Heeramandi Review: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Series is an Enchanting Watch

– No Spoilers –

In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical epic set against the backdrop of pre-independent India, the courtesans of Heeramandi reign supreme. However, when Mallikajaan’s youngest daughter Alamzeb decides to give up her place to take on the reigns of the establishment and instead vie for the affection of one man against that of the many, things get much murkier.

Bhansali’s Heeramandi has been on everyone’s watchlist for the longest time and for good reason! The historical epic, based against the backdrop of a pre-independent India when people were finally going up in arms against the injustices of the British, focuses on the courtesans of the revered Heeramandi, where nobels from all over visit to find themselves lost in the arms of a lover. However, that’s not exactly what the story is – it’s a story about the women of this hellish place that has all the glitz and glam from the outside but where dreams go to die if you look close enough.

The storyline, somewhat of a reminder of 2015’s Rajkahini, is a grim tale of love, power, betrayal, struggle and power and showcases the hopes and dreams of the women of a powerful establishment that relishes itself in quashing the women who make it great. The intricacies of the storyline are quite interesting to watch; the struggle for power, the backstabbing and the plotting are shown in a deliciously dramatic way that makes for an engaging and thrilling watch for most of the runtime. With an ensemble cast that can leave anyone enchanted, the series is a mesmerising affair for many reasons.

The grand sets, the beautiful costumes and the dazzling twinkle in the eyes of the courtesans are enough to enchant audiences. As is Bhansali’s signature style, the beautiful sets make for another character in the series, creating a lasting impact that holds the ugly secrets of these beautiful but ruthless women. They are also filled with their hopes and dreams but that’s a different heartbreaking affair. It’s interesting to watch how these women’s lives change through the episodes.

It’s a truly heartbreaking affair, seeing women becoming their own worst enemies to keep a hand on the power. However, it is these relationships that make the series so tempting. These quashed dreams become the dagger that these women carry with them in order to exact revenge against those who have wronged them in different ways. The series’ main revenge story is between Manisha Koirala’s Mallikajaan and Sonakshi Sinha’s Fareedan, a relationship that is doused in murdered blood. The series showcases this relationship well and the ruthless enmity is nothing short of delicious.

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Mallikajaan’s manipulation is thrilling to watch and her villainy has a tinge of sadness and desperation to it that makes it real, instead of making it Disney villain-ish. Her veiled (and sometimes not) threats will make you uncomfortable because you know through Koirala’s delivery that even her compliments have something nefarious in them. Meanwhile, arch-enemy Fareedan is ruthless in a different way – her need to get revenge is palpable and relatable and makes you want to win in some way. In the midst of this rivalry is a sweet romance brewing in between the cracks of this unforgiving situation, where Alam and Tajdar’s relationship blooms and gives you hope.

Apart from the characters, the storyline focuses on the plights of the different women in interesting ways. Some get less focus than others, but everyone has something to say that somehow comes together as one. You relate to these characters and your heart breaks for them as they live a life without much control. Thus, when there is some animosity and pushback, you feel invigorated as well. The independence movement makes for a swell background, thus, considering the circumstances because, in a way, everyone is just searching for freedom, whatever that means to the individual.

However, in spite of the hatred and the revenge, there are moments of genuine warmth in the series that will make anyone take note. These are the moments that make this series just not a heartbreakingly sad affair and make you want to keep going. That being said, the long runtime might feel intimidating sometimes and can get a little sluggish. But even then, the pacing is done well and the circumstances keep changing quickly to keep you hooked. It’s a story about women’s power and ambition in a man’s world and can be relatable in many different circumstances.

Heeramandi Review: Final Thoughts

A tale of revenge, power and love, this story is an enchanting watch that, although gets a little slow sometimes, is thoroughly mesmerising. Its well-paced narrative and cut-throat characters help to keep the long runtime entertaining and the drama is deliciously dished out, albeit a bit cliched.

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is streaming on Netflix.

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