Panipat movie review: This Ashutosh Gowariker directorial deserves a watch

• Murtuza Nullwala
• 05 December, 2019

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By: Murtuza Nullwala

We have heard and read about the Third Battle Of Panipat that took place in 1761 between Marathas and Afghans. Now, it’s time to experience the Battle on the big screen in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Panipat.

Ahmad Shah Abdali (Sanjay Dutt) comes to India from Afghanistan to conquer the country and rule on it. But Marathas want to safeguard the country and they decide to stop Abdali. Sadashiv Rao Bhau (Arjun Kapoor) along with his troop moves from Pune to stop Abdali. How they land up in Panipat and how the Battle takes place, takes the story forward…

Ashutosh Gowariker is known for making period films and he has impressed us with movies like Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar. Panipat is a grand film and visually it’s a treat for your eyes. There are grand sets, and the actors are wearing some beautiful outfits.

But the biggest problem with the film is its runtime. The movie is of 2 hours 53 minutes and in the first half, there’s too much of detailing which unfortunately gets boring. In the first half, the movie looks like a boring History period that we used to have in schools.

But Panipat picks up brilliantly in the second half. The drama starts and we are glued to the screens till the last scene. The last 30-45 mins of the film are simply amazing and the Battle has been shot wonderfully.

Talking about performances, Kriti Sanon steals the show. She shines throughout the film. This is clearly the best performance of her career. Watch out for the sequence when she takes the sword in her hands and rules the silver screen. Arjun Kapoor is good, but his dialogue delivery could have been better. Sanjay Dutt as the antagonist Ahmad Shah Abdali fails to impress. His performance is one of the weakest elements in the film. Zeenat Aman has one scene in the film and the veteran actress is wasted. Mohnish Bahl, Padmini Kolhapure, Sahil Salathia, Mantra, and other supporting actors are good in their parts.

Coming to music, the film has some really good songs. Mard Maratha, Mann Mein Shiva, and Sapna Hai Sach Hai all three songs are damn good. Mard Maratha and Mann Mein Shiva have been shot very well.

Overall, Panipat deserves a watch as it gets an important chapter of India’s history on the big screen.

Ratings: 3/5

Watch the trailer here…