Heeramandi Series Review: Manisha Koirala And Sonakshi Sinha’s Rivalry Steals The Show!
Rating: 4/5
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cast: Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh and Sharmin Segal
Available: On Netflix (8 Episodes)
Storyline:
The cunning and ambitious Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala) – snatches Shahi Mahal from her sister Rehana, and rules over it with an iron fist. Her patron Zulfikar (Shekhar Suman) becomes her partner in a dreadful crime.
Years later, Rehana’s daughter Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha) returns to stake claim to Heeramandi. Burning with revenge, Fareedan cleverly manipulates all the pieces, stoking her intense rivalry with Mallikajaan.
Meanwhile, Mallikajaan’s eldest daughter Bibbojaan (Aditi Rao Hydari) – a coquettish tawaif, is a rebel in secret. Her younger daughter and heir of Heeramandi – Alamzeb (Sharmin Segal) is a poet at heart who wishes to forsake the life of a courtesan. She falls in love with Tajdar (Taha Shah) – a rich Nawab’s son, who’s joined hands with the rebellion against the British forces.
Mallikajaan’s younger sister Waheeda (Sanjeeda Shaikh) has her beauty marred by an unsightly scar, and she resents Mallikajaan for past wrongs yet nevertheless remains loyal. But will Fareedan succeed in driving a wedge between the sisters?
Lajjo (Richa Chadha), Mallikajaan’s foster daughter, is a lovelorn beauty who’s taken to drugs to cope with her patron Zoravar’s (Adhyayan Suman) betrayal.
Even as internal battles between Fareedan and Mallikajaan threaten to wreak havoc on Heeramandi, the courtesans must reunite for the revolution against the British!
Watch Heeramandi to see how the drama and the politics unravels…
Heeramandi Series Review:
Heeramandi is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus indeed. The series is an aesthetically stunning visual spectacle; a perfect blend of melodrama and grandeur.
The Netflix show boasts of high production value – the set design is immaculate and immersive, the costumes are magnificent. The dialogues perfectly embody the intensity of the melodrama!
That being said, the politics feel a bit shoehorned in during the last episode, and some plot elements feel a bit contrived. The ending might feel abrupt and not be everyone’s cup of tea, though it makes sense in the big picture. While the 1st episode may be uneven, one should push through….because Sonakshi Sinha enters and the show gains momentum!
Manisha Koirala-Sonakshi Sinha’s rivalry has stolen the show, the tension is so deliciously palpable between the two! Manisha is captivating as the cruel Mallikajaan, absolutely commanding in every frame she appears. The seasoned actor elevates the show to another level, one of her career-best performances!
Sonakshi is at home in this period drama – her beautiful, ‘traditional’ face suits the role. Sinha matches Manisha’s intensity perfectly. Sonakshi is a director’s actor – she unravels beautifully, while channelling the anger, vengeance, and cunning of a meaty, layered, manipulative grey character like Fareedan. She has done full justice to the role. The volatile dynamic between Fareedan and Mallikajaan is the heart and soul of Heeramandi.
Heeramandi Series Review:
Aditi Rao Hydari looks beautiful and is dependable as always – playing up the sensuality of Bibbojaan when needed and switching into angry rebel mode flawlessly. Sometimes, her ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ expression gets overbearing though.
Though Richa Chadha has limited screentime, she is nevertheless powerful in her role and leaves her mark as the lovestruck Lajjo. Bhansali unfolds an intriguing tapestry – with his tragic backstories for Lajjo and even Sanjeeda Shaikh’s Waheeda. Sanjeeda gives a promising performance as the wretched Waheeda.
Sharmin Segal is lovely and brings the naivety of Alamzeb come to life. But compared to the seasoned cast, Sharmin is the chink in the armour, with her one-note performance. Taha Shah is charming and passionate as the young lover-turned-fighter and one of the most promising faces to watch out for!
Fardeen Khan makes a comeback after a long hiatus with Heeramandi, but gets the short end of the stick and is scarcely present. He plays Wali Mohammed with a quiet restraint.
Compared to previous Bhansali projects, apart from the gorgeous Sakal Ban and mesmerizing Tilasmi Bahein, the soundtrack leaves one wanting.
Hit Or Miss:
Definitely worth watching for the larger-than-life aesthetic spectacle and top-notch performances, especially by Manisha Koirala and Sonakshi Sinha.
(Also Read: 7 Bollywood Movies And Hindi Web Series In May 2024 – Heeramandi & More)
