect and honor! Each
frame is rich with not only grandeur but also with convictions.
The
dialogs for the film (written by the direct in association with Prakash Kapadia)
are amazing. They describe the glory of Rajput, cunningness of Alauddin Khalji
(Ranveer Singh), helplessness of Mehrunisa (Aditi Rao Hydari) and the shrewdness
of the eunuch Malik Kafur (Jim Sarbh). There are several moments where we hoot
and clap. The movie celebrates the glory, courage and honor of the Rajput.
Ironically, the protests were going on because the activists believed that the
movie demeans the Rajputs! The cinematographer has brought the bygone era with
splendor and opulence. It is impossible to take eyes off the screen or be
amazed at the level of detailing that has gone into each frame. The background
music often gives goosebumps, elevating the mood and evoking the right emotions.
The songs are catchy and Ghoomar leaves
us speechless. At 164 minutes, the movie indeed feels a little stretched,
especially in the first half, considering we know the storyline including the climax!
Although the first half concentrates on establishing the characters and the
shades of relationships with each other, it seems exhausting. Even the richness
seem to become redundant. However, the second half compensates and leaves us
spellbound – climax specifically. The final dual between Alauddin Khalji and Raja
Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) could be blah and understated (because we have
witnessed Bahubali of the worlds), but
the impact that the actions of Rajput women create alongside is tremendous. There
are multiple disclaimers in the beginning of the film about the historical
accuracy and that the movie doesn’t encourage Sati/Jauhar (Self-immolation).
However, the climax turns out to be a depiction of the power of womanhood,
their courage and how they defeat the Sultan through self-immolation. Queen
Padmavati self-immolates not because of fear or helplessness but to preserve
her honor and dignity, to avenge the Sultan who not only hoodwinks her husband
and kills in the battlefield, but also her soldiers. As she rightly mentions,
the women fight the Sultan in their own way; in a way no one has fought before!
Ranveer
Singh as the Sultan of Delhi is menacing and cunning. When he is onscreen,
nothing matters – the richness, the beauty of sets or the brilliance of
co-actors. Ranveer shines and mesmerizes us with his stellar performance. He is
the best thing in the movie and he makes Padmavat
a more compelling watch. Shahid Kapoor as the King of Chittor, a man with high
values and courage, delivers a subdued performance. He is not timid, he is just
helpless most of the times. Yet, he abides by rules and makes us feel proud.
Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati is handsome. I know handsome is not the
right word, but I don’t know any other word that describes her character or the
way she has carried off herself. She is a go-getter and a no nonsense person
who has the ability to motivate and persuade others, who is both beautiful and
bold and teaches us how conviction can also defeat the opponent. A true hero.
Who cares about the thesis relating to the factual accuracies and if Rani
Padmati was reel or real? Because her story is appealing and still relevant;
let’s just believe that she existed and that her traits exists in each woman’s
heart forever.
In
short, the movie is a true dedication to womanhood if not to the Rajputs or the
depiction of Alauddin Khalji, as debated by historians and activists. It is
worth your time and money. 3D only brings the characters and events closer to
you though they had actually taken place nearly 800 years ago.
Take
your family. Go for it. Feel proud and celebrate the heroism of Rani Padmavati!
Rating
4/5
We are going on Thursday. Yes, Padukone is a no-nonsense person. This is an interesting story. The entertainment industry is using it and we enjoy watching it. This is not a documentary to be given importance to each and every detail. Karni sena people are frustrated people. The Opposition and BJP, both are silent.
ReplyDelete