Top critic
IBNLive
Film review ·
6.0
Ultimately you can't help being overwhelmed by Sudeep Chatterjee's eye-watering frames, and the elegant production design. Bhansali delivers a film that's artistic but exhausting.
Bajirao Mastani
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 28 scored reviews · 14 not ratedRanveer Singh shines in a visually magnificent epic that outpaces its own story.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
- Praised: Visual grandeur and lead performances
- Criticised: Thin characterisation, weak screenplay depth
Audience
User score 6.6 out of 10 from 57 ratings, Mixed
Read 14 audience reviews ↓Top cast
Critic consensus
What 40 critics are saying
Critical reception for Bajirao Mastani is broadly positive, with the majority of reviewers recommending it as an essential big-screen experience. Critics most consistently praised the film's visual grandeur, production design, and the central performances — particularly Ranveer Singh's — with several describing the overall craft as among Bhansali's finest work. The most common reservations concerned a screenplay that prioritises spectacle over emotional or narrative depth, with multiple critics noting that the characters, especially Bajirao, remain underdeveloped and that the second half loses momentum. A minority of critics found the excess actively counterproductive, arguing that the overwhelming opulence crowds out genuine storytelling.
How the 28 scores spread
14 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive / mixed / negative reviews
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 40 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Critic reviews (42)
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
NDTV
Film review ·
6.0Bajirao Mastani is for those that think history is boring. There isn't a dull moment in this colourful and dramatic film that embraces excess with unabashed abandon.
Top critic
Rediff
Film review ·
4.0This is a giant film, a magnum opus drunk on its own magnum-ity, and it is perfectly clear early on, as the narrative races out the gate and gauntlets are flung up in the air and shot through with arrows, that a film like this can only work as opera.
Top critic
Indian Express
Film review ·
3.0The grandiosity wears off. You long for a genuinely moving, exciting story, featuring all these beautiful people, all actors able to pull off characters, but buried under their mounds of clothes, mouthing dialogue. 'Bajirao Mastani' had the potential to be a terrific historical. What it ends up being is a costume drama: too many costumes, too much revved-up, empty drama, and too little story.
SKJBollywoodNews
Film review ·
10.0Bajirao Mastani is a masterpiece that teaches us many important lessons on love and and life. Most of all it shows us that another Mughal-e-Azam is possible in this day and age because there is a filmmaker who possesses the epic vision of K Asif.
Bollywood Hungama
Film review ·
8.0...a cinematic gem that you just cannot miss. Tremendous performances, deft direction, power-packed screenwriting and dialogue, melodious soundtrack and of course, the lavish mounting -- this film has it all. Strongly recommended!
Bollywood Life
Film review ·
8.0Ranveer Singh take a bow! You have ended the year with a BANG. Do not miss this cinematic brilliance at any cost. Book your tickets today.
DNA India
Film review ·
8.0A film for lovers. Especially those who didn't get a happy ending.
Glamsham
Film review ·
8.0Bajirao Mastani celebrates love, life, the longing of a man torn between three women (including his mother), his loyalty and his helplessness when faced with religious diktats! Bajirao Mastani also celebrates the mood of the moment!
India
Film review ·
8.0Bajirao Mastani is certainly a one time watch. The confluence of the Mughal impressions and the Maratha establishment is beautifully portrayed. Ranveer Singh plays the Bajirao Peshwa with remarkable conviction. He keeps a peculiar Marathi twang consistent. He packs so much honesty and sincerity into the performance. Deepika looks smouldering hot as Mastani and delivers yet another scintillating act. Priyanka Chopra looks promising too. The epic love story is as arresting as it is beautiful in terms of its scale and drama. SLB leaves no stone unturned to ensure that he produces a visual delight like no other!
Times Of India
Film review ·
8.0Bajirao-Mastani resembles Jodhaa-Akbar with teeth that bite, Mughal-e-Azam with shades of philosophical grey. It rediscovers roots to Maratha pride - and bravely confronts one of India's most crucial questions now. Quickly 'chala' to the biggest screen you can find.
Zee News
Film review ·
8.0A challenge to the critics' lens and a treat to viewers—'Bajirao Mastani' is gloriously grand! Book the tickets without a doubt.
About
Film review ·
7.0Bajirao Mastani is a must-watch, but set the right expectations before you go in! Don't look for a complete meal, or even one to fill you up. Go there much so that you remember the feast by the number of exotic dishes, although in the middle of the night, you may still feel a little under-fed and hunt for a snack!
FridayMoviez
Film review ·
7.0Anticipations and expectations were very high from 'Bajirao Mastani' as the audiences were expecting yet another visually stunning and larger than life spectacle from the filmmaker of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's calibre and fortunately, he does not let us down.
India Today
Film review ·
7.0In all, Bajirao Mastani is an experience. And one that needs to be savoured in a theatre.
