Entertaining enterprise despite mischievous cinematic liberties- 'Panipat' movie review

Before getting into the nitty-gritties of the premise and screenplay, what surprises is the disclaimer. The makers do not claim any authenticity of history, then why not call it a propaganda film?

There is no harm in showing a Muslim king as an antagonist and Maratha Hindu King as a protoganist if that is the history. But the historical bystander portrayal is missed, makers take sides, that too is alright if the reasons have historical cogency. The reasons are fictionally arranged, like betrayal and deceptions are always lurking around Ahmad Shah Abdali (Sanjay Dutt) and a selfless Maratha warrior Sadashiv Bhau (Arjun Kapoor) claims that throne doesn't interest him, this naturally forces you to take sides.

Abdali would've fetched loath if he is just the invader  and Sadashiv would be pulled for if he is just the defender, as history puts it. The arranged aura around the both is definitely a put on black and white portrayal, conveniently brushing the gray parts under the rug. But you can't question, as the makers don't claim 'historical authenticity'.

If you are ready to forgive Ashutosh Gowrikar's minor yet noticeable tweakings of history, then the 'Lagaan' director doesn't disappoint you much.

'Panipat' is based on the anticlimactic 3rd Panipat war fought on 1761. A history based movie needs only to zero-in on the execution as the plot won't have nothing new to reveal. Gowrikar is on target as far as execution is concerned.

The sets are grand, followed by an above decent VFX. War scenes too are well choreographed with a fine balance between an organic war and heroic maneuvers.

Coming to performances,  Sanjay Dutt easily outflanks Arjun Kapoor as the latter is not even half fierce as the former given the strong roles both essay. Kriti Sanon (as Parvati Bai) and Arjun Kapoor's romance track would've been better off unwritten. Kriti Sanon looks more convincing as a Marathi than Arjun, as an emissary of the Peshwas, Kriti shines both as a beautiful and brave stateswoman. Every other character is underwritten for them to be overshadowed by Arjun and Sanjay but all are in tandem with the construct.

'Panipat' is really good in most parts, just when it enters the cinematic realm we are offered a dash of insipid done-to-death scenes hindering our interest.

There is a clear sense of centricism when polarising scenes are followed by mollifying scenes.

The war film based on an historical premise is a promising enterprise for this Friday even if it strays into propaganda at times.