Historical dramas have gathered much interest from the masses as it provides a glimpse of the events unfolded in the past.However, many have been lauded for the way they have been presented in a smooth manner without much opposition and some have gone through vehement opposition or criticism for a reason or the other.Padmaavat is one of those few movies in recent times which has garnered much opposition in specific parts of the nation. The reason being the historical inaccuracy is depicting the events in the given era.
Plot:-
The opening sequence itself feels like an Arabian or other worldly fictional tale, showing Sultan Jalaluddin Khilji(Raza Murad) and his aides discussing the sacking of Delhi.Alauddin Khilji(Ranveer Singh) enters as a cunning and ambitious young man who had set his vision on power and wordly lusts' and one would gaze his character in a jist. His first quest is to marry his Uncle, Sultan Jalauddin's daughter, Mehrunnisa(Aditi Rao Hydari).The story goes on a parallel track showing the Sinhala kingdom and the King of Mewar, Maharawal Ratan Singh(Shahid Kapur) impressed by its jewels, comes to seek them unaware that he would fall in love and get married to the Queen Padmavati(Deepika Padukone) herself, whilst getting accidentally wounded by her.
The valiant Alauddin then gets a chance to repel a Mongol invasion, in which he gets successful by beheading the Mongol leader in battle. Impressed by his victory, Jalauddin and his aides gift him a slave, Malik Kafur(Jim Sarbh) who would follow any given order.Alauddin orders him to kill both of Jalaluddin's aides, which he performs instantly, leaving Alauddin and the rest shocked and surprised, which he pre -planned as a means to murder his Uncle, in order to crown himself as the Sultan-e -hind(Sultan of India).
Meanwhile, Ratan Singh's priest, Raghav Chetan(Ujjwal Chopra) watches Ratan Singh and Padmavati getting intimate and gets banished from the kingdom as a result, which Raghav vows to avenge.He joins forces with Alauddin and informs him of Padmavati's beauty, which sets Alauddin to eye Mewar.Alauddin then lays a siege on the city, but the brave Rajputs fend off an attack.
Alauddin, desperate to seek Padmavati enters the fort at Mewar as a royal guest, but is prevented from meeting her by Ratan Singh and his men.As per the Rajput's code of conduct, the Queen/Princess is not allowed to reveal herself to a foreigner or the enemy, which forced them to unveil herself, without showing her face.Enraged by this, Alauddin then lays a trap and takes Ratan Singh as hostage, forcing Padmavati to travel to Delhi to meet the Sultan.Padmavati puts forth certain conditions including beheading the traitor Raghav Chetan and getting his head to Mewar, which the Sultan agrees to.
Later, Alauddin becomes a near victim of assassination by his brother in law but later kills him in order to retain his throne.
Upon arrival at Delhi, the Rajputs are assisted by Mehrunissa in order to free Ratan Singh while the men battle the Sultan's army at his fort.Upon knowing of Mehrunissa's actions, Alauddin strips her of her Queen's heritage.
Alauddin finally decides to attack Mewar but first has to battle Ratan Singh.The two fend a tough fight and upon nearing defeat, Malik Kafur fires arrows and kills Ratan Singh.They then storm the fort at Mewar, but are taken in for a surprise, as the women of the town had decided to immolate themselves or commit jauhar if their men are killed in battle, rather than surrendering to the enemy.Frantically, Alauddin tries to prevent Padmavati from commiting the act, but fails.
Direction/Performances/Others
Padmaavat is quite different from the way it is portrayed as compared to the other Historical movies I had watched earlier. One would not expect any less in a film, directed by the legend himself, Sanjay Leela Bhansali(SLB).Known for unleashing blockbusters, be it Khamoshi:The Musical(1996), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam(1999), Devdas(2002)Black(2005), Ramleela(2013) or Bajirao Mastani(2015), Padmaavat is no lesser stroke and the direction is awe-stunning.
Although it is said that the film has little to do with the exact historical events as they appeared in the respective era, it seemed quite larger than life otherwise. Bhansali swiftly took the storyline to a great depth scene by scene.
The scene of Padmavati hunting a deer and accidentally wounding her future love, Ratan Singh was quite unique in its approach. Also, the scene where Alauddin gets Malik Kafur to kill his Uncle's bodyguards and finally murders his uncle to crown himself as the Sultan-e-Hind was unexpected and impressive.SLB finally combines both the parallel tracks smoothly together, which displays power and desire on one hand and patriotic love on the other. As the story moves on, one cannot avoid getting immersed in the anticipation of whether the Sultan would finally achieve his ultimate fascination or something unexpected altogether to turn up, a la suspense movies.
Coming to the performances, the one who steals the show is none other than the ever dynamic and power packed Ranveer Singh, who has taken Bollywood by storm in the recent years. After captivating performances in Ram-Leela(2013), Lootera(2013), Bajirao Mastani(2015), he melted into the skin of the character, with the puffed up and manly look of Alauddin Khilji, an emperor for whom power and wordly lusts in addition to being a womaniser were life's ultimate goals. Without second thoughts, this can be considered as Ranveer's best performance till date.
Essaying the title role of the movie, Deepika Padukone dazzles as Rani Padmavati. Not an unfamiliar territory for this damsel, her look is authentic and plays her part with ease and elegance. Although there are no scenes of her participating in warfare as opposed to her role in Bajirao Mastani, nevertheless her role was powerful enough to grab the screens.
Shahid Kapur as Maharawal Ratan Singh was imminent enough and in no way similar to a cameo, as many had speculated, after watching the promos. This is the first time he presents himself as a King whose primary role is to defend his kingdom and his wife from an enemy who can never be trusted.His role never felt overshadowed by that of Ranveer or Deepika and was portrayed very well.
The other notable character was that of Jim Sarbh playing the ruthless eunuch slave Malik Kafur. Just a few films old, this is one of his best performances after his debut Neerja(2015), where he played one of the main hijackers. His mannerisms and accent as demanded by the role and his equation with Ranveer Singh was done effortlessly and was prominent enough to leave a lasting impact on the mind of the viewer.
Ujjwal Chopra playing the priest Raghav Chetan who turns a traitor after he was exiled from his kingdom did appeal well.
Supporting characters as that of Aditi Rao Hydari, Raza Murad, and Anupriya Goenka playing Rani Nagmati, the first wife to Maharawal Ratan Singh were good enough.
Music:-
The music of Padmaavat became popular several months before the movie's release, the first being the traditional folk influenced "Ghoomar" which is picturised on Deepika Padukone and the women dancing in the Chhitorgarh fort. "Ek Dil Ek Jaan" was a love ballad picturised on Shahid and Deepika. The other songs, "Khalibali", "Binte Dil", "Holi" and "Nainowale Ne" were released shortly before the film's release. T-Series released the soundtrack and Composer Sanchit Balsara did the filmscore.Sanjay Leela Bhansali, A.M Turaz and Siddharth-Garima did the song's composition and the lyrics as well.Arijit Singh, Shivam Pathak, Swaroop Khan, Shreya Ghoshal, Shail Hada, Neeti Mohan and Richa Sharma lent their voices for the songs.