IndiaTvNews
Film review ·
7.0Bajirao Mastani may not be a perfect movie but still has the potential to provide viewers a mesmerizing view into what could possibly be Sanjay Leela Bhansali's creative best.
IndiaWest
Film review ·
7.0"Bajirao Mastani" is a great one-time big-screen watch. A crisper edit and stronger content in the second half could have made this one a classic.
KoiMoi
Film review ·
7.0Not Deepika, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra lace this film with their brilliant performances. Watch the film for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's artistic vision and definitely Ranveer's career-best act.
Mid-Day
Film review ·
7.0Watch this film for its larger-than-life cinematic experience, and of course, Ranveer Singh.
PinkVilla
Film review ·
7.0Its gimmicks, its indulgence, its flaws, all blend in by the time the end credits roll. The sweeping visuals, the distracting tapestry, the engaging love story and the unapologetic, unabashed love for the celluloid is what makes Bajirao Mastani haunting. Bajirao Mastani is monumental... Every line has a dialogue polished with care, every shot a dream you are bound to love. SLB has never been this earnest and that's enough to forgive all his aiyashis he has subjected us to. This one is just Mohabbat...straight from the heart.
Wogma
Film review ·
7.0Magnificent visuals apart, Bajirao Mastani might be a version of history that I wish is true.
Yahoo
Film review ·
7.0Despite being trifle overwrought and over-indulgent, Sanjay Bhansali excels as a storyteller as well as a director. One can't help but marvel at his unflinching passion, exemplary precision, and irrefragable finesse. 'Bajirao Mastani' is arguably his finest work after 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'.
Deccan Chronicle
Film review ·
6.0A melodramatic climax aside, the film is undoubtedly a quality product, Bhansali always ensures that. But what makes it fall just short of excellence is the lack of the journey within. We never get inside the characters, especially Bajirao's, a man who is caught in the fierce dilemma between the heart and the state. We only see the events unfold on screen one after another. It is Bhansali tipping his jewel-encrusted hat off to an epic love story in Maratha folklore. But a glimpse of the mind would have made the picture complete.
Deccan Herald
Film review ·
6.0Had Sanjay Leela Bhansali substantiated the love factor and the reasons behind its growing so strong — instead of unnecessary occasions coupled with song and dance, especially the "Dola re Dola" sequel "Pinga" — Bajirao Mastani could have been a parallel to Jodha-Akbar.
Mumbai Mirror
Film review ·
6.0The film extends a historical perspective to intolerance in India. Although a casual reference, it makes the audience reflect on how "mazhab ki bediya" continue to divide us centuries later.
NowRunning
Film review ·
6.0A compromised screenplay notwithstanding Bajirao Mastani sets standards high. Bhansali outdoes himself at many levels. Watch the film for the sheer scale and scintillating performances.
Gulf News
Film review ·
5.0Sanjay Leela Bhansali's latest offering is not much more than a visual spectacle...
Hindustan Times
Film review ·
5.0If you appreciate Sanjay Leela Bhansali's opulence and grandeur, this won't disappoint. It can be a good one-time watch, for Deepika's performance, if not anything else.
BookMyShow
Film review ·
From intense war scenes to sweet romantic exchanges, Bajirao Mastani will keep you engrossed till the very end. The actors are a delight to watch and make the movie even more enjoyable. This weekend, do yourself a favor — go watch Bajirao Mastani. It's Sanjay Leela Bhansali's best work till date.
Emirates247
Film review ·
While Bajirao and Mastani's love story is fascinating, no doubt, directing more of the screenplay to his military accomplishments could've turned it into a far more credible watch. For now, it's a pretty picture that stops short of being great cinema.
Filmfare
Film review ·
Bajirao Mastani will also be remembered for its production design and costumes. The level of detailing in the film's visuals is awe-inspiring. The camerawork and SLB's vision for grandeur create a mirage of excellence on screen. SLB's music is not only influential it's emotional and touching. Rarely do Hindi movies look like they belong on a world stage. Bajirao Mastani is definitely a strong contender for that spot. It's definitely one of the year's best.
FilmiBeat
Film review ·
It is surely a must watch, doesn't matter whether you are a Deepika, Ranveer or Priyanka fan; no two opinions about it! A perfect masterpiece by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Not forgetting to mention, it's the kind of film that you will carry in your heart.
Firstpost
Film review ·
Despite its shortcomings then, this is a brave and beautiful film - beautiful to look at, beautiful in its position on religion, brave in its take on history, brave in its unwillingness to paint religious groups or its primary characters as black or white. Bhansalified history, as it turns out, makes for good cinema.
Firstpost
Film review ·
...may not be perfect but is a memorable, mesmerizing and dazzling piece of cinematic vision.
Firstpost
Film review ·
It is a regular love story and not very ambitious, but the film satisfies its audience
Huffingtonpost.in
Film review ·
Bajirao Mastani is a loud, clunky melodrama that is largely interested in providing derivative cinematic thrills whilst pretending to be lyrical and meditative. That said, however, it is also often visually-arresting and romantic enough to sustain interest.
