Sigh. How to twist and murder history in 2 and a half hours... the Sanjay Leela Bhansali way. There is a parallel historical universe of which he is the undisputed king. He uses montage from all his previous movies AND steals from MugleAzam and Pakeezah. Of course, the sets and clothes look pretty. But the story... weaker than a Mor-Pankh!
We are treated to a song performed by a Princess to celebrate Holi (no colors anywhere) in front of her parents and another king, thus blurring the lines between a courtesan and a princess. The lead characters talk as if they are reciting poetry to each others. It does not help that Ranveer is a poor actor and uses poorer diction throughout the movie. Priyanka and Deepika both excel in the roles allotted to them. Tanvi aazmi is great as the scheming mother/mother-in-law.
What have we learnt about the Marathas and their times? You can be a powerful king yet be strangely helpless in front of Mommy. In a time where multiple wives were common, the Peshwa is shown to be an exception and cannot marry the love of his life. All the wooden posts aka brothers and courtiers have a say in the matter. You can be distraught at the appearance of a 'souten' but then change your mind and dance with her and then change your mind back again and then watch her being sent to gallows to be held in MugleAzam style. You can be a Brahmin priest and mouth inanities and kill another Brahmin priest... Hari Om! Btw - This is all near accurate but the movie is stupidly executed.
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