The Age of Commercialism

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

What a stunning story got murdered by the screenplay writer and actors . Remorse.

A quality period drama film with lavish sets. The film manages to hold audience attention, however, the ending leaves much to be desired. Battle scenes used CGI and looked artificial. Some good dialogues & performances by Ranvir, Deepika & Priyanka is probably drawing the crowds. A pain to sit through and a benchmark for lavish failures. And to top it all, such garbage receives awards.

True to Bhansali's signature style, this epic love saga, touted as his magnum opus is opulent, dreamy & magnificent. Lavish palaces, mirrored chambers, glittering chandeliers, royal robes & dazzling jewelry – Bajirao Mastani is a richly woven historical tapestry of romance, passion, hatred & conspiracy, all of it veiled in a tantalizing enigma. The film unfolds like an unexplored fable of love between the legendary Maratha general Peshwa Bajirao I & the ethereal half- Muslim princess Mastani. As Rao engages in battles against the Mughals for Chhatrapati Shahu, he is approached by the beautiful Mastani who requests protection for Bundelkhand. In the process, they fall in love. But how will Rao's first wife Kashibai react to this? Will Bajirao's family accept Mastani as his wife & not concubine? Can their love overcome the rigid social barriers & emerge victorious in this battle against the state, family & age-old traditions? Owing to few glitches here and there, Bajirao Mastani falls short of being a masterpiece but it is definitely the perfect tribute to the chivalrous warrior, his gutsy Mastani & the selfless Kashibai. From Bajirao and Mastani's undying passion for each other that transcends all social barriers to their unfulfilled dream of togetherness to Kashibai's unrequited love, everything was beautifully scripted and brought to life by poignant performances. Also, unlike Jodha Akbar, Bajirao Mastani doesn't overlook uncomfortable issues like male infidelity as we see Kashibai questioning Mastani about the reliability of Bajirao's heart. One must also applaud the film's respectable and realistic approach to the issue of bigamy. It doesn't glorify or demean any character to justify its theme. Nor does it give a romanticized version of Bajirao; he is a great warrior & a good man but not without flaws. The triumph of the film's characterization lies in the fact that we feel compelled to empathize even with those who oppose the love story. Whether it is Bajirao or Mastani or Kashi or Ma Saheb, everyone has his or her own reasons and we can clearly see the conflict of head and heart simmering in their eyes. Scenes like Kashi destroying the curtain that reflects the events in Aina Mahal and Bajirao's letter to Mastani stating that Kashibai is both his wife and friend and deserves to know everything stand out. The film's cinematography is absolutely outstanding. Bhansali peppers it beautifully with his rich & fairly well informed vision of the 18th century India. Replete with complex war scenes, panoramic action sequences, enthralling songs, though-provoking dialogues & continuous interplay of light & shade coupled with the clamour of swords & tinkling of anklets – Bajirao Mastani is a complete audio visual treat. Speaking of the performances, Ranveer Singh nails it as Bajirao. From a proud Maratha general to an intoxicated lover guilty of cheating his wife, Singh breathes life into the character. The forever stunning Deepika Padukone lights up the screen as the fiery Mastani who disregards all social norms and believes in writing her own destiny. But somewhere, the intensity in her character is missing & she fails to create an impact. Her style of speech becomes monotonous after a time. Also, the full-blown passion of this pair is missing from the picture. It is Priyanka Chopra who takes the cake here. Her Kashi is grace personified. The transformation from the innocent, vivacious & loving wife to a more mature, muted yet strong lady is flawless. She portrays Kashi's inner turmoil with élan & conveys the quiet sorrow of a wife & friend forgotten. The supporting cast has also done a fabulous job – supremely good Tanvi Azmi (as Radhabai), intense Vaibhav (as brother Chimaji) & restrained Milind Soman (as the faithful Ambaji) were a treat to watch. Though the story ends on a tragic note & the ending could have been more authentic and less dramatized (as far as Mastani's death is concerned), it is surely one of the most well scripted scenes in the film. Bajirao, hallucinating under fever, sees forces charging at him in the river. He wages his own war & goes into the water swinging his sword . He says his opponent is 'bhagwan… kismat' thus signifying his lost battle with his fate, family & the custodians of religion. From Rao's slow descent into madness to Kashi watching him helplessly to Mastani's failed attempts at freeing herself from the chains that bind her, you can feel their loss, pain & grief. As the sun sets and the rain pours down, it draws the curtain on a 300-year old tale of love 'jiska zikr na kabhi itihas mein hua na kabhi woh udharan bani'. No running across green meadows, no car chase, no item numbers – Bajirao Mastani takes you to a new world full of untasted delights and does complete justice to its theme 'every religion teaches love but love has no religion and is a religion in itself'.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali made in his own style...But its fantastic movie with superb casting people. Ram Leela hit pair once again prove themselves they are best romance pair in industry and Bhansali has chosen right Casting Ranveer,Deepika,Priyaka nobody replaced by anyone.This is great movie definitely from bhansali direction,The music composed wow thats amazing mesmorizes always....all songs fantastic you wouldn't expect this kind of tracks bhansali made. A romance epic movie Bajirao Mastani one of crown to Indian cinemas. Bajirao Mastani Team did great and great job... Bhansali received national best director for this movie, this says how much effort he put to make film grandly. Ranveer's full effort and show off experinced characterization on screen,that's great self achievement