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Review: In Bajirao Mastani, Priyanka Chopra outshines Deepika Padukone

Review: In Bajirao Mastani, Priyanka Chopra outshines Deepika Padukone

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali focused on glitzy sets and didn't explore enough the core theme of religious intolerance
25 Dec, 2015

Director/producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been searching for love all his life, at least on celluloid.

Earlier, in smaller moments with Khamoshi and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, then taking an experimental turn with Saawariya and later in fully embracing star-crossed lovers in Devdas, and the Romeo-Juliet inspired Goliyon ki Rasleela Ram Leela.

His latest offering Bajirao Mastani too tells the epic tale of a doomed love against the backdrop of warring Marathas and rigid divisions along lines of religion which leave little room for love to flourish.

Newly crowned Peshwa Bajirao (Ranveer Singh) makes a detour from his battles in expanding the Maratha Empire to fight and defend Buldelkhand against the Mughal onslaught. He falls in love with the Raja’s half-Rajput, half-Muslim daughter Mastani (Deepika Padukone), marries her and the rest of the film revolves around the friction this causes in both his stately as well as domestic affairs.

So basically, a Peshwa version of shazishi saas, dusri biwi aur majboor shohar. Wherever have we seen that before?

Rinse, repeat

And that's not all we've seen before.

Perhaps director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is being self-referential, but there is strong element within the props, staging and even dialogues that seem to be on repeat. Mastani shown embroidering brings to mind Sakina’s loom from Sawaariya. Even Sakina’s “Kabool Hai” dialogue is repeated here by Mastani.

Despite Bhansali's denial, it's obvious that 'Pinga' is 'Dola Re'-inspired
Despite Bhansali's denial, it's obvious that 'Pinga' is 'Dola Re'-inspired

The towering candle-lit pillars and linen curtains that showcase lovely light and texture and were used to great rustic effect in Goliyon ki Rasleela Ram Leela are seen here too. The 'Dola Re' female bonding song from Devdas is reincarnated as 'Pinga'.

Lights, camera...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali does do what he is best known for: creating lavish set designs, opulence filled frames and magnificently choreographed songs.

All that and more is on display in the song 'Deewani Mastani', shot in the beautiful Aaina Mahal, which itself is a direct nod to Mughal-e-Azam’s Sheesh Mahal . This dazzling backdrop serves as a visual rejoinder to a story whose main focus seems to be beauty and a pleasing visual aesthetic.


For a story whose crux rests on doomed romance, the sizzling chemistry between Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh which was leaping off the screen in Goliyon ki Rasleela Ram Leela seems to be strangely missing.


Bhansali is a master of creating each frame as a scene of crafted elegance but as a whole, the film refuses to come together.

For a story whose crux rests on doomed romance, the sizzling chemistry between Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh which was leaping off the screen in Goliyon ki Rasleela Ram Leela seems to be strangely missing.

Bhansali is a master of creating each frame as a scene of crafted elegance
Bhansali is a master of creating each frame as a scene of crafted elegance

The majority of the screen play is devoted to the Peshwa clan’s refusal to accept Mastani as Bajirao’s second wife.

His intimidating mother (Tanvi Azmi) clad in widow’s whites cuts a terrifying figure and his brother (Vaibhav Tatwadi) too, never fails to humiliate Mastani. Behind their constant taunts that see Mastani being called a dancing girl and concubine lie the very real discord and divide that religion and orthodoxy causes.

The rigidity of their Brahmin household and practices recoils at accepting a Muslim woman as one of their own. But instead of exploring this idea of differences, and perhaps even come to an uneasy understanding, as Kashi Bajirao’s first wife does, all we get from the film is one dialogue about how some people reduce the contours of religion to match the colours of saffron and green.

Unfortunately, the rest of the story line is what our drama universe has been peddling ad nauseam.

Everyone's talking about: Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone

As far as performances go, Ranveer Singh bites into his meaty role with relish.

From a savvy politico to fearless warrior to the caring husband and helpless lover, he plays all the nuances of his character and maintains his Marathi accent and controlled body language throughout even into the off-key climax. Then again, Bhansali always gives ample space and time to his heroes, whether in full body armour or in just their towels. They all get at least one song where they are front and center.

Ranveer Singh bites into his meaty role with relish
Ranveer Singh bites into his meaty role with relish

Deepika Padukone looks ethereal and dreamlike in all those wonderfully over designed dresses by Anju Modi, which are sure to cause a riot at the local darzis this Eid.

Every carefully curated and coordinated outfit is to swoon for. However, she is merely coasting on her good looks. Though Mastani talks of eternal love and longing, there is very little soul to Padukone’s interpretation. She shows more gumption when she was fighting for her home and child, where clearly something was at stake.


