“The tongue has no bone and it wriggles more against the celebrities than the common man.” Sanjay Leela Bhansali is indeed a celebrity and it is not surprising, if there is criticism coming from his opponents, when he makes a big film, that too on a historical subject of Bajirao Peshwa , who was a brave Maratha warrior during 18th century.
But, those real film lovers had lot of expectations from his latest film, which was made in a grand way. And, the committed film maker, did live up to the expectations of the film lovers, offering a spectacular love story, suitably titled ‘Bajirao Mastani’. So, this has silenced all his critics, who were making unnecesary noise, over his taking cinematic liberties, in presenting this subject, based on Maratha history.
Though this period film is based on N.S.Inamdar’s novel ‘Rau’, Mr. Bhansali has taken the cinematic liberties, to present this subject in a professional manner, very successfully, to make it a perfect commercial film . And, he hasn’t forgotten to declare the same, through a declaration made, before the start of the film.
‘Bajirao Mastani’ goes on to show the happenings during the reign of Bajirao I ( Ranveer Singh), who served as the Maratha Peshwa, to the fifth King of Maratha Empire – Chhatrapati Shahu Raje Bhosle ( Mahesh Manjrekar), from 1720 until Bajirao’s death. Though, Bajirao is shown in the film, winning all his battles, while helping others, who have been attacked by Mughals, on one such mission, while helping King Chhatrasal, he falls in love with his beautiful daughter Mastani (Deepika Padukone).
On the request of his daughter, the King allows Mastani to go along with the gifts offered to Bajirao, in return of his timely help . Due to opposition from his mother ( Tanvi Azmi) and brother Chimaji Appa ( VaibhavTatwawdi) and also not to make his wife Kashibai ( Priyanka Chopra) unhappy, Bajirao makes Mastani’s arrangement in a separate palace in Pune. Much against the wish of Brahmin Pundits, close to his brahmin family , Bajirao reciprocates his love towards Mastani, who loves him through her heart. He even defends Mastani on several occasions. Apart from the bravery acts of Bajirao , the director has focused more on the intense love story of Bajirao and Mastani, to appeal the film lovers.
The film has many plus points. Besides presenting a spectacular love story, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has paid attention on all technical aspects of the film, like beautiful art work, appropriate costumes, wonderful cinematography by Sudeep Cahtterjee, his own music for the lovely songs & the suitable choreography for the same. The screenplay and dialogues of this film are also well written. But, above all, the wonderful performances by all the lead artistes and those in the supporting roles, makes this film a worth watch. ‘Life of Pi’ fame Ayush Tandon has played the role of Nanasaheb Peshwa in the concluding part of the film.
The presence of Marathi artistes like Mahesh Manjrekar, Milind Soman, Tanvi Azmi , Yatin Karyekar & Vaibhav Tatwawdi has added that required Marathi flavor into this film. Both Ranveer and Priyanka have given their best; but, it is Deepika’s fine performance, which is really something special and should make her eligible for many popular awards in the coming year.
Rating ( ****)
Review By: Ulhas Shirke