Padmaavat : A story of Valor, Respect & Sacrifice

                                       
Bhansali's story telling skills have always fascinated me. His previous movies like Bajirao Mastani (2015), Ram-Leela (2013), Devdas (2002), etc have all been a treat for movie watchers. The ultimate skill of blending amazing stories with a beautiful direction is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's forte.

                       

Padmaavat which was known as Padmavati has already been into controversy because of its depiction of the Rajput queen- Rani Padmavati and the insanely obsessed king - Sultan Alauddin Khilji. This story is of 1303 AD medieval India when Maharaja Maharawal Ratan Singh was ruling the fort of Chitrakuta (modern Chittorgarh). Rani Padmavati is the second wife or "choti Rani" of  Maharawal Ratan Singh.Sultan Alauddin Khilji is basically a monster who wants everything that he desires be it position, wealth etc. So the entire story how Alauddin Khilji executes his vicious plans of capturing Rani Padmavati in which he is unsuccessful due to the decision of Rajput queen Rani Padmavati followed by all the Rajput women.Although with a run-time of 163 minutes the movie seems quite long with the audience getting diverted and distracted from the main crux of the movie.
                     

All the actors have done justice to their roles especially by Ranveer Singh who portrays the negative character of Sultan Alauddin Khilji by applying dark shades with ease. Shahid Kapoor who plays the role of Maharaja Maharawal Ratan Singh does it with grace and adds dignity to the personality of  a Rajput king. All the men have a chiseled body with muscles and abs which Bhansali has made them to flaunt it like armor of greatness. Coming to the most important character of the movie i.e Deepika Padukone who obviously plays Rani Padmavati and gives proper definition to her role. In simple words the casting is superb as all have done a great job. Special appreciation for Jim Sarbh who plays Malik Kafur, the eunuch general of Khilji who adds flavor to the character and also has peculiar Persian kinda accent.
                  

The war sequences are great as Bhansali knows the tips and tricks of large battle scenes.
The background score excites you and also sends a chill down your spine. More or less this movie is an epic but the run-time seems to be the plot hole. Losing your connection with the movie is quite easy which makes it annoying. Although storytelling is always difficult but Bhansali somehow manages to do it. When making a historic film its important that you create the vibe of that era without hurting any religious sentiments. Due to all the controversy that surrounded the film and also due to the multiple cuts that censor board had to pass, might have given the movie a drastic turn.
                   

This movie leaves an imprint of the Rajput's strength and their values which is quite overwhelming. Apart from the controversy it is a must watch for all of you guys who love and appreciate cinema.