reimagining history

Finally, here’s a movie on the Maratha history from the Bombay film world that has since over 100 years operated from the heartland of the Marathas (if you discount the one odd film on Chatrapati Shivaji). It is the story of the fearless General Bajirao Bhallal (1700-1740), who is appointed the Maratha Peshwa (Prime Minister) at a very young age after the death of his father Balaji Viswanath.

However, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is more an adaptation of the popular novel (a historical fiction) ‘Rau’ written by NA Inamdar. Bajirao falls in love with Mastani, daughter of Maharaja Chhatrasal of Panna. The story takes a complicated turn due to the fact that Bajirao is from an orthodox Brahmin family and is already married to Kashibai.

The film starts with the Chatrapathi (emperor) announcing the need to appoint a new Peshwa and enter Bajirao (Ranveer Singh), head held high, a hint of a smile, pride in the eyes and confidence in the gait, as he takes up the challenge to prove his eligibility to be appointed the Prime Minister amid other eligible seniors. Ranveer, the actor never fails to surprise.

The courtroom with its wooden paneled walkway flanked by streams of water with diyas floating, large pillars and chandeliers is the first promise of the grandeur that is ready to unfold as the film moves on. And it only gets better and bigger with each scene.

The Peshwa sets off on the conquest and is busy winning wars and making plans at his tent and there comes Deepika Padukone as Mastani in her warrior gear, wielding the sword like no body’s business and requests Bajirao’s help to save Bundelkhand from the Mughal siege. Impressed by her bravery, Rau (Bajirao’s another name) fights for Maharaja Chhatrasal and wins over the Mughals. Mutual admiration and love blossom between Bajirao and Mastani.

In return for the help, the Raja of Bundelkhand sends a part of his wealth as gift to Pune where Rau is already celebrating his victories in his new home, the Shaniwar Wada, along with his wife Kashibai (Priyanka Chopra). Much to the consternation of the family, especially Peshwa’s brother Chimaji Bhallal and mother Radhabai; along with the jewellery and other valuable gifts arrives a palanquin carrying Mastani, who believes to be married to Bajirao as per her kingdom’s tradition.

Evidently the Hindu Brahmin family refuses to accept her as Rau’s wife and treats her like a courtesan. Kashibai is hurt and sad, and there are also attempts to murder Mastani. On the contrary, Bajirao tries in vain to give the status of a wife to Mastani and even tries to conduct the naming ceremony of his son from Mastani.

He fails to do so as the religious heads refuse to conduct the traditional rituals and he in anger names his son Shamsher Khan. The ensuing drama and a not so dramatic climax takes one on a tour of magnificent sets, exquisite costumes, amazing screenplay and photography, war scenes, a lot of dialogue-baazi and noteworthy performances. A special mention here to the music by Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself.

During the course of the movie, one cannot shrug off the glimpses of ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, be it the Ayina Mahal that reminds us of the famous song – ‘Pyar kiya tho darna kya’, the depiction of Mastani a la Anarkali (this was the director’s tribute to Madhubala) and even the dialogue where the hero says, ‘Bajirao ne Mastani se mohabbat ki hai, ayyashi nahi’ that looks suspiciously close to Dilip Kumar’s in the role of Saleem.

And if Sanjay Leela Bhansali appears to be obsessed with scale in every one of his scenes, well, that is expected. But a few scenes like a scene of a tiger standing alongside the Nizam of Hyderabad (to mention the least) and a disclaimer that says the scene was shot outside India could have been avoided. Overall, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is a delightful watch; never mind the indulgences and excesses.

Film Name : Bajirao Mastani

Cast : Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone

By Rajeswari Kalyanam