Ajirao Mastani is a 2015 Indian epic historical romance film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who also composed the music score of the film. It is jointly produced by Bhaansali and Eros International. The film stars Ranveer Singh as Bajirao I, Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai, and Deepika Padukone as Mastani. Tanvi Azmi, Vaibbhav Tatwawdi and Milind Soman appear in supporting roles. Based on the Marathi novel Raau by Nagnath S. Inamdar, the film narrates the story of the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao(1700-1740 AD) and his Muslim wife Mastani.
The film was in development for 15 years, Bhansali wanted to make the film after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. However, several times, the production was delayed due to the changing cast. Principal photography started in mid 2014, after the casting of principle roles were finalised. The film was released on 18 December 2015 to positive reviews from critics, who praised the direction, cinematography, production design, costumes, music and performances, particularly of Chopra and Singh.
The film has grossed over?350 crore(US$52 million) at the box-office, emerging a major commercial success and one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Bajirao Mastani received twelve nominations at the 61st Filmfare Awards, and won nine awards including Best Film, Best Director for Bhansali, Best Actor for Singh, and Best Supporting Actress for Chopra. Sanjay Leela Bhansali initially wanted to cast Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai(his lead pair from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam) for the eponymous roles, but could not cast them together after their highly publicised break-up.[4] In July 2003, there were reports that Bhansali had cast Khan and Kareena Kapoor as the lead pair with Rani Mukerji playing Baji Rao’s first wife. During his appearance on season 1 of the popular talk show Koffee with Karan, Bhansali stated that he scrapped the casting of Khan and Kapoor after the pair signed other films together as he wanted to be the first director to showcase their pairing. Bhansali shelved Bajirao Mastani and went on to direct Black(2005), Saawariya(2007), Guzaarish(2010), and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela(2013). Throughout these ten years, media speculation continued about the production and casting of Bajirao Mastani. Several actors were rumoured to be linked to the project including Shahrukh Khan, [7] Ajay Devgn, ]Hrithik Roshan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Katrina Kaif.[11]Critic Joginder Tuteja from Bollywood Hungama gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5 saying that, "Bajirao Mastani soundtrack is on the expected lines. A heavy album with as many as 10 tracks, it is high on classical base with a few potentially popular songs in there as well. Though at least half the songs in there are primarily situational, given Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s expertise when it comes to spinning around wonderful visuals, they can be expected to make a good impression on screen." Critic R. M. Vijayakar in his review for India-West gave the soundtrack a rating of 4.5 out of 5 and described the album to be a "fragrant rose". He stated, "The Maharashtrian ambiance, complete with riffs, choruses and traditional Marathi verse and excerpts, dominates "Bajirao Mastani"’s fascinating score, easily Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s finest musical outing since the 1999 “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Aelina Kapoor from Rediff.com gave the album a score of 3 out of 5, termed the album a "roller coaster ride" saying that, "The music of Bajirao Mastani is a roller coaster ride.it is a great movie I recommend everyone