Crux lies in the detailing !. Review on Panipat

Panipat the film highlights very effectively & intelligently, the political alliances, incongruence, administrative strategies, and the prelude to wars during the Peshwa regime.

Interestingly, political enthusiasts could perhaps even draw parallels with the current context wherein the basic underlying issues viz. greed, trust, insecurity; identity, etc. still hold relevant in India.

Though a Bollywood period film, the screenplay focuses more on the ‘event’s significance and lessons learnt’ with subtlety. The narrative’s USP is capturing of historical accounts in chronological order with greater detail. There is very little dependence on drama, typical power packed punch-lines and jingoism. Cinematic liberties are purely taken with a view to establish the flow of sequences, and not add spice. This does tend to slow down the pace a bit. A mild reminiscence of Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj can be felt at few instances.

Background score by Ajay Atul also sets the right tone, esp. during the war scenes. Cinematography, colour schemes and Set designs are top notch. Costume designs are also in sync with the visuals. The action sequences have been shot very well, without much of over-doing, yet keeps your engaged. CGI / VFX in some portions is average.

Performance wise, Sanjay Dutt with his ‘aura’ fits perfectly into Abdali’s character, Kriti Sanon with right emotions, diction and body language is exceptional. This has been her career-best portrayal so far. Arjun Kapoor has worked very hard, does well in most of his scenes but expressions and persona as a protagonist needed to be much more powerful.

Padmini Kolhapure, Suhasini Mulay and Zeenat Aman impress in their brief roles.

Mohnish Behl, Kunal ‘Shashi’ Kapoor, Abhishek Nigam, Gashmeer Mahajani, Sahil Salathia and Nawab Shah leave a strong impact through their parts.

Mantra proves one of the surprise packets, playing his part perfectly, and with utmost ease. He definitely deserves to be seen more often in Hindi cinema.

It’s refreshing to veterans S.M. Zaheer, Ravindra Mahajani, Shailesh Datar in traditional outfits and they provide adequate support, even in the action sequences.

Overall, Ashutosh Gowariker’s earnest efforts in recreating an important lesson in history on celluloid, definitely deserves a watch and applause as well.