The person who stole the show from right under Deepika’s nose is Priyanka Chopra.


Even worse, though, are her terrible Urdu pronunciations which only heightened the clichéd and trite sounding Urdu dialogues.

Deepika Padukone looks beautiful in every frame, but there is very little soul in her performance
Deepika Padukone looks beautiful in every frame, but there is very little soul in her performance

The person who stole the show from right under Deepika’s nose(rings) is Priyanka Chopra.

Her character of Kashi, Bajirao’s first wife is lovingly written and warmly enacted. Chopra’s pairing with Singh makes for a refreshing change and there is a playfulness to their scenes which is lovely. Not only does Priyanka Chopra carry off her navaris (nine-yard saris) and naths with elegance, her child-like ways allow her to be a little more believable, and she is able to add an aura of dignity to her pain and suffering as the wronged wife.

It makes me wonder how different the film would be if she played Mastani.

Priyanka Chopra's performance in Bajirao Mastani was inspired
Priyanka Chopra's performance in Bajirao Mastani was inspired

The other actors, Tanvi Azmi, Milind Soman, Mahesh Manjrekar and Vaibhav Tatwadi too put in formidable performances.

Technical wizardry can only take you so far

There is much to be admired in the technical handiwork of the film.

This is a vast improvement from Devdas’s boat ride against a decidedly cardboard-y background to Bajirao braving a tempest brewing storm to get to Mastani.

The battle scenes were filmed admirably well
The battle scenes were filmed admirably well

Even some of the battle scenes, despite a Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon hangover, seem plausible. Sudeep Chatterjee’s fluid camerawork and play between light and shadows manages to capture the perfectly staged armies at war, and people at symmetrical repose. But major props should go to set and costume design which is the reason this film is a visual treat.

But in the end, after all the smoke and mirrors, the opulence and visual excess, if all you are left with is a shimmering image of the Aaina Mahal, you know that this epic failed to deliver.


Sadaf Siddique is freelance writer, an avid film and drama enthusiast and sometime drama queen not necessarily in that order.

