NH10: In aftermath, I feel like the impact the movie leaves is almost stronger than the movie itself, which is saying something. The way you can tangibly feel Anushka carrying the film was incredible. I think Vidya in Kahaani is the only other female actress who so tangibly drove a movie in any comparable way. Anushka portrayed such control in "aggression" & frustration & fear, and to portray emotions that are so naturally "expressive" in such a subtle manner, especially for someone who gets criticized for being over-expressive, is a milestone. The script & screenplay weren't perfect, but the "moments" and approach make this movie everything it is. There is so much said through just silence in the entire thing, one such key scene being the climax...which was just sublime. No zinging one-liners needed, no wordy monologues, no over the top stunts...just real, visceral and true to the content it showed. An extremely important film for Indian cinema, IMO. More people should see it. 3.5/5.
TWMR: First Bollywood movie I thoroughly just ENJOYED all the way through, so wholesomely in a long, long time. In fact, I felt like this was the definition of what it means to be "Bollywood" and do it bang on: fantastic incorporation of music, hilarious screenplay, incredible cast & performances, and the dialogues were an absolute RIOT. This movie has so much repeat value (felt like watching it again right after it ended, how many movies make you feel like that!??!?) Pappi Ji is a hall of fame character. 4.5/5.
Originally posted by: .Hajmola.
Bajirao Mastani review:
The film starts of well with BajiRao's coronation and then growth as a warrior. Then by the time Mastani starts dancing in her father's court it turns W*Fish. Again picks up a little post interval to go totally downhill from the Pinga song.The good-Ranveer: This film along with DDD really display his growth as an actor. He was pitch perfect. He manages to cover his flaws I saw in films like Lootera and Gunday ie his delivery and hamming in dramatic scenes. He doesnt strike a wrong note. Fortunately SLB doesnt depend on Ranveer's body to attract the female(or male) audiences here which is a relief to someone like me who doesnt enjoy those 6 pack display by any actor. Basically all the flaws of Ram Leela is covered in this film.Tanvi Azmi: She was perfect as Radha Maa. Unlike Supriya Pathak who went fully OTT she is controlled. She brings out her character's intentions and concerns really well.Priyanka: She did well as Kashi...Baji's hapless wife. Her expressions were bang on. Her huge lips were a distraction though.Others: I liked a few more supporting actors like Mahesh Manjrekar, Milind Soman and the actor who played Cheema.Sets and granduer: Like any SLB you can see the effort that has gone into the sets and costumes.The bad-Deepika: I think this film was one of her weakest characterizations since her career hit a high with Cocktail. Its not that her acted badly..her character was etched badly and she couldnt do much about it. She also looked washed out for some reason...her eyes always seem sad and tearful even when there is no reason to be sad.The extras: Man! Every scene had like a thousand extra wearing the same clothes. Initially it was dazzling but later it got a bit too much.The perfectness of it all: It was as if SLB was even scared to let anything mar the beauty of his frame. Like Mastani doesnt look pregnant even when in labor. Or when Mastani and Kashi but kumkum its so light you can hardly see it. As if SLB didnt want the kumkum spoiling their lovely faces.The story and screenplay: Like I said before the film starts of well and first half hour or so impresses you. The first W*F moment happens when Mastani starts dancing in her father's court like a courtesan. Then again when her father gives her permission to go Bajirao's house as a gift. Then again when she comes to Bajirao's court to dance. How come Baji doesnt know the princess was around? And if Radha was preventing her how did Mastani still make it? I forgot to mention the scene when Baji goes to Mastani's bedroom in BundelKhand and viceversa. Everything is so khullam khulla that its not believable for those times.The story meanders here and Baji and Mastani meet again in Pune with some unbelievable stuff for it to happen to a princess. Like Mastani living with prostitutes in the city. Where do they all disappear later? Then again Mastani being put up in some ruins in Satara. If Baji knew she was there why did he let it happen? Also Kashi not really knowing Baji is married again? Then again Mastani giving birth alone without help.The story picks up a little after this for a while...till the Pinga song. First Kashi is upset with Mastani. In the Pinga song they are bonding and then again she is back to square one..she even banishes Baji after that. The worst bit is though yet to arrive...first the pre climax scene where Baji alone defeats an army and then the climax scene where its obvious he will die but death refuses to come onscreen. For the first time I felt like walking out of the cinema at that point. I thought the film would never end. When he dies its a relief ki picture khatam hua.I think the biggest flaw in the film is you dont feel for Mastani at all. Its not really Bajirao and Mastani story. Its a Bajirao story only. You dont connect to their love story instead you see Mastani as an interloper. You connect more with Radha Maa or Cheema who are trying to preserve their family/culture and standing in society. You even feel for Kashi the hapless wife who gets abandoned for no fault of hers but tries to still do her duties as Mrs.Peshwa. For the protagonist Deepika has very less screentime. Maybe a little more than Priyanka and Tanvi Azmi due to her songs. You just get the feeling that a talented woman like Mastani who was a princess to boot simply wasted her talent trying to find acceptance in a orthodox setup when she could have been more useful to society elsewhere.The film was Ranveer's through and through. Infact he owns BajiRao so much so the film should have been called Bajirao and shown his journey as a warriror which pales in the end due to Bajirao going crazy in love. Bajirao the man and the warrior intrigued me. We hardly know about him in history when compared to Shivaji and this film could have been a good way to address this lack of knowledge instead of trivializing this warrior's greatness.I rate it a 3/5 ...2 points less for the screenplay.
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