Bajirao Mastani
Resplendent is how I would describe Bajirao Mastani in one word.
I know I'm a bit late to the table with this review, and believe me, I wanted to let this pass.
But the only thing that lingered in my mind like a sweet scent every time I thought about this movie was Priyanka Chopra's performance. So I had to write about it!
Priyanka Chopra is what you would call a 'class act'. Her portrayal of Bajirao's wife, Kashibai, is not just convincing, it's par excellence. With limited screen time, Priyanka's Kashibai creates a lasting impression. At least for me, I walked out with Kashi in my mind. Bajirao and Mastani had anyway sealed their fate, the moment they realized they were in love.
Kashi is simple, naive and devoted to the Peshwa. Her happiness lies in his and that's the purpose of her life. I loved the many shades of her emotions. She goes from feeling loved to feeling betrayed, to denial, anger and finally acceptance. Her level of acceptance is what I couldn't put out of my mind, even several days after watching the film. It takes a woman immense courage to accept her husband's love interest and actually welcome her into their life.
Kashi also invites Mastani to a karvachauth-esque festival. In that scene between the two women, Priyanka shines. You can almost feel the heaviness in her heart. Another scene worth mentioning is the one in which she asks Bajirao to never enter her chambers again.
Bajirao Ballad, played by Ranveer Singh was, of course, great. He has proved his skill time and again. And Bhansali has got the best out of him twice in a row. His Marathi diction and the intensity he portrays are a just a couple of things that are worth writing home about. Deepika Padukone looks flawless and moves like a dream. But I thought Mastani's madness was a little restrained.
Is there a story? Yes, it's the love story of a warrior and it's been told like one.
Is there a plot? I'm afraid not.
There's no overall objective that one is trying achieve here. It's the strife of two people who fall in love and are unable to be together, given their circumstances.
The movie moves quite fast and most of the story is told in the first half. The second half, though slow, is where some of the best scenes are. The movie seems to drag towards the end, it could've been much shorter. But the only thing that keeps you enthralled constantly is the beauty in every frame. There is no competition to Bhansali when it comes to lighting, colors, frame composition and of course, grandeur.
The director has taken creative leaps, and not just liberties, with Bajirao's story and he says so at the very beginning. I'm glad I chose to watch this film and not the other release that week, Dilwale.
My recommendation: It's a one-time watch, just for Priyanka Chopra.
I know I'm a bit late to the table with this review, and believe me, I wanted to let this pass.
But the only thing that lingered in my mind like a sweet scent every time I thought about this movie was Priyanka Chopra's performance. So I had to write about it!
Priyanka Chopra is what you would call a 'class act'. Her portrayal of Bajirao's wife, Kashibai, is not just convincing, it's par excellence. With limited screen time, Priyanka's Kashibai creates a lasting impression. At least for me, I walked out with Kashi in my mind. Bajirao and Mastani had anyway sealed their fate, the moment they realized they were in love.
Kashi is simple, naive and devoted to the Peshwa. Her happiness lies in his and that's the purpose of her life. I loved the many shades of her emotions. She goes from feeling loved to feeling betrayed, to denial, anger and finally acceptance. Her level of acceptance is what I couldn't put out of my mind, even several days after watching the film. It takes a woman immense courage to accept her husband's love interest and actually welcome her into their life.
Kashi also invites Mastani to a karvachauth-esque festival. In that scene between the two women, Priyanka shines. You can almost feel the heaviness in her heart. Another scene worth mentioning is the one in which she asks Bajirao to never enter her chambers again.
Bajirao Ballad, played by Ranveer Singh was, of course, great. He has proved his skill time and again. And Bhansali has got the best out of him twice in a row. His Marathi diction and the intensity he portrays are a just a couple of things that are worth writing home about. Deepika Padukone looks flawless and moves like a dream. But I thought Mastani's madness was a little restrained.
Is there a story? Yes, it's the love story of a warrior and it's been told like one.
Is there a plot? I'm afraid not.
There's no overall objective that one is trying achieve here. It's the strife of two people who fall in love and are unable to be together, given their circumstances.
The movie moves quite fast and most of the story is told in the first half. The second half, though slow, is where some of the best scenes are. The movie seems to drag towards the end, it could've been much shorter. But the only thing that keeps you enthralled constantly is the beauty in every frame. There is no competition to Bhansali when it comes to lighting, colors, frame composition and of course, grandeur.
The director has taken creative leaps, and not just liberties, with Bajirao's story and he says so at the very beginning. I'm glad I chose to watch this film and not the other release that week, Dilwale.
My recommendation: It's a one-time watch, just for Priyanka Chopra.
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