Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh starrer Padmaavat finally saw the light of the day. Even though the film will be officially released on January 25, 2018 for the public, a set of media persons got the chance to watch the special screening that has left them spell-bound.  After a storm of protests and threats, the makers made the big release happen. It was almost uncertain whether the magnum opus will be released on time or not, but the makers won the battle and now everyone is pouncing upon the early reviews. So, is Padmaavat worth all this hype? Let us see what critics have to say!

Times Of India: Shahid is steadfast and unflappable as Maharawal Ratan Singh - the ruler of Mewar, brimming with Rajput pride. Rani Padmavati's heart. Deepika is radiant as the Rajput Queen whose beauty, brains and valour moves the entire plot along once Alauddin Khilji becomes obsessed with her. Alauddin Khilji sees Ranveer as an unhinged, barbaric Sultan, who is consumed with a ravenous libido for power and flesh. Also, the songs don't do much to further the narrative other than providing visual delight. Granted, it could do with a tauter screenplay and shorter run-time but 'Padmaavat' is an entertaining, large canvas experience, brought to life with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's stroke of visual brilliance.

News 18:  Bhansali stages spectacular war scenes, striking just the right balance between grand scale and intimacy. In one sequence, a cloud of dust fills up the screen when rival armies charge into each other, making it impossible to see what’s going on on the battleground. As Ratan Singh, the virtuous Rajput king, Shahid Kapoor does a lot of posturing in the name of acting – some of it while baring his torso. Deepika Padukone gets a little more to work with, and she’s especially good in the film’s second half when her character slides into the driver’s seat, taking charge and showing the way. But the film belongs to Ranveer Singh whose delicious performance is its biggest strength. The actor keeps you invested in the film even when it plods on for over two-and-a-half hours.

Deccan Chronicle: Deepika Padukone performs adequately. She looks ethereal - a compliment that she has heard many times before, especially in Bhansali's last two movies.Shahid Kapoor gives an earnest performance; it is a very controlled performance from his part and he owns literally every scene he is in. Also, Deepika and Shahid's chemistry is ravishing. They sizzle in every scene they are in together. Ranveer Singh as the menacing Khilji is effective in parts, but overall, his egomaniacal act is too loud. Padmaavat’ look like pure product which manipulates the audience to love it. But the fact is, it lacks the real depth and hence the high of watching a good piece of cinema.

The Hans India:  There are a lot of good things about this movie, but one best thing that the film comes up with is the climax. The last twenty minutes and especially the last shot of Deepika Padukone produced enough goosebumps in the theatres. The film is worth a watch for that particular sequence. The movie is nothing but the latest benchmark in production & coordination as well as the execution. The master Sanjay Leela Bhansali did the magic again and had come up with the ideal mix of passion, understanding of the craft & cinematic brilliance.

Well, the meta review of the period drama is here and it certainly piques our interest. After reading these reviews, are you planning to watch Padmaavat? Post your thoughts in the comments section below and watch this space for more updates.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 24, 2018 10:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).