Introduction

Bajirao Mastani (2015), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is a sweeping historical romance that narrates the tragic love story of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I (Ranveer Singh) and his second wife, Mastani (Deepika Padukone). Based on Nagnath S. Inamdar’s Marathi novel Rau, the film blends grandeur, emotion, and Bhansali’s signature visual poetry into a cinematic spectacle.

With a budget of ₹145 crore and global box-office earnings of ₹356.2 crore, the film was both a commercial success and a critical darling, winning 7 National Film Awards and 9 Filmfare Awards, including Best Film and Best Director.

Plot Summary

Set in 18th-century India, the film follows Peshwa Bajirao I, a fierce Maratha warrior, who falls in love with Mastani, the half-Muslim princess of Bundelkhand. Their love defies societal norms, religious divides, and the disapproval of Bajirao’s first wife, Kashibai (Priyanka Chopra), and his mother, Radhabai (Tanvi Azmi). The narrative culminates in tragedy, with both Bajirao and Mastani dying separated, their love immortalized in history.

Key Themes:

• Forbidden Love & Sacrifice – The central conflict revolves around Bajirao and Mastani’s love, which is opposed due to caste and religious differences.
• Feminine Strength – Both Kashibai and Mastani exhibit resilience—Kashibai as the dutiful yet heartbroken wife, and Mastani as the defiant warrior-princess.
• Violence & Passion – The film contrasts the brutality of war with the intensity of love, portraying how Bajirao’s warrior instincts shape his relationships.

Visual & Symbolic Storytelling

Bhansali’s films are renowned for their visual opulence, and Bajirao Mastani is no exception. The film employs color, framing, and motifs to convey emotions and character arcs:

1. Kashibai’s Descent into Melancholy

Introduced amidst lamps (symbolizing passion), Kashibai’s journey is marked by a shift from warm hues (reds, oranges) to cool tones (blues, whites) as she resigns herself to Bajirao’s love for Mastani.

Her final scenes feature her in pale colors, symbolizing emotional detachment.

2. Mastani’s Fluid Femininity

Often framed near water (fountains, lakes), Mastani embodies fluidity and grace. Her costumes transition from soft pastels to fiery reds as her love becomes more desperate.

The Mohe Rang Do Laal song sequence uses red as a metaphor for passion.

3. Religious & Caste Politics

The film’s portrayal of Mastani’s Muslim identity has been critiqued for simplifying her Rajput heritage and reinforcing Hindu-Muslim binaries.

The Brahmin priests’ hostility toward Mastani underscores the film’s exploration of caste and religious intolerance.

Performances & Direction

• Ranveer Singh as Bajirao delivers a career-best performance, embodying the Peshwa’s ferocity and vulnerability.
• Deepika Padukone shines as Mastani, though some critics argue her portrayal lacked depth compared to Priyanka’s layered Kashibai.
• Priyanka Chopra steals the show as the emotionally complex Kashibai, particularly in scenes where she masks her pain with dignity.
• Bhansali’s Direction – While criticized for historical inaccuracies and melodrama, his visual storytelling and set designs (like the Aaina Mahal) are unparalleled.

Controversies & Historical Debates

• Historical Liberties: The film faced backlash from Bajirao’s descendants for fictionalizing events, such as Kashibai dancing in Pinga (historically, she had arthritis).
• Religious Polarization: Critics argue the film reduces Mastani’s identity to her Muslim lineage, ignoring her Rajput roots.
• Feminist Critique: Some view Mastani’s suffering as glorified subjugation, while others praise her agency in defying societal norms.

Further Reading

• Wikipedia: Bajirao Mastani
• Feminist Analysis of Mastani’s Representation
• Visual Symbolism in Bajirao Mastani

Would you like a deeper dive into any specific aspect, such as the music or battle sequences? Let us know in the comments!