HOW THEIR WORK PROFILES DIFFER

Can teach up to 16 hours per week

Paid a monthly salary on a par with the sum recommended by the University Grants Commission for an assistant professor Contracts are for four months only

Paid during vacations and examination or even when classes are not held

Like any permanent lecturer, an ad hoc can be involved in activities of the institutions apart from teaching

Can take up to seven lectures a week

Paid per lecture; According to old UGC regulations, cannot be paid more than ₹25,000 a month. As per new regulations yet to be implemented, cannot be paid more than ₹50,000 per month

Contracts for very short period Not paid for vacations, examinations or any period when classes are not held Cannot be involved in any activity other than teaching

Panipat is all you’d expect from an Ashutosh Gowarikar period drama — lavish sets, larger-than-life characters, an extraordinary cast.

Starring Arjun Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, with Sanjay Dutt as antagonist, the film is based on the Third Battle of Panipat, fought in 1761. Maratha forces are taking on the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali (Dutt), led by the commanderin-chief Shadashivrao Bhau (Kapoor); fighting by his side are his nephew, the Peshwa heir Vishwasrao (Abhishek Nigam), his cousin Shamsher Bahadur (Sahil Salathia) and a Muslim aide, Ibrahim Khan Gardi (Nawab Shah).

Gowarikar keeps close to the facts as we know them, but this is not some dry history text retread. His fight scenes look as well-choreographed as the dance sequences; the dance scenes as grand as the battles; and driving it all is intense political machination.

CK Muraleedharan’s cinematography is applause-worthy. The visual effects are sound. The climactic battle sequence is gripping, as thousands of warriors on both sides take a final stand, majestic animals in tow.