FILM REVIEW
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Actors: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor I’ve just seen Padmaavat and I don’t understand the controversy.
In the film the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, Allauddin Khilji, wages a war with Rajput king Ratan Singh to take his wife, the beautiful Padmavati. As far as I can see, nothing onscreen justifies protests by Hindu nationalist groups, which have become more furious in the past few days, with attacks on theatres and school buses.
In fact, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film is an ode to Rajput bravery. He casts not only royalty, but everyone in the kingdom – from soldiers to ministers and the queen’s dasis (maids) – in a positive light.
Given the off-screen drama, it’s not surprising that the film opens with a string of disclaimers that make it clear the film takes its inspiration from verses by the Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi. Khilji and Rajput king Ratan Singh were on the throne in the 14th century and a war was fought but there is little historical evidence to support Queen Padmavati’s existence. Ranveer Singh’s Khilji is a man with two great passions in life – power and the wish to own everything that is “naayab” (beautiful and unique). A remorseless anti-hero, he takes his place as the king of the Delhi sultanate by killing his uncle, Jalaluddin.
Meanwhile, Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) meets, falls in love with and marries Padmavati (Deepika Padukone) and takes her back to his home in Chittor. When Khilji hears of her exemplary beauty, he makes it his mission to procure her, but (spoiler alert) that is not to be.
The production is undoubtedly lavish but there is an almost constant sense of deja vu. Bhansali fans will find Padukone’s character too much like Mastani in his last film Bajirao Mastani; a few songs, especially Ek Dil Hai, are too similar to those in Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela; and, even the beige and silver interiors of parts of the Rajasthani palace are reminiscent of Shaniwar Wada in Bajirao Mastani. Kapoor is rather underwhelming too: while he looks the part of the handsome Rajput king – his character pales alongside the depictions of Khilji and Padmavati.
On the other hand, Ranveer Singh shines in his portrayal of Bhansali’s Khilji – he is menacing, brutal, passionate, unpredictable and exciting to watch. Jim Sarbh impresses with his nuanced performance as the slave who seems blinded by his love for Khilji. A stunning Padukone is convincing as the brave and graceful queen, trying to be the voice of reason between two egotistic men.
The Singh, Padukone and Bhansali combo that has given Bollywood hits such as Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela and Bajirao Mastani seems to be on a winning streak, and it doesn’t look like the protests will be able to break that run any time soon.