Sometimes, the allure of grandeur can become both a movie’s strength and its burden. Featuring an ensemble cast of Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditya Roy Kapur, this film brings together the opulence of 1940s India against the backdrop of pre-partition Lahore. Labelled as a period drama, the film sets out to explore forbidden love, family secrets, and the turbulence of India on the brink of division. With Karan Johar as producer and Abhishek Varman as director, it comes with a strong pedigree in storytelling and visual drama, promising a cinematic feast.
At its core, the story revolves around the intersecting lives of six central characters, each tangled in a web of love, desire, betrayal, and vengeance. Roop (Alia) finds herself in an arranged marriage to Dev (Aditya), but her heart is drawn toward the rebellious Zafar (Varun), a blacksmith in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Satya (Sonakshi) fights a personal battle, bearing her family’s weight while fostering a complex bond with her husband, Dev. Adding layers of mystery and old-world elegance, Bahaar Begum (Madhuri) runs a dance school and shares an unresolved past with Balraj (Sanjay). Together, these characters navigate personal conflicts that collide against the larger turmoil of India’s partition, intertwining political upheaval with deeply personal journeys.
One of the film’s most striking aspects is its cinematography. Binod Pradhan’s work is a masterclass in capturing rich, sweeping visuals that transport viewers to another era. From the grand architecture of palaces and traditional dance halls to the bustling streets of Lahore, every frame is meticulously composed and almost dreamlike. The vivid colors and detailed sets give the film a regal aura, enhancing the period drama’s sense of romance and tragedy. Scenes are flooded with natural light, using warm tones for intimate moments and deeper, colder tones to heighten tension or conflict. Particularly memorable is the introduction of Roop’s character in a palatial setting—her entrance perfectly captures the opulence of the 1940s and sets a visual standard for the entire film.
Costume design is another notable strength, capturing the period’s intricacies with authenticity and grandeur. Manish Malhotra’s work brings rich, traditional costumes to life, with intricate detailing and elegant drapery that aligns with each character’s personality and social standing. Roop’s attire shifts from modest and traditional to opulent and bold as her story progresses, visually reflecting her evolving inner conflicts. The men’s costumes, equally well-designed, add to the authenticity and immerse the audience in the period setting, with Zafar’s rugged attire standing out for its raw simplicity against the extravagance of others.
Despite the strong visual foundation, the film’s direction and screenplay by Abhishek Varman falter in maintaining a cohesive and engaging narrative. The pacing feels uneven, with moments that linger unnecessarily while other, more crucial scenes feel rushed. Some character arcs remain underdeveloped, leaving audiences yearning for more context or depth. Dev, for instance, feels sidelined in the story, his motivations and emotions only partially explored, which detracts from what could have been a compelling character study. Varman’s attempt to balance multiple storylines leads to a fragmented narrative, weakening the overall impact of the story.
In terms of acting, Alia shines as Roop, capturing the character’s vulnerability and inner turmoil with grace and intensity. Her portrayal resonates in scenes of emotional conflict, where she beautifully conveys the weight of her choices and desires. Varun’s performance as Zafar is equally compelling, bringing a raw, untamed quality to the character. His chemistry with Alia is palpable and brings depth to their shared scenes, even when the screenplay falls short. Madhuri’s portrayal of Bahaar Begum is elegant and understated, with her nuanced expressions speaking volumes. Her scenes with Sanjay evoke nostalgia, their shared history adding an emotional layer. Aditya and Sonakshi give solid performances, though their characters could have benefited from a richer narrative arc to allow them to shine more.
Pritam’s musical score lends an emotional dimension to the film, though it sometimes borders on melodrama. The soundtrack combines folk tunes with classical influences, creating a haunting, romantic atmosphere that complements the story. Songs like “Ghar More Pardesiya” and “Tabaah Ho Gaye” showcase both melody and rhythm, featuring beautifully choreographed dance sequences. Madhuri’s performance in “Tabaah Ho Gaye” is a highlight, her grace and poise bringing elegance to a melancholic song. However, while the music is impactful, some tracks feel overused, especially during emotional scenes, which lessens the impact of the score and detracts from the authenticity of raw moments.
The themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of unresolved desires permeate the storyline, yet they’re often overshadowed by the film’s heavy focus on aesthetics. Partition as a backdrop is meant to add weight to the storyline, symbolizing the division between love and societal duty, but it feels somewhat underutilized. The political upheaval appears more as a visual setting than an integral part of the characters’ lives. This oversight leaves the story with a feeling of missed potential; the stakes don’t feel as high as they should, considering the backdrop’s historical significance.
Despite its weaknesses, this film is a visual spectacle, a story wrapped in rich textures, colors, and emotive performances that almost make up for its narrative flaws. The film will appeal to those who enjoy elaborate settings, intricate costumes, and slow-burning romance, as well as fans of Alia and Varun’s on-screen chemistry. However, viewers seeking a cohesive plot with tight storytelling may find it lacking. For an experience that’s visually captivating but somewhat narratively uneven, it’s worth a watch, particularly for its aesthetics and some stellar individual performances. If approached with a focus on its visual appeal and select performances, the film offers a rewarding experience, but it might leave one wishing for a more profound narrative journey.