Comments

Ahmed USA Dec 25, 2015 11:38am
NO... not at all... Deepika rocks... she was outstanding...
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Satt Dec 25, 2015 12:02pm
Why making noise about the film when it not released in Pakistan?
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RS Dec 25, 2015 12:44pm
It is a very nice movie. Must watch
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Madhusudan Dec 25, 2015 01:01pm
Bajirao mastani is banned in pakistan, than where critic got to see it?
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mimi sur Dec 25, 2015 01:15pm
Bhansali will be remembered as a great director in Hindi film industry.
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Ali Dec 25, 2015 01:40pm
Nice movie...
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Dr Yashfaa Rao Dec 25, 2015 02:26pm
I have not Watched the movie Yet But I Would coz t looks great
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Nadeem Din Dec 25, 2015 02:49pm
Can't wait to watch this film!
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Saeed Masood Dec 25, 2015 02:50pm
Piryanka Chopra you are born Mastani...beautiful and so graceful...
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nasro Dec 25, 2015 03:59pm
nothing is banned in this age of technology.....
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Satish Kumar Dogra Dec 25, 2015 03:59pm
You have missed the subtle development of the story. Initially, Bajirao is not emotional about Mastani. He hands over the dagger not knowing its implications in the Rajput culture. It is Mastani who adamantly pushes herself into the Peshwa household. Bajirao supports and protects her more out of a sense of chivalry than because of emotional attachment. But as the movie goes on and Mastani comes under attack, he becomes emotional towards her. Finally, Mastani wins out and Kashi Bai is defeated. This happens when Bajirao mistakes Kashibai for Mastani during his illness.
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Bangistan Dec 25, 2015 05:17pm
Worth every penny spent
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kamal Dec 25, 2015 07:59pm
Though based on history, as in the disclaimer notes of the film states that , the story may not be historically accurate but based on the novel written by Marathi writer. As for the movie is considered it a classic and such type of movie comes once in two decades or so in bollywood. Just go and watch the movie, bollywood should be proud to say that movies should be made in this way. If you like mogul-e-azam and /or pakeeza type of of movies, surely you love it.
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Mona Dec 25, 2015 08:03pm
Wonderfully written review. Thanks. I have not watched the movie yet, but heard it's just okay. I've heard Deepika looks beautiful but her acting is very mediocre. Why can't these actresses take some time off and learn Urdu if they are playing Muslim women. It's so irritating to watch them speak Urdu when their accent is so bad. I remember there was a time when bollywood actresses like Rekha & Hema Malini took a break from working in other films just so they could learn Urdu, as they were playing Muslim characters in their film. That's why those films are considered classics.
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Rizwana Dec 25, 2015 08:31pm
@MADHUSUDANS @SATT Bajirao Mastani is not banned in Pakistan.
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Siddhartha Shastri Dec 25, 2015 09:01pm
I was disappointed, and thought it is an eminently forgettable movie. There has been a lot of criticism in Indian media of the "Pinga" being historically inaccurate, given that Kashibai was lame. While that seemed immaterial to me, I found it far more offending to see Bajirao do an item number with his soldier (?) colleagues using Marathi phrases as childish as you will find in any Mumbai slum. It was sacrilege, entirely overlooked even by the Shiv Sena. Just imagine how Muslims would feel if there was a movie in which you-know-who was shown leading a team of Sufi qawwaals!
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Ahmad Dec 26, 2015 01:46am
People, this is showing at multiple times in many cinemas across Pakistan. For example: http://supercinema.com.pk/ http://www.nueplex.com/ http://www.centauruscineplex.com/ Stop making up imaginary bans!
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MSN Dec 26, 2015 05:15am
Priyanka would never have been able to play Mastani. Kashibai is more easy to relate to as the wronged wife, Mastani's was the more difficult role. SLB was right--DP plays it with such dignity. Each actor performed beautifully-nobody stole the show, it was a team effort.
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dania Dec 26, 2015 05:54am
@Siddhartha Shastri "you-know- who?".. Whoever you are talking about, either name them, or use some respectful words.
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Abid Dec 26, 2015 08:33am
why such a headline? the two actress did equal justice to the film
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jasmine Dec 26, 2015 11:48am
Sorry you are wrong. Deepika padukone nailed her role perfectly. Her role is very difficult more than PC. Deepika gives deepness and justice to her role. She is brilliant. No words to describe her perfection. She shines in every frame. Listen to the most of the audience and you will know who steals the show. Finally Pc did good job I can't ignore that.all of them did great job.
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Ajay Chaubal Dec 26, 2015 12:14pm
The Sets and the Clothes worn by the Characters look Authentic....Overall its a good Movie... However some of the songs keep messing up the Tempo of the Film and just serve as unwelcome Intrusions.Especially Pinga and Malhar.To show Baji Rao Dancing around Flicking his "Shendi "all over place...is ridiculous to say the Least.
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Hamid shafiq Dec 26, 2015 12:42pm
@Satt its released in Pakistan.
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Nagesh Dec 26, 2015 01:23pm
Great critique indeed! Just seen the movie, couldn't agree with you more!
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Baji Rao Dec 26, 2015 01:46pm
Nice Movie
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Rajendra Dec 26, 2015 02:44pm
Bajirao Peshwa I , the warrior who never saw face of loss, made Mughal Emperor to stay on mercy of Hindu Martaha Kindom, established Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj... his strategy used in Battel of Plakhed against the NIZAM is still tout to US Army officers, Gn. Montgomery described him the Master Cavalry Commander of all time.
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Indian Woman Dec 26, 2015 09:49pm
Each and every word of your review rings with my views abt this movie.. Agreed abt Deepika having a bad accent.. Priyanka Chopra was leagues ahead of her...
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Tushar Singh Dec 27, 2015 04:08am
I dint watch it initially because of Ranveer. But it came as a sweet surprise. Surely one of the best movies I had seen after ZNMD and Bhag Milkha Bhag. Since yesterday I have been reading about Bajirao, and overall Maratha history. I feel the movie should have included some more wars - after all he a warrior who never lost a war. A good movie on Shivaji is due.
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Piyush Dec 27, 2015 05:16am
3 interesting facts related to movie: 1. Kashibai's son (the baby shown in the movie)- Raghoba later went on to defeat Durrani forces and captured Attock fort which is right now in Pakistan. 2. After Mastani's demise, Kashibai took Mastani's 6 year old son Shamsher Bahadur (Krushnarao) into her household and raised him as one of her own. 3. Shamsher Bahadur fought alongside Marathas in 3rd Battle of Panipat against Abdali. He was killed in that battle. His grandson Shamsher Bahadur II fought the English in the Anglo-Maratha War of 1803.
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sania Dec 27, 2015 11:05am
@Satt Definitely released in Pakistan. lol just got back from watching it btw. great movie!
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harender singh Sekhon Dec 27, 2015 02:51pm
respectfully disagree with writer. Though Priyanka is outstanding as kashibai especially in scene when Bajirao visit her room after long time she relates and narretes to him her condition to Radha-krishan-rukmani,says "aap ne hamara garoor toda hai"" marvelous. But Deepika has done justice to her role. she was sensuous in portraying her budding love with Bajirao in start of film.
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Anjaan Dec 28, 2015 03:42am
@Madhusudan It was about to be banned but it didn't.
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Muhammed Khan Dec 28, 2015 08:12am
Everyone knows a threate you can wathc it at...banning it will do ewhat? Take legitimate businesses away from earning the money?
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