Bajirao Mastani

As far as Indian cinema goes, this is the GOLD STANDARD; I purchased this item based on the preview alone and was absolutely enthralled with the film. Everything from the casting of the three main leads, the musical score, dance sequences, costumes, sets, and most importantly story line are all spot on. Visually stunning and beautifully directed, "Bajirao Mastani" is a feast for the eyes as well as the senses--emotionally powerful and universal in its focus on how love can be both devastating and liberating all at once, you will find yourself--much like Bajirao, Mastani, and Kashi--torn as to which is the greater force: love or obligations to ones' family/country/religion. Kashi is by far the most sympathetic and complex of the ill-fated trio, as her first appearance(s) on the screen paint her as the devoted yet slightly naive wife of Bajirao. As the film progresses and the drama played out by the characters unfolds, we see her character develop in terms of losing her naivety and becoming emotionally cold and hardened. Yet there is another layer, a layer which sees her warring with her unconditional love for her husband, her uneasy sympathy towards Mastani, and the unbearable pressures of such a socially-crippling situation weighing on her shoulders. The song "Pinga" showcases this love/hate relationship perfectly, as Kashi ultimately accepts that the situation--while far from simply disappearing and going away--is here to stay, and that her husband's happiness is all that really matters/drives her own existence, even if it does mean admitting that his heart belongs to another woman. The final sequences are the most emotionally-gripping, and Bhansali executes his trademark star-crossed lover's ending (i.e. "Devdas" and "Ram-Leela") in some of the most cinematically gorgeous shots I have ever seen. Throughout the film you will see homages to films such as "Hero," "Curse of the Golden Flower," and others which frame shots in such a way as to create an unusual and hyper-sensitive sense of (un) reality. Musically it is a gem, with Shreya Ghoshal lending her ethereal and plaintive voice to the title tracks which take you through the whole gammut of invigorating highs and crushing lows associated with love and loss. If you are a fan of Indian cinema, this is a must-have for your collection.

I previously saw Bajiro Mastani in the theater and liked it so well that I wanted to view it again. The film has gorgeous cinematography and incredible costuming. It has a fairytale like quality; although it is historically based. The scene between Bajirao and Kashi ; on their first night together ( I assume) is a masterpiece of lush, sensual filming. The relationship between Bajiro and the women in his life is problematic, at best. He comes across as being selfish; not able to choose between Kashi and Mastani; his soul mate. In the end; his decision destroys them all. I started out; not liking Bajirao very much, but the scenes where he goes to Mastani and helps her to deliver their child; reveals new depth and complexity to his character. I like the way that this film leads you to believe certain things about the characters, and then reveals new scenes that change your opinions. There is prejudice between some of the Moslim and Hindu characters in the film. Although Mastani was brave and passionate and devoted; Kashi was my favorite person in the movie. I loved the playful scene where she put on Bajirao's helmet. My heart just broke, for her and what she endured. There is just a lot of complex elements in this movie. It is not a typical Bollywood movie. It is an adventure

Watching the more 2018 release Padmaavat led me to this, another, earlier (2015) film from director/ musician Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He has cast Deepika Padukone again as a Rajput princess, and Ranveer Singh again as a warrior, although here of the flawed hero kind (he's the villain of the piece in Padmaavat). I am truly impressed with the sets, the costumes, the visual delights of both films; I applaud the chemistry of Deepika and Ranveer; and I am again moved by the music and lyrics showcased. Sanjay is a movie man after my own heart: sumptuous feast for the eyes, great story, epic love in the face of struggle, and very impressive dancing, acting, action, and direction. This movie I instantly want to watch again, and that doesn't happen to me much. The comparison of Radha Krishna/ Rukhmini is unmistakeable to any who have a passing knowledge of Hindu mythology. Historical truth here is as sketchy as in reality, but please enjoy the film for the thought provoking entertainment it is.

I enjoyed this film alot, I knew of the story from a book I read back in 2002. I watched this movie with my Mom, this story has beautiful scenery and her acting is superb. The plot has its down stigmas and has a very sad tone to it but overall I liked it.

The cover and sleeve were damaged and not in very good condition as stated and the DVD showed signs of great usage but the DVD works perfectly and worth the price paid for it. Music and direction by SLB shows how great directors must be able to understand the musical score and what better way than being the composers

It has great detail from scenery to the costumes, visually breath taking. CGI was good. Great music. Although I was watching with English subtitles, the actors had great dialogue and I felt they really played off each other well. A lot of emotion and feeling. What song and dance was in this felt natural. A scene would lead seamlessly into the dance and or song and then out of it, not too much of it, not like a Broadway or Bollywood musical. I would love to see this on a very big screen.

Again Amazon fails to give full credit to RANVEER SINGH as the LEAD, since the story is mostly about the role he brilliantly portrays, thus the name of the film. Deepika a did a great job as Mastani, but its Ranveer who dominates the screen with his superb acting, sculptured physique, with the depth of his voice and penetrating emotional eyes that mesmerize!