Bajirao Mastani Movie Review: Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Bajirao Mastani has not only been well accepted by the audience and the critics, its also emerging the victor in the battle of the blockbusters (pitted against SRK’s Dilwale).
Everything about Bajirao Mastani – the sets, the songs, the war scenes, the acting (hats off to Ranveer Singh) is top notch. And Sanjay Leela Bhansali has proved once more that when it comes to making a magnum opus, no one does it better than him in Bollywood.
“And this is also probably the first time that a movie has managed to earn more than a SRK film (and that too with Kajol in it).”
2nd weekend biz at a glance:- #Dilwale ₹ 21.23 cr … #BajiraoMastani ₹ 34.30 cr … COMBINED 2nd weekend total: ₹ 55.53 cr. India biz.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) December 28, 2015
Here we bring to you reviews from the leading critics in the industry.
Rajeev Masand rates 3/5 on CNN IBN
“This sweeping period piece, set in the early 18th century, focuses on a forbidden romance that consumed Bajirao Ballal Bhat, a brave general credited with expanding the Maratha Empire and winning every one of the 41 battles he fought. But the film also suffers from a condition one might describe as ‘Bhansali-it is’ – the tendency to be melodramatic, over-long, and highly indulgent. Ultimately you can’t help being overwhelmed by Sudeep Chatterjee’s eye-watering frames, and the elegant production design. Bhansali delivers a film that’s artistic but exhausting. I’m going with three out of five.”
Taran Adarsh rates 4/5 on BollywodHungama
“Fit BAJIRAO MASTANI into your agenda of films to watch this weekend. Bhansali could’ve easily opted for a modern-day love story, but the fact that he chose to make a historical and one that keeps you hooked for varied reasons deserves applause and encouragement from cineastes. Sure, it’s a damn good looking film, but, most importantly, it has soul too. On the whole, BAJIRAO MASTANI is a cinematic gem that you just cannot miss. Tremendous performances, deft direction, power-packed screenwriting and dialogue, melodious soundtrack and of course, the lavish mounting — this film has it all. Strongly recommended!”
Komal Nahta’s comments on Zee ETC Bollywood Business
“On the whole, Bajirao Mastani is a visually delightful entertainer and a cinematic masterpiece. Unfortunately, it holds more appeal for the classes and multiplex audiences and less for the masses. This will reflect adversely in its commercial report card because a film with an investment of the kind made in this project needed to be universally appealing, nothing less than that.In commercial terms, however, its very high cost on the one hand and an ordinary initial on the other, coupled with the fact that it has released in direct opposition of Dilwale, will not see it making profits. Rather, this masterpiece could, quite unfortunately and tragically, even entail losses to the persons concerned.”
Srijana Das rates 4/5 on TOI
“Straight away, Bajirao Mastani is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s most gorgeous – and most political – movie. Bajirao-Mastani resembles Jodhaa-Akbar with teeth that bite, Mughal-e-Azam with shades of philosophical grey. It rediscovers roots to Maratha pride – and bravely confronts one of India’s most crucial questions now. Quickly ‘chala’ to the biggest screen you can find.”
Shubha Shetty-Saha rates 3.5/5 on Mid-Day
“Sanjay Leela Bhansali has cleverly picked up some Marathi speaking actors as supporting cast, which includes Tanvi Azmi (brilliant as Bajirao’s mother), Mahesh Manjrekar as King Shahu, Milind Soman as Bajirao’s friend and Vaibbhav Tatwawdi as his brother, Chimaji. Watch this film for its larger-than-life cinematic experience, and of course, Ranveer Singh. ”
Sweta Kaushal rates 2.5/5 on Hindustan Times
“Bajirao Mastani is a lengthy film that moves at a snail’s pace, in signature Bhansali style. The lyrical dialogues and literary brilliance of the dialogues bog the story down with overindulgence instead of striking the audience in awe of the grandeur at show. If you appreciate Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s opulence and
grandeur, this won’t disappoint. It can be a good one-time watch, for Deepika’s performance, if not anything else.”
Saibal Chaterjee rates 3/5 on NDTV
“Despite its failings, Bajirao Mastani is the work of a director who never shies away from going the whole hog. Even when Bhansali isn’t in full flight, he still manages to soar well above the mundane. Bajirao Mastani is for those that think history is boring. There isn’t a dull moment in this colourful and dramatic film that embraces excess with unabashed abandon.”
