Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Supriya Pathak, Richa Chaddha, Abhimanyu Singh, Gulshan Deviah, Sharad Kelkar and Barkha Bisht
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Rating: ***1/2
What it's about
Ram Leela, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's crazed tribute to Shakesphere's Romeo and Juliet, is a doomed love story of Ram (Ranveer Singh) and Leela (Deepika Padukone). Set in Gujarat, they belong to two different families who have been enemies for over a hundred years. The lovers realise that the only way they can be together is to elope. When they do, all hell breaks loose and a bloody battle ensues. Can Ram and Leela find happiness together?
What'shot
What stands out most about the film is passion; the filmmaker's, that of his actors', and even in his characters. There is a certain boldness in Ram and Leela's chemistry and dialogues that will draw you in, almost instantaneously.
The first half is so fast-paced, cheeky, and energetic, it will enchant you (and then shock and awe). This is an unabashed Bollywood love story. It has the happy parts: songs, drama, the kiss and cheesy text messages. The not-so-happy parts: parental disapproval, separation of the lovers, clash of powerful people and conspiracy. The story has been told a hundred times, and we all know how it ends, and how the characters will play out, yet it keeps you spellbound for most part.
It is a lovely mixture of the familiar and the fresh. It is impossible to watch this film impassively. There are enough magical scenes, to make you feel you have to watch it a second time to soak it all in.
The technical aspects of the film are extraordinary: breath-taking sets, spellbinding cinematography, perfect music and a wonderful supporting cast. Deepika is perfect in every scene. Ranveer has surrendered to the director's vision and delivers a power-packed performance. He stands out in many scenes, even where he barely has dialogues. But you've got to admit that the real hero of Ram Leela is the man behind the camera.
What's not
The length for one. You wish the director would end the story at least twenty minutes before it actually does. Poetic dialogues in heavy-duty emotional scenes can be jarring. Also, there are too many double meaning dialogues. You have to remind yourself, this is an SLB film. This is a movie about love and hate and there are parts that you will love and portions you might hate but you cannot remain dispassionate and that would be this director's best compliment.
What to do
This is a film by a true romantic, who is brimming with crazy passion. If you share that with him, watch it.
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