Heeramandi Review: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Series Is Visually Stunning & Has Amazing Performances But...

Heeramandi Review: Sanjay Leela Bhansali is undoubtedly one of the best filmmakers we have in the Indian film industry. Moviegoers keenly wait to watch his extravaganza movies on the big screens. Many years ago, he was supposed to make a film titled Heeramandi, but the movie never went on the floors. Later, it was announced that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is all set to make his OTT debut with the series Heeramandi The Diamond Bazaar. The series has finally started streaming on Netflix. So, is worth a watch? Find out in our review below...

The series revolves around Mallika Jaan (Manisha Koirala) who is the huzoor of Shahi Mahal in Heeramandi. She owns Shahi Mahal and has her sister Waheeda (Sanjeeda Shaikh), daughters Bibbojaan (Aditi Rao Hydari) and Alamzeb (Sharmin Segal), and Lajjo (Richa Chadha) working for her as Tawaifs. Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha) comes to Heeramandi and stands against Mallika Jaan as a competitor. How these two try to ruin each other's life and how later tawaifs become a part of India's Independence, form the rest of the story...

Heeramandi has eight episodes and the first five episodes are undoubtedly very engaging. You will be hooked to the series and will be keen to know what will happen next. However, the sixth and seventh episode look very strecthed, and the reason is that the character of Alamzeb and her love story has been given too much of importance which was not much required. It of course gave SLB's niece Sharmin Segal too much of screen time.

The build up for the freedom fight looks very long. The freedom fight angle, where tawaifs of Heeramandi take the centre stage, comes quite later in the series. Maybe, if the last couple of episodes concentrated more on the freedome fight, it would have made more impact.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films are visually grand, and his OTT debut Heeramandi is not an exception. The series is mounted on a huge scale, making it visually very appealing. There are grand sets, and beautiful outfits and jewelry for the actors.

Heeramandi Actors' Performances

One more thing which is always the highlight of SLB's movies is the performances of the actors, and here he has surely taken out the best from everyone.

Manisha Koirala has undoubtedly given the best performance of her career. She is excellent as the cunning Mallika Jaan who can do anything for her position and Shahi Mahal. If there's a National Award for OTT Best Actress, Manisha deserves it. After Manisha, it is Sonakshi Sinha who grabs our attetion with her performance as Fareedan and Rehana. She just nails the grey character and Sonakshi has also given her career's best performance in the series.

Aditi Rao Hydari gets her scenes to shine and she proves that she doesn't need a dialogue to emote as she can act with her eyes. Sanjeeda Shaikh is clearly a revelation as we haven't seen her earlier in a such a strong character; wonderful performance by her as well. Richa Chadha has an extended cameo in the series, and the actress as Lajjo is so good that she leaves us wanting for more. You will feel like 'we wanted more of Richa' as she has given an amazing performance in the cameo as well.

Sharmin Segal has one of the meatiest roles to portray, but unfoturnatly, she doesn't do justice to the character. She has just one expression throughout the series.

While the six leads of SLB's Heeramandi get good screentime, he has not left the supporting cast behind. Jayati Bhatia, Pratibha Ranta, and Shruti Sharma are simply excellent in their respective roles. All three of them get some really good scenes to perform, and they have nailed it.

When it comes to male leads, it is Taha Shah Badussha who steals the show. He has a very meaty role to play, and has done a fantastic job. We are sure his female fan following will grow after this series. After Taha, it is Jason Shah and Indresh Malik, who grab our attention with their performances. Both the actors shine in their respective roles.

Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman also leave a strong mark with their performances, especially the latter as he plays a double role with perfection. Fardeen Khan makes his comeback after 14 years, but he doesn't have much to do in the series. He deserved a better comeback.

Heeramandi Music

It's an SLB series, so the music surely has to play a piovotal role, and the songs are impressive. Sakal Ban, Tilasmi Bahien, and Azadi will grab your attention.

Heeramandi Review Final Verdict

Overall, Heeramandi The Diamond Bazaar is an entertaining series, but yes, after five episodes it does look stretched. If you are a Bhansali, Manisha, and Sonakshi fan, then of course this is a must-watch for you. Others too can surely give it try and can watch it once.