Here’s what we loved about Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar'

“All that glitters is not gold” is something we learnt while growing up. And after watching Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar on Netflix, we couldn't help but revisit the metaphor. Safe to say the eight episodes, released on May 1, are all style and no substance. 

Given the legacy of Bhansali films, one can’t blame themselves for setting high expectations for this venture. Over the years, the director has presented countless narratives on the big screen with lavish sets, exquisite costumes and jewellery, a memorable soundtrack, and performances that elevate the scale of the film. And while these have been monumental in helping Bhansali master the recipe for success on the big screen, the same sadly, cannot be said for his debut offering in the web space. 

That said, the series did have its moments—both good and bad—and we're taking you through each of them. 

Stunning visuals that don’t speak much

Like most of his films, every frame in this Bhansali creation is a visual masterpiece. This is a director who knows how to make every element in a scene stand out (without any cost cuttings). The mansion in Heeramandi, where the courtesans reside, is especially breathtaking. However, the stunning visuals aren’t enough. This is a major drawback throughout the series because as gorgeous as the sights are, they still lack narrative. For instance, it doesn’t feel like you’re in Pre-Independence India but rather a made-up set that’s got a lot of money and expectations riding on it.

The tale is a tragedy

Drama, conflict, sadness, and grief are the emotions that Sanjay Leela Bhansali loves to portray in all of his films. The courtesans may be decked up in layers of make-up, heavy jewellery, and costumes, but that doesn’t stop you from seeing exactly what each one of them is hiding underneath. Some of them have revenge on their mind while others are heartbroken, and some wish to see a free India and are willing to do anything for it. At the end of the day, what binds them together is the grief. They may be the queens of Heeramandi, but seeing how they’re perceived by the outside world deserves to be mentioned here.

The performances are hit-and-miss

Not all members of the star-studded ensemble cast manage to stand out, but it's the supporting roles that truly shine despite their limited screen time. Take Phatto and Satto, the dedicated house help portrayed by Jayati Bhatia and Nivedita Bhargava, respectively. These characters exhibit unwavering loyalty to Mallikajaan, the chief courtesan of Heeramandi portrayed by Manisha Koirala. Indresh Malik's portrayal of Ustaad as the mansion's gossip-monger is simply outstanding. He seems to know everyone’s deepest, darkest secrets (kind of like Littlefinger in The Game of Thrones). Richa Chadha as Lajjo, Mallikajaan's foster daughter, does well as the courtesan who drowns herself in alcohol and sorrow due to a broken heart. Aditi Rao Hydari’s character is grace personified making you realise why her performance in Heeramandi is a sold-out affair. Koirala is the best of the lot, certainly the highlight amongst all the courtesans on the show. She has a tough exterior and is a no-nonsense woman who doesn’t show anyone mercy, which makes it impossible to look away every time she's on screen.

 

That said, two characters do get a lot of screen time, but the writing lets them down immensely. Sonakshi Sinha as Fareedan is great when she’s evil; a woman hell-bent on avenging her dead mother and bringing Mallikajaan down to her knees. Watching the two go head-to-head in a clash of egos does have you hooked, but only for so long. The same goes for Sanjeeda Sheikh as Waheeda, who always gets the short end of the stick from Mallikajaan, her elder sister. With the two characters having their reasons for hating Mallikajaan (very believable reasons), watching the duo have a complete change of heart and backtrack is comical, to say the least.

A love story that lacks excitement

It's disappointing to watch the amount of screen time that Sharmin Segal as Alamzeb, Mallikajaan’s youngest daughter gets along with Taha Shah Badussha as Tajdar Baloch. All eyes are on them as their love blossoms but all that one sees are two good-looking individuals with little to no chemistry between them; not to mention the lack of emotions shown by either. The poetry exchanged between the two also ends up looking like a rhyming contest.

The main problem with Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is that Bhansali tries to fit too much into the narrative. At the end of the eighth episode, the audience might end up asking themselves, “What was the point of the show?” Because there is so much going on, and so much of it is left incomplete. The less said about the integration of the freedom movement in the narrative and that season finale the better.

Lead image: Netflix

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