Sunday 28 January 2018

Padmavat


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

1 comment:

  1. 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.

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