Komal Nahta's Blog
Film review ·
Bajirao Mastani is a visually delightful entertainer and a cinematic masterpiece. Unfortunately, it holds more appeal for the classes and multiplex audiences and less for the masses. This will reflect adversely in its commercial report card because a film with an investment of the kind made in this project needed to be universally appealing, nothing less than that. Its collections are bound to pick up due to positive mouth publicity. In commercial terms, however, its very high cost on the one hand and an ordinary initial on the other, coupled with the fact that it has released in direct opposition of Dilwale, will not see it making profits. Rather, this masterpiece could, quite unfortunately and tragically, even entail losses to the persons concerned.
LiveMint
Film review ·
Bhansali's long-awaited 'Bajirao Mastani' is unapologetically sumptuous...
Masala
Film review ·
If you gush calling Bhansali an artist, his movies oh-so-beautiful, sheer poetry and all that, then Bajirao Mastani won't disappoint!
Reuters
Film review ·
Despite all its faults, "Bajirao Mastani" is propped up by the performances of Singh and Chopra; and for that alone, it's worth a watch. Just forget your history lessons inside the theatre.
Scroll.in
Film review ·
... sumptuous retelling of the legend is strong on romance but weak on statecraft.
The Hindu
Film review ·
Sanjay Leela Bhansali returns with another visual spectacle that wilfully takes liberties with the past that it depicts. But it does manage to engage even as it exhausts.
From our readers
Audience reviews (14)
57 ratings · user score 6.6
- Vedant PatilDec 201510/10
one of the best film of 2015 raveer singh and priyanka both are awesome and deepika also looks pretty but the weak point of the movie ...must watch
- Samresh BhardwajDec 201510/10
Great movie. Must watch - Absolutely delight to see.
- Aye Min OoDec 20153/10
Just a costume drama pretending to be lyrical. 1st half is enough good but very slow clamix and boring 2nd half lead the film down
- Rohan PatelDec 201510/10
i am filig so happy to watch this move osam move 10 time watch move
- RanJeet KeshwalaDec 201510/10
I like all sets and story also diipu chops and ranvjy play best RL forever!!!
- Monomalya BhattacharyyaDec 20158/10
Very very good, brilliant & nice
- Rakshit RainaDec 20157/10
Visually sumptuous, powerfully acted, yet emotionally underwhelming!!! Still, it has a lot going for it.
- Kiran KumarDec 201510/10
Awesome movie to watch. You will be happy watching this.
- Eklavya ChandwadkarDec 20157/10
In very simple and direct words, Bajirao Mastani is a beautiful experience but the viewer is left with a desire to watch some war action and above all some more submerging into the love story. Most of the time the extraordinary sets and sharp dialogues couldnt successfully hide the fakeness of sets and feeling of TV soap drama serials compared to what it could have been if it was Hollywood.
- Priyaraj SharmaMar 20168/10
Bajirao Mastani is one of the best films of this year.
- Saheb AbdullahMay 20167/10
Though Feels Melodramatic & Dragging At Times With A Unconvincing Ending. But It Is SLB's Vision & Story Which Makes It Interesting.The Production Design & Sets Are Very Well Made.Fight Sequences Should Have Been Better.Ranveer Singh Is Exceptional As Bajirao Especially In The 1st Half.Deepika Somewhat Fades Away In Front Of Strong Performance Of Ranveer & Priyanka.Ending Is A Typical SLB Style Which We Have Seen In His Earlier Films.Don't Know How Much Accuracy There Is, But I Liked The Story & The Film As Well..SLB Makes Many Reference To Devdas & Mughal-E-Azam In It.Songs Like Malhari & Pinga Are Disappointment.
- Last DayJan 20172/10
Most overrated film ever seen
- Ajay lawyerJul 20176/10
expeted more fightings scenes,finally ends in dramatic way
- Shashwat SisodiaOct 20198/10
Peshwa Bajirao I was a great Maratha emperor whose love life is a known story, but highly unsung and losing context when it comes to his conquests, so our dear Bhansali created a visually stunning film with dazzling costumes and a sense of extravagance set in Medieval times, when the love of a Rajput-Muslim princess Mastani Bai and a Brahmin-Maratha patron-commander Bajirao Ballal, blossomed. From soundtrack to performances, everything was fun in this film, and none looked too good to be true. Clearly, Bhansali reflected upon a fine gem inside him. Priyanka Chopra is praiseworthy, outperforming Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone (Bajirao and Mastani) as Kashibai (Bajirao's wife). The visuals by Sudeep Chatterjee and the costumes amounted by Maxima Basu are amazingly stunning and they please the crowd in an interesting manner. But no one does it more than the master, Bhansali, himself. I am going with 4 stars out of 5 for 'Bajirao Mastani'. Watch it for its sheer visuals, sheer presence of mind.
Credits
Cast & crew
Cast
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