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Padmaavat Review: Ranveer Singh Shines In Bhansali’s Magnum Opus

In this either all good or all bad saga, the main lead of Padmaavat shine. 

RJ Stutee reviews Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat. 
RJ Stutee reviews Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat. 

After several disclaimers at the beginning of the film, Padmaavat begins with a serene idyllic landscape of Singhal, where warrior princess Padmavati meets Raja Ratan Singh, and the Cupid's arrow strikes literally and metaphorically.

The King, already married, is so smitten by Padmavati’s charm that he immediately proposes marriage, and the Ghoomar song, with Deepika's midriff covered with sanskaar and CGI, isn't too far behind.

Some things are quintessentially Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The grandeur, unmistakable magnificence, the spectacular sartorial choices, the gems and jewellery, and "all days are wedding days " kind of finery that looks all the more inviting when seen through 3D glasses .

The lavish frames captured by Sudeep Chatterjee’s camera with the humongous palaces, never-ending war fields, horses ravaging enemy territory and the clanking of metal on the battlefield - Padmaavat commands attention, revels in it, makes the most of it and looks breathtaking in every perfectly crafted scene.

Though upholstered majestically, the story somewhere fizzles out. Ratan Singh is too good, Padmavati is too stoic, and Khilji is just simply a beast.

This good versus evil battle would have been tiresome, except for the enthralling beauty and the commitment of the actors.

Shahid Kapoor imbues his Raja Ratan Singh with an understated goodness and moral authority. Deepika Padukone looks ethereal playing her part with unmatched grace, and Ranveer Singh lets loose his inner electrifying energy turning into an ogre, wreaking havoc in his wake.

Also praiseworthy is Jim Sarbh in the role of Khilji's eunuch slave and suggested partner Malik Kafur.

But sadly his role, like that of Ratan Singh's first wife, played by the able Anupriya Goenka, or Khilji's wife (Aditi Rao Hydari), is never quite sincerely explored .

The beauty of Padmaavat leaves us mesmerised, but as for the storytelling, it isn’t exceptional.

3.5 Quints out of 5!

As for Karni Sena, they must now have their finger on their lips!