Dear Mr. Bhansali
Firstly I would like to congratulate you on the massive
success of your latest film, Ram-Lee… Oh! Sorry, Goliyon Ki Raas
Leela~Ram-Leela (thanks to those in UP who were religiously offended)! The
country is glad you are back to your multi-coloured film making days of Hum Dil
De Chuke Sanam and Devdas and have snapped out of your fixation for Blacks and
blues, forever (hopefully).
It probably is your most commercial film till date but on
the whole, it retains most Bhansali trademarks- ensemble casts, magnificent
locations, grand sets, larger than life song and dance sequences, drama and an
engaging storyline. Of course, not to forget some brilliant acting by the
protagonists and supporting actors alike. The cinematic experience of Ram-Leela
(can’t bear to type the latest version of the film title; touchy ones in UP kindly
excuse me) is great. Ranveer Singh’s performance is superb. He has shown his versatility
as an actor in the few films he’s done. The same goes for Deepika Padukone too.
The current reigning Queen of Bollywood has excelled in a variety of roles (a
party animal/bold and strong character in Cocktail, a geeky and charming
sweetheart in YJHD to this role now). She seems to be going from strength to
strength and there is no stopping this talented girl. With 4 blockbusters in a
single year coupled with critical appreciation for YJHD and Ram-Leela, I am
sure it is going to be very hard for you to not cast her in your next as well.
You have translated the classic Romeo and Juliet quite
successfully into yet another ‘tragic musical drama’. Your film is set in the
backdrop of a village in Gujarat where 2 ancient enemy clans are fighting among
themselves for supremacy, per se. While Ranveer & Deepika fall in love (at
first sight) though their families can’t stand the sight of each other, their
clans are busy pulling the carpet from underneath each other’s feet and killing
members of either community by taking advantage of a corrupt local administration
and police sytem. Here, like in many parts of India, the Mafia rules the area
rather than the Government or the Police. The storyline, script,screenplay and
plot are engaging with the right amount of twists and also a dash of sensible humour.
The chemistry between the lead pair is electrifying.
The song and dance sequences are breathtaking. You have
really lent a beautiful soundtrack to this film. In my opinion, yet another
musical masterpiece like all your other movies. The background score by your protégé
Monty Sharma was slightly overdone in some parts. The choreography is simply
superb! The right blend of folk, classical and Bollywood styles! In-fact, the
choreography managed to enlighten me that Garbha was not all about going round
in circles and clapping your hands randomly. It’s indeed a beautiful dance form
and you have managed to capture this from all angles flawlessly! And the sets…
wow! Just wow! Brilliantly realistic and gorgeously majestic! The attention to
detail is so fabulous! A special mention here again to the picturization of all
songs, especially Nagada Sangh Dhol and Ang Laga De Re. Also want to ask here
that though Priyanka Chopra’s dance number is good and she looks fab, what
exactly was the purpose of it in the storyline? Just added another 3 or so
minutes to the runtime. Oh well, I guess we would have to give you that liberty
in this age of the so called item songs. After all, even you have been craving
for a hit for quite some time now and the occasional stooping to promotional
antics can be excused. Just hoping it doesn’t become a habit. You are one of
the few of the kind who don’t do it, we have left!
Another special mention here to Supriya Pathak. She was
amazing! Also Richa Chaddha has proven once again that she CAN act! A powerful
performance. Same with Barkha Bisht. Really great work by her. So much better
than her tacky roles in TV soaps. She should stay in the movies. Supriya and
the 2 sisters-in-law of the 2 protagonists really add dimension and depth to
the plot and it is hard to imagine anyone else pull off these roles with the
same impact.
A few negatives are surely the Dabangg-style over-the-top action
in 1 particular scene with Ranveer Singh where he goes to Supriya for the first
time to offer peace. Looked really fake and didn’t go with the
whole scheme of things (I guess it was for the ‘masses’ again… hmmm) ! I have
already mentioned the unnecessary ‘Ram Chahe Leela’ song and the overdone
background score at parts. But Mr.Bhansali, I must say you are back! As
multi-coloured and multi-faceted producer, director, music director, script-writer
and everything in between! Just stick to what you are brilliant at. Bhansali
movie loyalists will surely love this one and even the others could… credits to
commercialization.
Final Verdict- Super Hit! 4.5 / 5
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