'Padmaavat' Movie Review: A performance driven tale that leaves an impact

New Delhi : Movie: Padmaavat; Cast: Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim Sarabh, Raza Murad; Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali; Duration: 163.29 minutes; Star Rating: 3.5 stars

Amid all the protests and hypes surrounding the release of Padmaavat, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has delivered a performance driven tale that leaves an impact with its strong characterization, dense storyline and a humorous tinge on dark lines; all-in-all a worth waiting movie for 2018.

There had been a lot of buzz about history being distorted and character of Padmavati in the movie, but all the claims seem unsubstantiated as the film delivers an exact message it should, in case it does not there is a disclaimer attached that definitely settles the rest of voices.

In period dramas, it has always been an issue that there is only one character that turns out to be superior and rest go lost under its aura, but in Padmaavat, almost every character stays resilient till the climax and none lose its charm.

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Ranveer Singh, like he tweeted a couple of days back, plays an evil in the form of Sultan Alauddin Khilji. By hook or crook, he wants all the precious things, starting with Mehrunissa (played by Aditi Rao Hydari), blossoming it to the kingdom, and then a desire to get Padmaavti. His character revolves around a madness of fetching his desires, and rendering the act to perfection are his expressions. 

Shahid Kapoor, who plays Maharawal Ratan Singh, proves his acting skills yet again. We have seen him playing different characters and winning them with his facial expressions. In 'Padmaavat', he slays everyone with his eyes, silence and a smile (this is for the audiences). Initially, I believed that it is his character that will turn out to be the weakest in comparison to other, but as the film ensued, I was left with no option than to surrender before his charm and on-screen characteristic.

Deepika Padukone plays Padmavati, the central character, and justifies every bit of it. She looks strong, performs eminence and leads it with a robust. As described in the movie, one should fall for her looks, but call it her talent or dedication, most of the times it was her performance that preceded her on-screen appearance.

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Side characters played by Jim Sarbh, Raza Murad and Aditi Rao Hydari kept the movie moving at a steady pace and tone it needed to stay interesting. Like Neerja, Jim Saurabh has again performed brilliantly to let his character stick in your mind.  Aditi has not much to speak in the movie, but even her silent presence in the frames fuel a lot of power to the story.

Overall, Padmaavat is a must watch for all the Sanjay Leela Bhansali fans and performance lovers. 

Note: You may find some VFX inspired from Baahubali, but it is no reason to judge the movie as it is a class in itself. Do watch it.

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