Padmaavat is an absolute visual delight. Every scene is like a gorgeous painting. The movie pays homage to the pride, valour and honour of the Rajput community and its rich history.
Set in an era where a certain race, Khilji is trying to overtake Delhi leaving their mark as champions. Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh) – a crazy king goes into a war with full throttle against Rajputs for his one mad wish. The beautiful side of the story has an almost perfect love story of Rani Padmavati (Deepika Padukone) and Rawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor). A perfect couple living a perfect life until a dark cloud named Alauddin Khilji starts hovering over their life. Revolving around the life of these three people, Padmaavat is the story of love, war and madness. The face-off between these two kings and how they stake everything over one mad wish.
This movie is visually Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s best work. Hats off to the cinematographer, Sudeep Chatterjee. The editing is crisp and the screenplay movies fluidly. Unlike other Sanjay Leela Bhansali movies which feature an array of song and dance, these features are limited to two dance pieces. Written by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Prakash Kapadia, this surely is Bhansali’s toughest work till date. From portraying the insanity of Ranveer Singh to keeping everything under a line as far as Rajput sensibilities are concerned. It’s so brilliantly written film, even the dark situations have an underlying touch of humour.
Deepika Padukone is breathtakingly beautiful as Rani Padmavati. She makes every frame beautiful. Ghoomar is even better in the film. She portrayed Rani Padmavati with grace and power. This is her career-best performance. She has looked at her stunning best in this one and totally justifies the glory of Rani Padmavati.
Shahid Kapoor is remarkable as Raja Maharawal Ratan Singh. He essayed the values and pride of the Rajputs with confidence. This role was made for him. It is one of his most memorable performances yet.
Ranveer Singh as Khilji rules the screenplay of this movie. He portrays evil with such finesse. This is also his career-best performance. He will surprise you and mesmerise you with his portrayal. His wicked smile at the most uncertain times and the manners in which he presents himself are written so well. Ranveer lives the character so well, he’s set to bag in some major awards this year.
The most remarkable quality of Padmaavat is that it showcases the honour, pride and courage of Rajput women. The issue of Jauhar (Mass Self-Immolation) was perfectly handled in the film.
Padmaavat will go down in the history of Hindi Cinema as one of the finest movies made. It shares the pride and honour of the Rajput community with grace and powerful storytelling and crisp editing. It feels like theatre. Padmaavat is not an ordinary movie, it’s a cinematic experience. Don’t miss this powerful experience at a cinema near you.
Rating: 10/10
Jai Bhavani!