Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar follows the madam of the most elite courtesan house in Heeramandi, as her throne is challenged and threatened by a new rival, as a rebellion brews in the 1920s British-ruled India.
Story
Mallikajaan, the madam of the Shahi Mahal house of courtesans, sees her reign threatened by Fareedan, the daughter of her elder sister whom she killed when Fareedan was a little girl.
Mallika tries and fails to get her youngest daughter Alamzeb to debut as a courtesan because she dreams of becoming a poetess. She also falls in love with the son of a Nawab, Tajdar.
Fareedan and Mallika’s battle begins as Alamzeb strives for freedom from Heeramandi. After many struggles and hurdles, her marriage with Tajdar is fixed, but he’s detained by British for his rebellious efforts.
He’s killed in custody, as Mallika also suffers great pain at the hands of the British officer Cartwright seeking revenge on her for a long time. Fareedan and Mallika put their battle on hold to rise up and take part in the freedom movement.
They rally together, struggle together, and shout together the slogans for freedom as one of them attains martyrdom. Meanwhile, Alamzeb also takes revenge on Cartwright for her would-be husband’s death.
Performances
Manisha Koirala is the matriarchal anchor of malice and machinations, but also a composite of trauma and hurt as Mallikajaan. Koirala brings a gravitas to the role and the ensemble that only a veteran of her calibre can.
Sonakshi is catty and sexy, as well as sentimental and deep as Fareedan. As Rehana, she is most effortless in conjuring up a venomous, malicious, and oppressive figure that gives adult Mallika a run for her money.
Aditi Rao Hydari is super reliable and such a strong presence as the courtesan and freedom fighter Bibbojaan. She sports exemplary grace and style, while also remaining one of the few characters one truly roots for without condition.
Sanjeeda Sheikh deserves all praise for pouring all her soul into this tragic character who one can’t help but feel bad for, while also empathizing with her despite all her mischievous proclivities.
Unfortunately, Sharmin Sehgal as Alam is one of the weaker parts of the ensemble; most of her moments are marked by a very visible blankness in expression and delivery.
Taha Shah Badussha is the same as Sehgal, in that the two young actors do have a good screen precence but whether due to lackadaisical direction or the commitment, they don’t quite come across as convincing in their roles.
Positives
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s eccentricities are on display per usual, making the viewing experience delightful even if not the most innovative or new that the audiences have seen from him.
The casting is impeccable and the talent all around the table is astounding.
The opulence and flashy bits and pieces inform nearly every other frame and yet it rarely distract from any of the narrative changes or tools.
Negatives
The plot involving the mess inside Heeramandi is much more rousing and one that is put on hold for the nationalist anti-colonial arc, which can feel rushed and not properly fleshed out.
The music in Heeramandi, at least compared to Bhansali’s other works, is lackluster. Whereas some actors shine, others come across as beautiful cardboard cutouts.
Verdict
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is a Bhansali joint in all its eccentric glory but with some diluted doses of narrative shifts, character decisions, and music.
The visually resplendent story offering also seems to be confused about how to make the protagonists empowered and yet lean on weak shoulders.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Date Created: 2024-05-01 12:30
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