One of the best actor-director combinations in recent times

In recent times in Hindi movies in India one of the best actor-director combinations is Ranveer Singh (actor) and Sanjay Leela Bhansali (director). I am a big fan of their work. They worked together in three movies so far: Goliyon ki Rasleela - Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat. I really liked the latter two of these three movies while the first one is good as well. I will briefly discuss Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat.

Bajirao Mastani is the story of Peshwa Bajirao, a very brave Maratha general. It is said that he never lost a war in his lifetime. His life was full of bravery and valor. The movie showcases that as well as his relationship with his wife Queen Kashibai and (ultimately) second wife Princess Mastani. Sanjay Leela Bhansali directs this epic with elan and aplomb. He is a master when it comes to showcasing Indian stories in the medieval times (a few hundred years ago). His sets are larger than life and the soundtrack to the movie is lilting and uplifting. In a movie with three main characters Bajirao is the most essential one. Sanjay has put a lot of effort in Bajirao’s characterization. His main actor, Ranveer, has essayed the role very well. He has gotten into the skin of Bajirao. He has worked hard on the Marathi language so that he can speak his Hindi dialogues with a Marathi accent.

Ranveer’s dialogue delivery is exceptional in Bajirao Mastani. His introduction scene is my favourite. All protagonists should be introduced in such a grand way. When the audience first sees him the background music is phenomenal. He then gives his powerful speech during that scene. In many more scenes in the movie he is shown giving powerful speeches. His fight scenes are very good. It really feels like we are witnessing a very brave general in action. His scenes with other actors especially Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra are top notch. I think Sanjay’s brilliant direction and Ranveer’s exceptional acting made Bajirao Mastani a real delight to watch.

Padmaavat is the story of Queen Padmaavati and her husband Rana Ratan Singh and how they have to deal with the unreasonable and ruthless King Alauddin Khilji. Alauddin wanted to usurp Rana’s kingdom as well as wanted to marry Padmaavati (which was so unethical and wrong as she was already married to Rana). Sanjay Leela Bhansali put his soul in making Padmaavat a magnum opus. He and his team worked very hard on the locales, sets, music, actors, etc. Ranveer Singh plays the role of Alauddin. His Alauddin is very menacing and intimidating. He has performed this role with reckless abandon and gusto. The audience feels they are witnessing the terror of Alauddin in the movie. His scenes with other actors such as Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Jim Sarbh are wonderful in the movie. The entry scene of Jim Sarbh’s character is my favourite but even in that scene Ranveer has performed well.

The action scenes in the movie are tough and gruelling but Ranveer has worked very hard on them. There is one song sequence called Khalibali. He has danced so well in the song and his expressions are amazing. It seems that he is invoking the soul of Alauddin for the song. His gait, mannerisms, voice, etc. are so good in his portrayal of Alauddin. The audience can feel his emotions, love, anger, jealousy, hatred, etc. as Ranveer performs as Alauddin in the movie. With Sanjay’s wonderful direction and Ranveer’s powerhouse performance Padmaavat is a splendid visual treat for audiences.

I hope this wonderful duo (Sanjay and Ranveer) will continue to make more such wonderful movies so audiences in India and abroad can enjoy their classics. The movies made by this duo will forever be amongst Hindi movie classics in India. Their contribution is not only to Indian cinema but to world cinema as well.