Rajput Ramani: A dusty, dramatic slog through medieval pride

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, only if you have a real soft spot for old-school costume dramas where everyone acts with maximum intensity at all times. If you prefer your adventure movies to actually move, you’ll probably find this one pretty exhausting. It’s heavy on the pride and light on anything that feels like actual human connection.

Nanasaheb Phatak plays Mansingh like he’s trying to swallow the scenery whole. He’s the kind of "strong man" who seems fueled entirely by spite. I spent half the runtime wondering why nobody just told him to sit down and be quiet, but that wouldn't fit the whole chivalry vibe, would it?

The sets are... something. They have that distinct feeling of being built out of painted cardboard and dreams. Sometimes the extras look like they’re just waiting for lunch, standing around the back of the frame while the main characters are busy shouting about honor.

Moments that stood out:

• There’s a specific scene where Mansingh is just pacing around his quarters, and the shadows look almost like they’re melting.
• The way Taramati’s father stares at the camera during the revolt feels way more modern than the rest of the movie.
• The costumes are incredibly ornate, to the point where I got tired just watching them walk around.

It’s funny, the whole movie revolves around this idea of "chivalry," but everyone is just being a total jerk to each other. It reminded me a bit of the suffocating family tension in One of the Family, though with way more swords and significantly less living room furniture. At least there, the misery felt grounded.

The pacing is a real roller coaster, but like the kind that stops every ten feet to let you read a plaque about history. It’s not quite as chaotic as Dope, but it shares that weird, uneven energy where you’re not sure if you should be laughing or taking it seriously.

I found myself zoning out during the long speeches. They really go on and on, don't they? It’s like the writers were paid by the syllable. By the time the revolt finally kicks off, I was just glad to see someone finally do something other than pose.

It’s not a masterpiece. It’s not a trainwreck. It’s just... a movie that exists in a very specific, dusty corner of history. If you want something to put on in the background while you fold laundry, this is perfectly fine. Just don't expect it to change your life. ⚔️