Its no secret that I am not a fan of the Bhansali brand of a cultural and arts show disguised as a movie - and that too at 3 hours long. It is surprising though, that despite knowing that, I've ended up watching all his so-called magnum opus' in the theater. Padmaavat, sadly, is no exception to either of those two statements.
All that controversy prior to the release of the movie was for naught. If history was distorted, it surely wasn't to show Rajputs in a poor light. Of course, if one truly viewed the movie from a more in-depth standpoint, one could argue an unintentional subtle commentary on the choices and decisions of our Indian princes of those times. However, on the surface, its all aan baan shaan for the Rajputs so this was much ado over nothing.
I could understand if Shahid Kapoor had protested though. Such calibre is given a completely one-dimensional and weak role that one wonders why it needed Shahid Kapoor to begin with. This is a role he could do in his sleep - with one constant expression on his face, through the movie. A few scenes in which he is meant to erupt about the Rajput rules and style - he thunders at such a decible that it borders on hamming. Perhaps he was also voicing his own frustrations with his character in the movie.
Much has been said about Deepika's gorgeous presence in the movie - I'll simply say that's a huge overstatement. Deepika has the most blank expression on her face through the 3 hour runtime and lapses back to her monotone dialogue delivery. After such strides forward with movies like Piku , Padmaavat is almost a step back for her. In fact, Bajirao Mastani was a better expression of her talent as well as her beauty. The only jewel in this rather over-embellished but finally unimpressive crown is Ranveer Singh and this one is a Kohinoor at that.
Ranveer embraces the vile and despicable Khilji with such fervor that he might well be the barbarian himself. His presence is the only thing that lifts this movie from its pedestrian standards and gives it a chance to shine.From his unpredictability, to his on-point barbarian dance moves - everything about Khilji has a unique stamp of its own. Despite these efforts though, we still get a very superficial view of Khilji - his motivations, his ambition, his ego or even his obsession with Padmavati herself. Character development is not one of Mr. Bhansali's fortes.
Padmaavat starts off strong moving at a rapid pace initially - to the point that you are wondering, what else would be shown for the remainder of the movie. However, when talks of Diwali and Holi celebrations abound while the enemy is at the gates, its a grim reminder that Bhansali is in-charge and the folk dance is about to begin. The song Ghoomar, while exquisitely choreographed, is just a shimmering display of more jewellery. Deepika does the routine as if its a chore to perform while the blank expression on her face continues. The song between Ranveer and his Man Friday is too nonsensical to even comment on. The CGI, where it comes in, is painfully apparent. I didn't watch this one in 3D - the mere thought of those glasses on for 3 hours would've cancelled the movie watching plan altogether - so I can't comment on that either. The climax, if we can call it that, is just too over-done - with heavy background score and repeat sequences of Rajput women running everywhere, to commit an act that is now, rightfully lost to the pages of history.
Ultimately, Padmaavat, while a visual extravaganza - is not worth the sacrifice - the sacrifice of 3 hours of your time at the very least. Neither is it worth the 180 cr that went into making it in the first place. Here's hoping I don't go for the next Bhansali offering in the theater - I've made enough sacrifices already.
