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5 reasons why you must watch Padmaavat this weekend

Wondering whether to watch Padmaavat this weekend? Read our five reasons

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Mired in controversy and after repeated changes in the release dates,Padmaavat finally hit the screens on January 25 globally. As in the trailer, Ranveer Singh's menacing act of Alauddin Khilji towers over Deepika Padukone's Rani Padmavati and Shahid Kapoor's Maharawal Ratan Singh.
Read our detailed review 
We bring to you five reasons why we loved Padmaavat and you would too:

Ranveer Singh's mean act

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Considering the controversy the film created, right from the time it went on the floor,  and continues to garner, Padmaavat could well be named after Alauddin Khilji. After all, many would agree that Ranveer's kohl eyes hold us from the beginning of the film till the very end. He is an animal on the loose and is consumed by lust for power, sex and everything beautiful, including Rani Padmavati.  Given that the film chronicles the rise and insanity of Khilji, the makers could have named the film after him to avoid the controversy. 

Jim Sarbh at his best

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You might remember him as the terrorist who gunned down Sonam Kapoor in Neerja. Jim Sarah as Malik Gafur, Alauddin Khilji's slave in the movie, yearns for his love even as Khilji is obsessed with Padmavati. While Ranveer exudes hyper-masculinity on the screen, Jim is comfortable in his space, portraying a range of emotions from anger to jealousy and even killing people on Khilji's command - for no reason! Watch for his moves and subtle layered dialogues in the film. 

The extravagance 

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Each frame in Padmaavat screams of opulence and is magnificently mounted - exactly what you would expect from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie. Kudos to the team for paying attention to make the sets come alive, jewellery, costumes and mannerisms. The cinematography in the film is top class and many scenes are a pure visual treat. 

Not so gory

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Unlike Bajirao Mastani or the Baahubali series, Padmaavat doesn't have blood-spattering scenes to gross out the viewers. The action sequences between the Khiljis and the Rajputs have been extensively shot but the violence is in control. Many would find the duel between the lead, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor so restrained that it turns out to be disappointing. Even the climax scene with Deepika Padukone and the women in the kingdom performing Jauhar (self immolation) is tastefully done and doesn't glorify the practice. Another reason for those who hate over-the-top action to watch Padmaavat. 

Crisp storytelling

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Although it does seem long at 2 hours and 44 minutes, the editing team's effort to tighten the film cannot be missed. So much of storytelling is crammed within the movie, yet not a single scene is out of sequence. The script is watertight and it appears magical on the big screen. 
Check our detailed video review

- anita@khaleejtimes.com