Dec 8, 20193 min read

Panipat: Movie Review

Historical movies have always been one of the favourite genres of filmmakers since the inception of Indian cinema. From #SohrabModi to #SanjayLeelaBhansali, all have tried their hands on this subject. One special name to be mentioned here is filmmaker #AshutoshGowariker who has a knack of making history-based movies (#Lagaan, #KheleHumJeeJaanSe, #MohenjoDaro and #JodhaAkbar). He is back again with his latest offering #Panipat which deals with the origin and outcomes of the third battle of #Panipat fought in the year 1761. Does he succeed in his attempt or fails? Let's analyse!

Direction

When you have a master storyteller like #AshutoshGowariker helming the direction, you expect nothing but the best! Alas, he fails to deliver yet again after the debacle of #MohenjoDaro. His direction seemed amateur, and he seemed to be in a hurry to make a film without understanding and indulging into minute details for which he is known for. I personally feel he has lost his charm now and he needs to rethink and sit with his team again to set things right. His efforts and hard work are seen in the film but still, he fails to deliver a good product. This is another sad addition to his weak films.

Technical Department

#CKMurleedharan’s cinematography is good but inconsistent. I sincerely missed #KiranDeohan (#JodhaAkbar) sir here. The drone shots looked awkward as they were just taken to make the film look grand but the overall composition of the shots was weak. Editing by #StevenBarnard was haphazard and was another big let-down. The film is too long and could easily have been trimmed for around 20 min. Although the script and screenplay are good, the main issue with the film is weak characterisation and lack of any emotional appeal whatsoever. The biggest disappointment is the music and background score by #AjayAtul. #AshutoshGowariker is known for extracting great music in his films but not a single song is memorable in this movie. The background music seems to have a hangover of films like #Padmavat and #BajiraoMastani. #ARRahman is clearly missed here.

Performances

The day the film was announced and the star cast was declared many were sceptical about the choice of #ArjunKapoor as a Maratha warrior. #ArjunKapoor gives his best and his hard work is seen on screen but still, he does not suit the Maratha warrior look. Both his attitude and dialogue delivery were weak. He lacked the emotional depth that his character required and he needs to improve a lot in his acting skills too. #SanjayDutt seems outdated and tired in the film. He tries hard to get the look of a ferocious lion and pure emotionless king but still ends up being a caricature. #KritiSanon is the real star of the film. She gives her best especially in the emotional and fight sequences.

Popular comedy actor #Mantra does a wonderful job and he is actually the surprise package of the film. #MohnishBehl and #NawabShah were impressive in their respective roles. It's sad that #AshutoshGowariker, who is known for a stronghold on characters and well-defined character study, is facing this issue lately of making movies with no emotional edge and connectivity of characters with the audience. I had immense hope that finally he will bounce back, and I will witness my Gowariker of #Lagaan, #Swades, and #JodhaAkbar but sadly he fails this time also. Although #Panipat is a better film compared to his previous films like #What'sYourRashee and #MohenjoDaro, it still lacks an emotional touch and smoothness of the script.

WMR Verdict

#Panipat once again proved that all that glitters is not gold. You may have the best intention, best budget and best stars but if your execution is weak it will not work! #AshutoshGowariker should go back to his roots and try to first make a strong team of writers (who were his backbone at one point of time). #Panipat is a one-time watch (that too only for its story) and overall a disappointing fare.