Bajirao Mastani does scream opulence; what with those fountains, chandeliers and drapes, and the headgears and jewellery that seem to weigh the actors down.
There are many nods to Raja Ravi Varma kitsch with some scenes seeming straight out of his art. The extravagant setting is backed by a stylised operatic narrative, song ‘n dance set-pieces, declamatory dialogue, and emotions that are forever heightened. Crowds are in perfect geometry even as feelings are carefully choreographed. Notice how well Bajirao’s teardrop is orchestrated in the scene where he blows the lamps off and bids a sad farewell to his betrayed first wife Kashibai. One dramatic confrontation follows another. In fact, the confrontations, the argumentative characters, their high-strung interactions, and emotions are relentless. There is not a moment of silence. Even when there is, the pounding background music takes over.