As I sat down to write this, a colleague of mine, who is a huge SRK fan gave me the death stare. “You haven’t even seen the films. What makes you declare Bajirao the winner?” huff n’ puff she went.
She had a valid point (minus the emotions), because she is not the only one who’ll be touting for the SRK-Kajol starrer Dilwale. And that’s when I realised that I must stick my neck out!
But in my defence, my judgement is solely based on what I’ve read, and the little I’ve seen (or more, thanks to exhausting promotional drives that could easily kill you) of the films.
And I rather walk into the rich and magnificent world of Bhansali, rather than the predictable dramedy (drama + comedy) universe of Rohit Shetty.
Cuz the Girls Can do Without Some Khan
Let’s cut the frills and be honest. Through-out its promotion, Dilwale completely rides on Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s shoulder, cashing in on their unmatched chemistry.
Please, go ahead and prove me wrong.
But the leading ladies Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra are confident enough to sail the Bajirao ship without the help of Khan, or for that matter any Khan.
Coz they C(KH)AN do it!
They’ve done it in the past and have made the actors realise that they are more than just women with cleavage and a fake accent. They are not decorative pieces of jewellery in the film – they are the FILM! And that’s clear when you see both trailers.
Action-Packed!
It’s a Rohit Shetty film, what did you expect? Logic-defying stunts, flipping of expensive automobiles, high-octane car chases – basically action at its best. Or NOT.
Exhibit A: In a typical intimate ‘sitting under a tree’ scene involving Shah Rukh and Kajol, Rohit Shetty does not keep the focus on his leading actors, and shifts it slightly to a bright yellow car in the background. Clearly, the man knows his priorities.
Now how would I know that? Thanks to our dear movie reviewer, who cannot stop cursing Shetty for ruining DDLJ for her. So much for being Dilwale-fied!
Here is where Bajirao steps into the battlefield, and wins it with fantastic sword work, bringing in not just Ranveer Singh, but also un-kohled eyes Deepika in action – nothing like the awe-so-sweet action scenes, but full-throttle adrenaline rush.
Directors Cut
Entertainment, entertainment and ENTERTAINMENT is what Rohit Shetty’s films are all about – you don’t need your thinking cap for them.
How do you recognise Shetty-isms? It’s mostly a bad written script, with a few silly lines here and there, a star-studded cast and high speed car chases.
Yawn! Tell us something new.
Bhansali’s school of filmmaking is all about perfection. And Bhansali has not disappointed his fans this time. Even though it’s the first time the director has entered the war genre. Kudos!
Before you ask me to check my facts and claim that Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela was also about “war”, let me just clarify that it was about ‘gang war’ and had nothing to do with historic wars.
Let’s admit it, after Ashutosh Gowariker’s period biggie Jodhaa Akbar, Bajirao Mastani is a welcoming move.
And three cheers for Bhansali for trying out a new genre.