60. Padmaavat (Padmavati); movie review

PADMAAVAT (PADMAVATI)
Cert 12A
164 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, injury detail

Bollywood has begun 2018 as powerfully as Hollywood. I loved Mukkabaaz and I was mighty impressed by this historical epic.
Padmaavat or Padmavati might have different titles dependent on cinema chain but it is consistent in its production values and fine acting.
And bravo to director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for trusting the new generation of actors rather than leaning on the same old big names.
The trio of Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor are both convincing and athletic and, thankfully, the audience isn't tested to believe in the desires of a middle-aged man for a young girl and vice versa.
Singh is probably the pick of the trio as an unhinged warrior who literally wants to conquer the world.
However, he is told by a soothsayer that his ambitions will only be fulfilled if he has the beautiful Padmavati (Padukone) at his side.
His problem is that she is already married to a King and lives in an unconquerable fort.
Bhansali's film is based on the legendary 13th to 14th century queen who is the focus of the epic 16th century poem by Malik Muhammad.
To this day, her actions are still revered in India as a symbol of the country's glorious past.
Padukone is a defiant Padmavati - bathed in jewels but with a heart that is in touch with her people.
Meanwhile, Kapoor plays her king as being guided by a code of ethics which is an anathema to his rival.
The major attention falls on the villain of the piece with Singh blazing through the meaty scenes and being at the forefront of the fast-paced dance routines.
Very recently, I remarked that regional Indian cinema has been closing the gap on Bollywood but Padmavati and Mukkabaaz have showed that it has risen to the challenge.
It is every bit as grand as the wonderful Shiraz which I saw last week and proceeded it by 90 years but had the same historical epic ambitions.
But it is also brought up to date by some very impressive special effects and some terrific use of colour.
If you fancy an introduction to Bollywood, this may well be the place to start.

Reasons to watch: classic Bollywood historical epic
Reasons to avoid: rather too melodramatic at times

Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8.5/10

Director quote - Sanjay Leela Bhansali: “Deepika is so fabulous; she is such a jaan. I just love her. All her hard work and brilliance that she brings to the set is effortless."

The big question - What was the real story of Padmavati?

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