Padmaavat: Quick Review

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus "Padmaavat" is finally on the big screen and it's 2 hours, 40 minutes of visual brilliance. 

The film which has been mired in controversy for better part of 2017 gives a clear disclaimer right at the beginning that it is based on Jayasi's poem by the same name and that it does not aim to disrespect the Rajput community and in no way does it promote the practice of sati.

With that disclaimer, Bhansali literally wastes no time in getting on with the story.

Also see: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with Padmaavat

Delhi sultan Allaudin Khilji only knows one language - that of loot, plunder and ruthless killing. He is told by Raghav Chetan, the former priest of Chittor that only when he attains victory over the Rajputs and acquires the beautiful queen Padmavati can he be truly called the Sultan of Hind. 

Khilji, almost possessed by the dream of having the beautiful Padmavati by his side, declares war over Chittor but clearly underestimates the valour and strength of the Rajput community and their king Ratan Sen. 

While the story is known to most of us, it is the way the film is treated and each character is portrayed that makes a difference. 

Bhansali's film is mounted on a huge scale and camera work by Sudeep Chatterjee is clearly the highlight of the film. Every scene is breathtaking, the battle scenes are shot with dynamic precision as if one is witnessing it live.

Among the actors, Shahid and Deepika deliver a restrained performance while Deepika looks absolutely ethereal in every frame but the film belongs to Ranveer Singh, that man owns every scene. Ranveer completely transforms himself as the barbaric Khilji who is a stark contrast to Shahid and Deepika 's pristine presence. 

Here's the full review of "Padmaavat".