TAGS: Ram-Leela, Deepika Padukon, Critic review of Ram-Leela
In Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela', the
legacy is double-barreled. There is not only the weight of the Romeo-Juliet
saga (which the director acknowledges as inspiration in the credits), there is
also a huge overhang of the Ramayan: the hero is called Ram, who is sent to
'vanvaas', and he returns to fight for all that is right on the day of
Dusshera. And because he is also Romeo, he fights for his love. Only Sita is
called Leela.
The result is equal parts exhilaration and exhaustion. Bhansali's
'Ram-Leela' is mounted as pure spectacle, no surprises there, because that is
his style. The setting is the Rann, in Gujarat. The warring clans, the Gujju
versions of the Montagues and Capulets, are attired in costumes where not one
thread is out of place. Each scene is meticulously designed: the desert, the
havelis, the swirling ghagras, the spurting of the blood. It gets to the point
where you start feeling breathless, and that is exactly what Bhansali intends,
for you to get encircled by his universe. And in that he succeeds. I was swept
up by the way he builds up the love story, between Ram (Ranveer Singh) and
Leela (Deepika Padukone). Where he fails-- his old failing-- is in the
insistence on every little thing being perfectly choreographed: a messy love
story requires messy emotions, and Bhansali doesn't ever let his gorgeous
Leela's tears streak down her cheeks. No leaky nose, no hiccups, just back-lit
loveliness, which becomes too perfect to be real.
Story Line
Ram (Ranveer ) and Leela (Deepika) aren’t supposed to fall in love coz they are
from two different communities who have been fighting with each other for 500
years. But they do… at first sight. We can’t blame Mr Singh; Ms Padukone looks
absolutely gorgeous throughout in her desi avatar. The lovers are left with no
option but to elope. However, their families manage to find them and Ram and
his Leela are forcefully taken back to their villages. Things change
drastically after Ram replaces his father and becomes the don of the Rajhadi
community. In between, there is lot of fighting, killing and politics. You hear
a gunshot in every scene, expect for when Ram and Leela are together and then
all your hear is the sizzle of steam. Though Ram and Leela believe in the power
of love, they are dragged into the mess and before you know it, they become
rivals. Leela becomes the leader of her community, the Sanedo. Does this mean
that the love story comes to an end? You have to watch the film to know that.
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Performance
Once again Deepika Padukone delivers a good
performance, as was expected. However, Ranveer is the
surprise package. Bhansali has managed to get the best out of him. If DP
charmed with her graceful moves and beauty, Ranveer has given a solid
performance. From his dialogue delivery to his comic timing, the young actor
gets it all right. And how can we forget the chemistry that he shares with his
co-star! There are quite a few kissing scenes, but they have been shot
aesthetically. There are a few scenes where Singh completely overshadows
Deepika. In one, Ranveer says, “ Ab hum dushmani bhi nibhayenge, pyaar se.” Though Dippy is present in the frame, all you
see is SLB’s Ram. His presence is so strong and charismatic. Also, his
shirtless act is visual treat. Supriya Pathak does full justice to her
villainous role. After a point, you actually start hating her. Richa Chadda,
Barkha Bisht, Sharad Kelkar and Gulshan Devaiah have played their parts well.
Verdict
A dreamy colorful entertainment love story with an excellent execution. Goliyan Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela is surely worth
watching. Besides Ranveer and Deepika’s performances, Bhansali’s music is
captivating. While the story of the film is not extraordinary, Bhansali’s
brilliant execution is what makes it special. Priyanka Chopra’s item number is
nothing less than exotic – it’s like icing on the cake! Watch this one for
stellar performances, great music and because it has been shot beautifully.
Rating : 9 / 10 