"Padmaavat" | A Visual Masterpiece
Based on the epic ‘Padmavat’ by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi, this grande movie by Bhansali is a work of pure art. From the intricately designed sets to graceful costumes, lighting, VFX, and the characters, everything has a slight Bhansali touch. In fact, in many instances, you might be reminded of Bhansali’s previous characters in Goliyon ki Raas-Leela Ram Leela and Baajirao Mastani. Nonetheless, as the story unfolds, your eyes will thank Sudeep Chatterjee (Cinematographer) and Bhansali for the jaw-dropping shots brimming with radiant colours and gorgeous sceneries.
Shahid is stunning as the proud Maharaja of Mewar – Maharawal Ratan Singh. He brings a regal aura to the whole plot with his grit, valour and Rajput morals, which consequently leads to Padmavati falling for him.
Deepika as Rani Padmavati is a graceful Rajput queen whose beauty surpasses even the moon and whose mind is as sharp as the Rajput sword. But it is only when Alauddin Khilji becomes obsessed with Padmavati that the plot moves beyond Padmavati’s allure.
Alauddin Khilji sees Ranveer as a vile, barbaric Sultan consumed with an insatiable desire for flesh and power. He murders the former Sultan with no regrets and wants everything that pleases him. With a scarred face and kohl-lined savage eyes, he pries for the Mewar queen when he hears about her beauty and charm.
The scenes between Khilji and Maharaja Ratan Singh are some of the most captivating moments of the film, as they both flex their muscles in a fight of morals and Padmavati. Mind you, there is not even a single shot where Padmavati and Khilji share the screen. Throughout the movie, Khilji was not even able to lay eyes on her (hands are a far-fetched idea). Besides the main characters, it was Mehrunissa – played by Aditi Rao Hydari – who made some impact on the story when she discovers the true nature of her husband Alauddin. The surprising element of ‘Padmaavat’ was the loyal, loving yet wicked servant of the Sultan – Malik Kafur, played by Jim Sarbh. Even though he couldn’t overshadow Khilji, Jim added sufficiently to enhance the ravenous nature of the Sultan-e-hind.
The film’s each and every shot was breathtaking and this was made possible by Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s expertise in projecting larger than life scenery and Sudeep Chatterjee’s photography. Even though there is a long way to go for the Bollywood industry to match Hollywood’s level of VFX and CGI, ‘Padmaavat’ did a fair enough job to bring out war scenes between dynasties. The fight scene between Ranveer and Shahid was well picturised but a closer look would reveal the act. The background score will remain with you even after you leave the hall but the unnecessary songs did not do much good to the movie. Apart from that, stretching out the movie in the second half tests the patience of the audience. ‘Padmaavat’ could do much better with a shorter run-time with Bhansali’s brilliant visual strokes.
Overall, ‘Padmaavat’ is a visually-appealing story which just flows at its own pace with no constraints.
