Are you ready for a joyride? Well, then get on board, because this is one unabashed and artistically ambitious rendition of a spin of a timeless tale. Transposed to a bucolic setting in the colorful western state of Gujarat, this is a story that has all the melodrama, ribaldry and intensity of the classic Shakespearean tale of star-crossed lovers, in a Bollywood incarnation with more than just a hint of Baz Luhrmann.
But this is an adaptation that doesn’t hesitate to color outside the lines, and color it does — both boldly and vibrantly. And if there was ever great onscreen chemistry, it may be found in the likes of Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. The pair have a way of lighting things up even in the darkest of moods. Singh is an incredibly talented young man, and as of now ranks number one on my list of Bollywood men who can dance! But beyond that, the man gets under the skin of the character he portrayed — delightfully vulgar and yet lovelorn to the point of insanity and vulnerable to the wiles of the one he loves.Â
And this was matched in full by his female love interest, Padukone, who is most definitely more than just a pretty face. Hers is a performance that is at times exuberant, always impassioned, and seals her reputation as an exceptional acting talent. Speaking of which, there is exceptional acting talent in full display also in the likes of Supriya Pathak in her role as the matriarchal lead.Â
All in all, a grand adventure for the senses, culminating in that bitter-sweet beautiful and tragic ending that confirms what you knew all along:Â it was never meant to me, but it was great believing in the dream while it lasted.
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