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PADMAAVAT Movie (2018) – A Viewer’s Review

  “So far away we wait for the day, for the light source wasted & gone…

we feel the pain of a lifetime in a thousand days, through the fire & flames we carry on..

Before beginning Padmavat movie review…



The above lines sum it all. 

Whatever that has happened in the past few months and recent days. 
Nothing can be commented on it further. 

Perhaps, maybe one can simply go and watch this movie as an
audio-visual piece of art made for entertainment. 

Maybe few others can learn to practice 'tolerance'
in their thoughts & actions! 
                                      - THE OTHER BRAIN INC.


Padmavat movie review
Padmavat movie review

‘Padmaavat’ movie which was earlier planned to be named as ‘Padmavati’ finally released in some selected states despite of major opposition on 25th January 2018. Earlier due to protest against this movie by a particular community and later the matter being sub-judice, the movie’s release had to be postponed. After a couple of court hearing and few edits in the movie honorable Supreme Court gave the film the nod for its release. 

The film is inspired from a poem written in 1540 titled ‘Padmavat’ that is thought to be a work of fiction by famous Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi.  Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali this is the third film of Deepika Padukone & Ranveer Singh with the director. Previously, the trio have worked together in Ram-Leela & Baajirao Mastani. With a whooping budget of Rs. 200 Crore, Padmavat is one of the costliest Indian movies ever made.

List of Contents

Run Time:

The run time of movie is 2 hrs 44 minutes with a late interval.

Starcast in Padmavat:

Starcast includes Deepika Padukone playing the central character of Padmavat or Rani Padmavati, Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji & Shahid Kapor as Maharaja Rawal Ratan Singh. In addition, Aditi Rao Hydari & Jim Sarbh are seen in powerful supporting characters. While Raza Murad plays another character at the very beginning of the film to catch audience attention from the opening scene itself.

Story of Padmaavat:

The story of Padmavat is based on the legendary story of beautiful Maharani Padmavati of Chittorgarh and Alauddin Khilji who was the then most powerful ruler of India. The legitimacy of this story and even the existence of such a character as Rani Padmavati has been doubted time and again on papers. But the walls of the Chittorgarh fort still narrate this epic story of hatred and valor etched with sheer Rajputi determination.

What Worked:

  • Almost flawless casting. Even the smaller character actors have been selected with cent percent clarity of thought.
  • Deepika Padukone: True to what is said in the film about the beauty of the queen compliments Deepika very well. From her costume, make up to jewelry, physically she has looks gorgeous. She is successful in portraying the character in terms of acting as well. 

    The below lines quite suit Deepika in this film and real life... Padmavat movie review
    The below lines quite suit Deepika in this film and real life… Padmavat movie review
  • Ranveer Singh: In entertainment fraternity many a times the phrase ‘getting into the character’ is used. Well, if one has to learn what actually ‘getting into character’ means then Ranveer Singh can give tuition for this. It seems he didn’t only go under the skin of this character but he got into the soul of Alauddin Khilji’s persona. His look for the film, and mannerism are sharp & killer!
  • Shahid Kapoor: Playing the Rajputi character of such high historical importance like King Rawal Ratan Singh surely wouldn’t have been any easy for Shahid Kapoor. But he was brilliant and in total command. 
  • Ghoomar song is a not to miss one on a big screen. It is best viewed in IMAX version. Deepika’s look, choreography, lyrics, music, bacckdrop, costumes practically every thing was perfect and magical.
  • There are not many songs but there is good novelty in terms of songs.
  • The Chittorgarh Fort of that era has been beautifully brought to life. (See the present day Chittorgarh Fort here
  • Scenes like the beheaded Rajput warrior still fighting in Padmavat movie and the last Jauhar sequence are the ones surely not to miss out on.
  • Padmavat movie is embellished with power-packed dialogues, good story pace and beautiful cinematography.
  • Last but not the least conceptualizing this mega film and the credit goes to non other than Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

What Didn’t Work in Padmavat Movie:

  • The first half of the movie is a little longer than the second half  or at least it seemed like.
  • The final fight sequence could have been far more powerful.
  • Shahid’s character wasn’t as much developed as Deepika & Ranveer’s.
  • The duration of film could have been shortened a bit.
  • Some bit of details about Khilji post this incident  or a song of praise for the mighty sacrifice could have been given towards the end. Ending felt a little abrupt.

Verdict:

4.5/5 stars

This movie ‘Padmaavat’ or Padmavat is surely a fine piece of cinematic excellence. We can clearly forecast this film bagging some top awards. This film and its makers should be applauded for narrating a legendary story from India’s rich historical past. There is nothing in the film that the makers should be questioned about rather it is a beautiful rendition of Rajputi customs, beliefs and courage. In this era of b-boying & robotics, surely Ghoomar song is a blast from the past. Finally, Padmavat movie is a complete family entertainer and will be loved by people who have interest in knowing history, travel & of course larger than life Hindi movies.

(7) Comments

  1. jhilmildsaha says:

    This movie sounds good. I am glad that you have not questioned the historical relevance of the characters like other reviews and just spoke about the movie. A movie is a movie and is for entertainment, if one wants to know the actual occurrences in history, better stick to documentaries.

  2. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of my favourite directors when it comes to movies like this one. I love Deepika’s acting so much but I am looking forward to shahid this time. He is surely back with a bang.

  3. Charu says:

    I totally agree the last fight sequence should have been much more dramatic and powerful.

  4. I always love Bhansali’s movie and this is awesome.. Deepika doing a superb role and costume is awesome…

  5. I am yet to watch this movie. I am gonna watch this weekned..

  6. Have been on two minds on if i should watch it or not coz of the mixed reviews… I loved the detailed review here 🙂

  7. poornima m reddy says:

    i love the way you reviewed.i simply loved this movie, after that i read alot about padmavati and kilji

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