RE-CREATION OF ROYAL SPLENDOUR
(By Subbaram Danda)
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| Queen Padmavati |
Normally I go to movies
only after reading their reviews in the print and online media and after satisfying
myself about their worth. In the case of
Padmavat it is different. I became
unusually curious following the controversy that the film had sparked about its contents, the agitations that raged and the court battles that followed. The movie hit the screens on January 25, 2018 and I
wanted to see it as early as possible.
This morning (January
29) my wife and I watched the Tamil version of the film in a high-tech theatre
in Chennai in 3D. My verdict: The agitators have a point. Still, one can see the censor-certified film for
its high cinematographic values.
The storyline of the big budget motion picture and Director Sanjai Leela Bhansali’s latest offering is simple. The ravishing beauty and unparalleled valour
of Chittor Queen Padmavati (Deepika Padukone) maddens Delhi Sultan Allauddin
Khilji (Ranveer Singh). The brute man wants
to get her through intrigue, deceit and war to feed his lust. His ravenous efforts fail at every stage. Persistent, he makes a last ditch effort,
which also becomes futile, as the queen commits sati with several Rajput women, as was the practice in those days.
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| Alluddin Khilji |
Some Rajput and
political outfits assert that the film distorts historical facts and hurts their
pride and sentiment. However, the producers blatantly disclaim any historical link to their story and contend that the movie is
based on a poem by the 16th century Sufi poet Malik Muhammad
Jayasi. The protesters also voice
concern over “an intimate dream sequence” between the queen and Khilji. But it is not there in the version screened
in theatres. Further, the agitators are against
the queen performing a Goomar (traditional folk-dance of Rajasthan), that too exposing her midriff. Their argument is that a Rajasthani queen never takes part in such a dance. Interestingly, this Goomar song has become a hit. They also point out that Padmavati is not the
real reason for Khilji to wage wars against Chittor.
It is anybody's guess whether the film in the present form with alterations made as suggested by the Censor Board addresses the concerns raised by the agitators. The name of the film has been changed from the original Padmavati to Padmavat to fall in line with the nomenclature used by the Sufi poet in his poem. But for cinematic liberties taken here and there, throughout the movie the queen conducts herself as a dignified and stately royal figure. Khilji appears as a monstrous and vicious character. The Supreme Court has permitted its release as certified by the Censor Board upholding the principle of Freedom of Expression. Still, the outfits have their reservations and do not want the film to be exhibited.
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| A scene before the queen commits sati with other Rajput women |
Coming to production credentials, the film is undoubtedly a cinematic extravaganza. Its opulence, gorgeous visuals and grand
settings mesmerise the viewers. Scenes
of the battle field, palaces and forts have been painstakingly presented. Graphic works come out superbly well. Costumes and jewellery add sheen to the
film. The art directors, cinematographer and their team deserve an ovation.
However, the film falls
short of reaching the heights of Bahubali movies on any account.
Deepika Padukone excels
as a true Rajput queen at every stage.
Ranveer Singh with his highly toned body and a ruthless-looking face
shines as a villain of the first order. Shahid Kapoor as Padmavati’s husband manages
to live up to the expectations of the audience.
There are not many
songs in the lengthy film. One of them is very tuneful. “Goomar, Goomar nee aada…” will linger long in the minds of the
audience.
Those who look for celluloid
dramas in epic proportions will certainly find the movie worthwhile watching. The original Hindi film has been dubbed into Telugu
and Tamil also.
Though cine hall owners
in some states did not screen the film fearing outbreak of violence, it raked
in good revenue in other parts of India and abroad. The first day collections alone reportedly totalled
Rs.24 crores.
(Ends)
January 29, 2018
