"Bajirao Mastani" should be right on top of your weekend to-do list because it looks perfect. At least, so far it does. However, there are a few more reasons why this magnum opus is worth your dime.
Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh
Remember how these two lit up the big screen with their infectious chemistry in "Ram-leela"? Expect similar magic.
Known to be dating for real, these two have that positive vibe about them which attracts you immediately. Even in their interviews, they look very upbeat and confident about having worked in a film which is culturally rich.
Priyanka Chopra
The zeal and spunk this woman comes with is hard to compete with. She has been shuttling between continents to honour all of her professional commitments.
It will be interesting to watch her play Kashibai in the film, as the actress was also busy playing FBI recruit Alex Parish in ABC's thriller series "Quantico" at the time.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
This filmmaker was once heavily criticised for being a stickler for detail (Case in point: "Devdas"). He was mocked for the lavish sets and written off for wanting every aspect of his films to be perfect. But he knows his art and is by the far one of the best story-tellers Bollywood will ever have.
"Khamoshi", "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", "Black", "Guzaarish", "Ram-leela", all well-crafted tales of extreme emotions that are fondly remembered to this date.
Controversy
A lot is being said and written about the film being depicted wrongly and how it bears no resemblance to the real story. Although this has been helpful in triggering a buzz around the film but it would be unwise to judge it based on people's claims.
Look and feel
The sets look grand and inviting. They sit well with the context of the film and add to the charm of it.
Reports suggest that the production designers had to recreate the 'Aena Mahal', for which over 20,000 intricately-designed mirrors were brought in from Jaipur. Spread across 12,500 square feet, the set features 13 chandeliers.
Scheduled to be released on 18 December, the film also boasts of some really well-choreographed sword-fight scenes.
