Wherefore art thou Ram
SANJAY Leela Bhansali is a master of his craft.
Regarded as difficult, challenging and meticulous, he is a visionary director who shoots his movies on a broad canvas.
From the emotional saga Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam to critically acclaimed masterpieces such as Black, Devdas and Guzaarish, Bhansali has reigned supreme.
His only blemish was Saawariya, which can easily be forgotten among his classics.
Inspired by Shakespeare, Bhansali returns with another epic love story — a modern-day adaptation of Romeo and Juliet — about two feuding families who hold an old grudge that leads to an obsession with guns and killing.
Ranveer Singh is the passionate and mischievous lover Ram, who loses his heart to the live-wire beauty Leela, played by Deepika Padukone. The relationship of the star-crossed lovers is tumultuous and violent and the couple reaches a painful decision that destroys the romance.
Bhansali weaves his magic with a supremely confident and powerful script.
From the moment the two initiate their memorable encounters to the climax, their meetings are delicious, naughty and mesmerising.
Set in Gujarat, the film is rich in tradition, song, dance — and there are some sudden unexpected jolts that add to the feverish drama.
Bhansali also ensures that the art direction is perfect: every shot is captured in a style and with a vibrancy that result in visual brilliance.
The leading cast members are the biggest assets of this movie.
Although I have always enjoyed the combination of Ranbir Kapoor and Padukone, the actress shines when paired opposite her alleged boyfriend — Singh — for the first time.
He is simply outstanding and has grown into a remarkable actor who knows how to deliver the goods like a seasoned star.
His transformation is handled with class and the result is a firstrate performance and career highlight.
Padukone is divine as Leela — she is the beauty who balances innocence with fiery spirit, but she outdoes herself towards the end.
The music works well with the mood of the movie and Priyanka Chopra’s sudden song appearance is one of the highlights.
Ram-Leela has to go down as one of the top movies of the year and should feature prominently during the awards season.
Do go and enjoy this breathtaking romance.