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Bajirao Mastani's Nine Raas

Bajirao Mastani is a movie like none other. An epic story is one which has all the nine Raas i.e ability to get emotionally connect in nine different ways. I have not seen any piece of art or literature which so magically combines all the nine Raas in such a powerful  way. 

1) Love & Devotion - Ones gets to feel the various shades of love and devotion . Bajirao's love for his country, Mastani's love for Bajirao, Kashibai's devotion to her husband. If there is one emotion that stays with you after the movie is over, it is this one. 

2) Joy - Beautifully choreographed war scenes will have you rooting for Bajirao. The build up to the war and the way war ends is simply exceptional. One scene where Kashibai celebrates Maratha victory by waving a bhagwa flag and the celebration song 'Malahari' are simply delightful. 

3) Wonder - There is a wonderful use of mirror and reflections in many palaces in India. This movie too uses this to good effect. Reflection from the mirror palace gets projected to a screen in Kashibai's room. It is through this reflection that Kashibai realises Bajirao's love for Mastani. 

4) Anger  - Priyanka Chopra delivers a brilliant performance here. She mixes two very complex emotions exceptionally well. The anger of being betrayed yet her devotion to Bajirao are beautifully conveyed.  

5) Disgust -  Tanvi Azmi as Bajirao's mother and her disgust/contempt for Bajirao's relationship with Mastani is very well potrayed. At times Tanvi outshines all the other actors.

6) Courage -  More than the Peshwa at war, there is a scene where Mastani is separated from her son and Mastani teaches her son what bravery is all about

7) Fear - Bajirao's biggest fear that he can fight any battle with the Moguls but will be helpless when faced with a conflict within his family. It is this fear that leads to his eventual death.

8) Sadness - A brave warrior, a beautiful princess, a devoted wife and a country at war.  As life is not a fairy tale , the movie ends on a sad note for all protagonists 

9) Peace - The objective of war is peace. One of the greatest warriors of India finally finds peace, in his love for Mastani.

Ranveer Singh's performance matches that of Amitabh Bachchan at his peak. He has changed his voice and accent to suit the role perfectly. Deepika is to Bajirao Mastani what Madhubala is to Mugal-e-Azam. Priyanka is brilliant and often outshines both Ranveer and Deepika in one to one scenes. Tanvi Azmi steals the show as Bajirao's mother.  Fans of Arijit Singh should hear the song 'Ayaat'. 

But the real hero of the movie is definitely Sanjay Leela Bhansali. His style of movie making is so very Indian - bouquet of emotions served on a grand canvas with some classical music to accompany. 

This is one movie for which a trip to the theatre is well worth.


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