Length: 2 hours 43 minutes

Genre: Period drama

Rating: 3/5

The film which faced the wrath of many fringe groups before its release does in no way slam the Rajput valour; and neither does it depict the Mewar Rajputs as heroes. Although the film in some way has glorified the Rajputs, but Bhansali claims that the film is a work of fiction. Padmaavat is based on Sufi poet Malik Muhammed Jayasi’s epic poem Padmavat.

The movie has a slightly slower pace in the first half. The opening scene shows Jalaluddin Khilji (played by Raza Murad). Allauddin is his young nephew who is asked to bring an ostrich’s hair but instead he brings the ostrich, all cuffed in chain. He is shown in poor light and with all his idiosyncrasies where he defies rules and women including his new wife Mehrunissa, played by Aditi Rao Hydari.

Padmavati (Deepika Padukone), the princess of Singhal is married to Maharawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) and is an epitome of beauty.

Ranveer Singh grips the audience with his sheer personification of the character, fiercely pertinent with his portrayal of the role, his body language and passionate walks evoke a reality streak in the film. He has poured in all the vices of being a maniacal historical character as dominant in history as we know Khilji. Though Bhansali’s take on the character has a one-dimensional approach, with vile being synonymous to this depiction.

The scenes between Khilji and Kafur have a dark connotation. Padmaavat has a tone which sets apart twoopulent meaning ideas of love and of war. The ideas of different belief amongst the rules.

The writing does not have a robust ground, the love story between Ratan Singh and Rani Padmini has been shown but not the intricacies. Khilji’s rise to power is depicted but there is a certain logic defiant area where a ruthless king like him puts everything on stake for a woman.

The frequent songs in the first half are again a deterrent factor. The grand sets and computer generated images though have a gripping effect.

There is a sudden amount of myth in the film with an evil vertex love triangle. Post interval, the story moves in the right pitch with drama and events.

Shahid Kapoor is seen in a more subtle tone. Deepika steals the show with her charisma. The cinematography with art direction is excellent. Sudeep Chaterjee has a natural grip on the camera.

In the climax scene, Ranveer runs across Chittor Fort and Deepika walks into the fire to save her honour. It is more of Bhansali's larger than life vision that holds the film together.

A feast for the eyes, the film induces many thoughts, ideals, prejudices, pain, sweat, and blood bath. The film deserves to be watched with all its glories and its flaws at least once.