There is overwhelming power in the words, eyes and every inch of this movie. There is an abundant sense of fear, joy, grief, pride and defeat, that each one of us will be bound to feel when walking out of the theaters.
Not that I wish to glorify the film or give an impartial view, but this movie is a masterpiece, and one of Mr. Bhansali’s best works. The movie opens with a mesmerizing rhythm that holds your attention, despite the fact that all you can see on the screen are the Introductory credits.
The story revolves around an ambitious and lustful emperor Alauddin Khilji, who believes that every winsome thing on planet Earth is his right, and he must have all of them. He strives hard and goes beyond ethics and morals to conquer anything and everything ‘naayab’ he sees. His immense lust for the ravishing makes him crave to see the alluring queen of Mewar – Rani Padmavati. The film portrays the lust of Khilji, the bravery and intelligence of Padmavati and the chivalry and anger of the king of Mewar – Maharaja Rawal Ratan Singh.
Set in the 1303 AD, the movie is based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s poem – Padmaavat.
Alauddin Khilji played by Ranveer Singh is not only the antagonist you will hate by the end of the movie, but the cruel, lustful, brazen and grimy man whom you will fear by the end of the movie. Ranveer has made sure, to live Alauddin while playing it. He chose to live the character rather than play it, and that is the why you will have to applaud for his enthralling performance as Khilji.
Deepika Padukone, the leading lady who plays Rani Padmavati has a beauty that is surreal and incomprehensible in words. She walks like a queen, speaks like a warrior, romances like a fairy and makes heaven a living reality for the span of 2 hours 43 minutes. Deepika has proved that she is not only an epitome of excellence in acting but also a distinctly crafted piece of art, which is beyond perfect.
Shahid Kapoor, the film’s leading man is the best person who could have fallen into the valiance of a Rajput King. His walk has pride that will blow your mind, his eyes are intense, deep and speak volumes of his bravery and beyond all he has a confidence that is impeccable and sharp.
Jim Sarbh is a surprising house of talent who will leave you speechless with his portrayal of Malik Kafur, Alauddin’s most loved and loyal man. His voice and accent blends so beautifully with the powerful dialogues that you are left to think, if he really was Malik Kafur in his previous lifetime! Aditi Rao Hydari shines as Mehrunisa, Alauddin wifes and the pain of having received deceit from her own husband is gleaming in her eyes throughout the film.
There is no one in the film who isn’t convincing enough in their respective roles. There are places where will you will want to shout in rage, cry in fear, clap in disbelief and salute in pride. The movie is not only made with a lot of effort but there has also been an extensive research that the crew and cast has done diligently into the culture, language, music, costume, ideology and much more of both the Rajputs and the Khiljis. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s music is such a delight that you want to sway with soft ones and dance to the loud ones. There are certain songs and dance sequences in the film that will have you not only captivated but will also make you want to download them as soon as you are out of the theaters.
One thing, I can assure everyone who wishes to watch this film, you will be proud of ‘Jauhar’ as a practice. You will know what the custom is about and will be able to discern how the Rajputs thought more distinctly.
One thing which may seem as a downfall to a few is that the movie is much longer than an average Hindi film. It spans for 2 hours and 43 minutes. But if you’ve kept your eyes glued on the screen for every minute, you will not be bored at all!
Padmaavat, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a film worth watching and cherishing.