Heeramandi Telugu Review: ‘Heeramandi’ captures the era beautifully.

Cast: Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and others

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Music: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Benedict Taylor, Naren Chandavarkar

Cinematography: Sudeep Chatterjee, Mahesh Limaye, Hunstang Mahapatra, Ragul Dharuman

Editor: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Production Company: Bhansali Productions

OTT Platform: Netflix

Release Date: May 1, 2024

The series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar‘ has been the center of national attention recently. This marks Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first foray into OTT content. Featuring a stellar cast of Bollywood heroines including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh, the series premiered on Netflix. Has it lived up to everyone’s expectations? Let’s discover.

What is the story?

The series unfolds during British rule in the 1930s-1940s within the Heeramandi district of Lahore, Pakistan. In the movie, Mallikajan (Manisha Koirala) operates a significant brothel and rules over the area. Her former adversary’s daughter, Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha), attempts to dethrone Mallikajan and seize control of Heeramandi for herself. Several others also vie for Mallikajan’s position. Concurrently, the national independence movement against British domination is escalating. One of Mallikajan’s daughters, Bibbo Jan (Aditi Rao Hydari), engages in the freedom struggle. The youngest daughter, Alamzeb (Sharmin Segal), romantically involves herself with a Nawab, Tajdar (Taha Shah Badussha), challenging the established norms of Heeramandi. What transpires thereafter? What sort of conflict arises between Mallikajan and Fareedan for the supremacy of Heeramandi? Ultimately, who assumes leadership of Heeramandi?

How did they perform?

Manisha Koirala delivers one of her career-best performances as Mallikajan, captivating audiences with her grace, authority, and commanding presence. Sonakshi Sinha shines in a challenging role that puts her against Mallikajan. Aditi Rao Hydari is compelling as Bibbo Jan, a young prostitute who contends with the harsh realities of Heeramandi. Sharmin Segal portrays the role of an innocent young woman attempting to escape her destiny. Taha Shah, Jason Shah, Shekhar Suman, Pareed Khan, and Indresh Malik all turn in adequate performances in their respective roles.

How is the direction?

Star director Sanjay Leela Bhansali once again leaves his mark with this series by masterfully executing the drama and conflict. He vividly depicts the plight of prostitutes and their struggles for power during the British era. Incorporating a patriotic angle significantly enriches the narrative, though some scenes may feel overly extended, occasionally leading to viewer boredom.

Technically speaking,

From a technical standpoint, the music significantly boosts the series. The background scores by Benedict Taylor and Naren Chandavarkar lift the scenes to new heights. The cinematography is praiseworthy, and the contributions of the art department are especially noteworthy. Additionally, the production values are exceptionally high.

Plus Points:

– Performances of the lead cast

– Story and narrative

– Music

Minus Points:

– Some stretched scenes

– Slow narration

Telugu.yousay.tv Rating: 3/5