Much to the relief of my friends and family, I marked myself safe on Facebook after catching the press show of Padmaavat last night. Post all the brouhaha and ruckus that had been created because of the film, Sanjay Leela Bhasali‘s magnum opus is finally seeing the light of the day and I couldn’t be happier! The movie reviews are now out and for everyone to see (here’s our review). The period drama features a gorgeous star cast and each of them have delivered fairly impressive performances. Plus, the opulence and magnificence of the visuals are too delightful to be missed. But in case you are still not convinced about buying that/those ticket(s), let me give you a low-down on things that make Padmaavat worthy of your time and money.
1. Deepika Padukone’s ethereal beauty
It’s nothing that we haven’t witnessed in the past. But the actress looks prettier than ever before (as if that was even possible!). She’s a sight for sore eyes in those traditional lehengas and shringar. While her strong performance definitely leaves an impact, it’s her elegance that will somehow stay with you. And she will take your breath away with every close-up shot, till the very end.
2. Shahid Kapoor’s regal avatar and eight-pack abs
Shahid effortlessly gets into the skin of Maharawal Ratan Singh‘s character. He’s royal, he’s handsome and it’s hard to decide whom to look at whenever he’s sharing the frame with DP. He carries off that long haired and bearded look with ease. And OMG – just look at that body! SLB didn’t even use any CGI to make it look like THAT. *Fans self*
4. Shahid and Deepika’s fairytale romance
This fresh on-screen pair will make you want to root for them almost instantly. And that is saying a LOT considering DP’s bae also stars in the film. The ruler of Chittor falls for the princess of Singhal and then begins their epic love saga. The way they look at each other… The way they smile when the other person is around… I found myself blushing while witnessing many moments between Ratan Singh and Padmavati. You might too.
5. Ranveer Singh’s raw sex appeal
The antagonist is the real hero of the film. Alauddin Khilji‘s ferocity makes it easy to hate him. But the swag with which Ranveer has played his role, makes it too hard not to love him. The way he talks, the way he walks – everything about him oozes a raw sex appeal.
6. Jim Sarbh’s crackling chemistry with Ranveer Singh
I mean, yeah – Shahid and Deepika do look dreamy with each other and it’s a treat to see them together. But Jim and Ranveer’s on-screen camaraderie is no less. Jim’s interesting character spices up the story and the exchanges between these two are quite fun to watch. I don’t want to end up divulging any details about the movie. So that’s all for now about them.
7. Aditi Rao Hydari’s graceful act
Aditi looks like a divine painting and does complete justice to her role as Khalji’s beautiful and helpless wife.
8. Anupriya Goenka’s powerful support
Remember the strong-headed nurse from Tiger Zinda Hai? Well, she’s back with yet another impressive performance in this one.
9. The grandeur of the sets
As I’ve already mentioned, the visuals of the film are majestic. We all know that the highlight of every Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie is its picturesqueness. And you can only do justice to it by watching it in the theatres.
10. Rajputon ka Rajasthan!
The forts, the palaces, the battlefields, the colours, the costumes – the list goes on. Who wouldn’t want to witness it all on celluloid?
11. DP’s moves in ‘Ghoomar‘
You are lying if you are not tempted to watch this magical dance sequence on the big screen.
12. Shahid’s kickass dialogue delivery
Though it’s the actor’s first period drama, he is as convincing as the Rajput king as one can be. And he delivers his lines with utmost conviction.
Chinta ko talwaar ke nokh pe rakhe, woh Rajput… Ret ke naav ke kar samander se shart lagaye, woh Rajput.. Aur jiska sir kate phit bhi dhadh dushman se ladta rahe, woh Rajput.
13. Ranveer’s dark humour
The evil Sultaan cracks up at the most inhumane things and you will be surprised at how often you will find yourselves laughing along.
14. A CGI Ostrich
It’s definitely a lot better than the unicorn from Mohenjo Daro.