Bajirao Mastani (2015) – A Complete Review, Story, Cast, Music, Box Office, and Legacy

Introduction

Bollywood has always excelled at bringing grand love stories and historical sagas to life. Among the most celebrated films of the last decade is Bajirao Mastani (2015), directed by the master storyteller Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Known for his lavish sets, breathtaking cinematography, and emotionally charged narratives, Bhansali outdid himself with this magnum opus.

Released on 18 December 2015, Bajirao Mastani clashed at the box office with Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale but carved its own path with critical acclaim and strong word-of-mouth. The film tells the story of Peshwa Bajirao I and his passionate love affair with Mastani, while highlighting the challenges he faced as a warrior, leader, and man torn between love and duty.

Starring Ranveer Singh as Bajirao, Deepika Padukone as Mastani, and Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai, the movie became a landmark in Indian cinema for its performances, storytelling, music, and production design.

Historical Background

Bajirao Mastani is inspired by the real-life love story of Peshwa Bajirao I (1700–1740) and his second wife, Mastani, the daughter of Bundela king Chhatrasal and his Persian-Muslim consort.

• Bajirao I was a celebrated general of the Maratha Empire, known for expanding its territories and leading with unmatched military genius.
• Mastani was a skilled warrior, dancer, and political figure who fell in love with Bajirao, creating one of the most controversial yet legendary romances in Indian history.
• Kashibai, Bajirao’s first wife, is remembered for her grace, devotion, and tragic suffering as she watched her husband love another woman.

Bhansali’s film fictionalizes certain aspects but captures the essence of the romance, conflicts, and grandeur of the era.

Plot Overview

The movie opens with Bajirao, a fearless warrior, impressing the Maratha court with his military skills and being appointed Peshwa (Prime Minister).

Key Plot Points:

• Bajirao Meets Mastani: Mastani approaches Bajirao seeking military help to defend Bundelkhand against invaders. Their meeting sparks both admiration and attraction.
• Love Blossoms: Mastani and Bajirao fall deeply in love, despite belonging to different religions and cultural backgrounds.
• Kashibai’s Struggle: Kashibai, Bajirao’s first wife, struggles with her husband’s growing affection for Mastani, creating emotional turmoil.
• Family Opposition: The conservative Brahmin priests and Bajirao’s family reject Mastani, branding her an outsider and questioning her legitimacy.
• Bajirao’s Dilemma: Torn between his love for Mastani and his duty as a Maratha leader, Bajirao fights internal and external battles.
• Tragic Ending: The film culminates in a heartbreaking climax, where Bajirao falls ill, hallucinating Mastani, while Mastani is imprisoned. The lovers remain united in spirit, even as death separates them.

The blend of romance, political drama, and war sequences makes the film an epic saga.

Cast and Characters

The film’s success is anchored by its stellar cast.

Main Cast

• Ranveer Singh as Bajirao I – Delivering a career-defining performance, Ranveer fully embodies the warrior-king’s energy, passion, and vulnerability.
• Deepika Padukone as Mastani – Graceful, fierce, and deeply emotive, Deepika captures Mastani’s beauty and strength.
• Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai – A standout performance, Priyanka adds layers of dignity, sorrow, and power to Kashibai’s character.

Supporting Cast

• Tanvi Azmi as Radhabai (Bajirao’s mother) – A commanding performance that won her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.
• Milind Soman as Ambaji Panth – Loyal advisor to Bajirao.
• Aditya Pancholi as Shripatrao – A minor but impactful role.
• Ayush Tandon, Mahesh Manjrekar, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi – Supporting roles that enriched the narrative.

Direction and Cinematic Vision

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is celebrated for his visual grandeur, and Bajirao Mastani is perhaps his most ambitious film.

• Lavish Sets: Recreated Maratha forts, palaces, and battlefields with intricate detail.
• Art Direction: The film’s production design is on par with Hollywood historical epics.
• Costume Design: Anju Modi’s costumes showcased Maratha elegance and Mughal influences, adding authenticity and beauty.
• Visual Storytelling: Every frame feels like a painting, from war sequences to intimate moments.

Bhansali also composed the film’s music, making it a complete creative vision.

Music and Soundtrack

The music of Bajirao Mastani became one of its most celebrated aspects. With Bhansali himself as the composer, the soundtrack blends classical Indian ragas with cinematic grandeur.

Iconic Songs

1. “Deewani Mastani” – A mesmerizing track showcasing Mastani’s love and devotion. Deepika’s entry remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic moments.
2. “Pinga” – A festive dance song performed by Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, celebrating womanhood and tradition.
3. “Malhari” – A high-energy victory song featuring Ranveer Singh in a celebratory dance.
4. “Mohe Rang Do Laal” – A classical dance number beautifully performed by Deepika.
5. “Albela Sajan” – A soulful rendition adapted from Hindustani classical music.
6. “Aayat” – A romantic and spiritual track that underlines Bajirao and Mastani’s eternal love.

The background score heightened the drama, romance, and war scenes, making the music timeless.

Cinematography and Visuals

• Cinematographer: Sudeep Chatterjee
• The film’s use of warm tones, candlelit sets, and wide shots added majesty.
• War sequences were choreographed with precision, blending realism with visual grandeur.
• Iconic shots like Deepika in “Deewani Mastani” or Ranveer in “Malhari” remain etched in cinematic memory.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Love vs. Duty – Bajirao’s inner conflict between his love for Mastani and his duty to his empire and family.
2. Religious and Social Divide – The rejection of Mastani reflects India’s historical struggles with caste, religion, and social norms.
3. Women’s Strength – Both Mastani and Kashibai embody different forms of feminine strength – one as a warrior and the other as a devoted yet dignified wife.
4. Tragic Romance – Echoing epics like Romeo and Juliet, it highlights the timeless pain of love constrained by society.

Box Office Performance

Despite clashing with Shah Rukh Khan’s Dilwale, Bajirao Mastani emerged as a major success.

• India Gross: Over ₹184 crore.
• Worldwide Gross: Around ₹356 crore.
• It became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2015 and a milestone in Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s careers.

Critical Reception

The film was universally acclaimed by critics for its performances, direction, and music.

Praise Highlights

• Ranveer Singh’s transformative performance as Bajirao.
• Deepika Padukone’s grace and intensity as Mastani.
• Priyanka Chopra’s emotional depth as Kashibai.
• Lavish sets, cinematography, and costumes.
• Bhansali’s music and vision.

Awards and Recognition

• National Film Awards: 7 wins, including Best Director (Bhansali), Best Supporting Actress (Tanvi Azmi), Best Cinematography.
• Filmfare Awards: 9 wins, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (Ranveer Singh).

Audience Response

Audiences loved the film’s scale, music, and performances. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Bajirao turned him into a powerhouse performer, while Deepika and Priyanka’s roles drew admiration worldwide.

The movie gained cult status, with songs and dialogues still celebrated years later.

Legacy and Impact

Bajirao Mastani is remembered as one of the finest historical epics in Bollywood. Its legacy includes:

• Setting a new benchmark for production design and cinematography.
• Establishing Ranveer Singh as a superstar.
• Proving that period dramas can achieve commercial as well as critical success.
• Inspiring filmmakers to explore Indian history with grandeur and sensitivity.

The film’s success paved the way for Bhansali’s next magnum opus, Padmaavat (2018).

Conclusion

Bajirao Mastani (2015) is not just a film; it is an experience – a blend of history, romance, tragedy, and visual splendor. With powerful performances from Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable music, it stands tall as a modern Bollywood classic.

For fans of epic romances and historical dramas, Bajirao Mastani remains a must-watch masterpiece that will be cherished for generations.