Jun 08, 2016 05:07 PM
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The overwrought but impressive extravaganza elevates the legendary 18th century warrior-hero determined to establish Hindu rule.The film feels overly ceremonious, purposefully epic and, in places, a little exhausting. But hang in there.
Because slowly and skillfully, Bajirao Mastani transports you. The narrative negotiates between scale and intimacy. Sanjay’s triumph is that he makes us invest equally in all three — Bajirao, Mastani and Kashibai, the devoted wife who must come to terms with her husband’s infidelity. This is the all-too-familiar triangle made messy by marriage, religion and status.
But in Sanjay’s hands, it is elevated to Krishna, Radha and Rukmini. Love, this film argues, is a higher calling. Love constitutes its own religion.Ranveer Singh isn’t instantly convincing, but he slowly makes you believe. It’s a complex role that combines towering strength with aching vulnerability and helplessness. He delivers his career’s best performance
