Review of Bajirao Mastani (2015) by Parag A — 20 Dec 2015

I have few issues with Bajirao. Firstly and most importantly, though cinematic freedom is right but it isn't right to twist the facts by a 180 degrees. Mastani's character played by DP is central yet however feels alien and the chemistry between her and Ranveer is totally lacking and it is hard to believe even with cinematic freedom that a person can go mad over such a relationship.

Thirdly, the legendary sacking of the Mughal empire by Bajirao is totally forgotten. That in summary is the fallacy of Bajirao Mastani. We also know how Bhansali makes up for his lack of depth: gorgeous setpieces, sweeping landscapes and eye watering colours.

Bajirao has its highs. The first one being Ranveer Singh who plays the emotionally troubled Peshwa torn between forbidden love and family with great panache. It is the sheer intensity of his emotion on screen that carries the movie.

The scene where he single handedly lays the Nizam's army low is unrealistic but my one WOW moment of the film. PC playing his first wife Kashibai does a much better job than DP and actually I felt she had a better chemistry with Bajirao in the entire film than Mastani.

This is because inherently she is a way better actress. The battle scenes are crafted to detail and are much better than the overhyped Bahubali. Even though I don't agree with the film's conclusion, the climax is a intense mix of raw emotion and some beautiful cinematography.

As a movie alone Bajirao probably deserves four or more stars but as a tribute to the Maratha history it loses out. Not for historical knowledge but for the cinematic grandeur of it... watch it.