Panipat

Synopsis

Panipat (2019), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, is a historical epic drama that chronicles the events leading up to and including the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. The film stars Arjun Kapoor as Sadashiv Rao Bhau, the commander-in-chief of the Maratha Empire, who faces off against Ahmad Shah Abdali's invading Afghan forces. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue, valor, and sacrifice, Panipat depicts the complexities and challenges that defined one of the largest and bloodiest battles in Indian history. The movie portrays not just the military strategy, but also the human emotions and the tumultuous socio-political climate of the period, bringing to life a defining moment that shaped the destiny of the Indian subcontinent.

Cast

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  Arjun Kapoor

  Sadashiv Rao Bhau

• 

  Kriti Sanon

  Parvatibai

• 

  Sanjay Dutt

  Ahmad Shah Abdali

• 

  Mohnish Behl

  Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb)

• 

  Mohan Joshi

  Malhar Rao Holkar

• Krutika Deo

  Radhika Bai

Reviews

Panipat received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 5.2/10, indicating a lukewarm reception. Critics have praised the film's grand scale, authentic period details, and robust production design. Subhash K. Jha from Bollywood Hungama appreciated the effort, noting, "Panipat is an epic drama that commands respect for its ambition and scale." However, many critics pointed out issues with the screenplay and pacing. The Times of India gave the film a 3 out of 5, stating, "While Panipat's intent to showcase a vital chapter through a grand retelling is commendable, it suffers from uneven editing and lacks emotional depth in character arcs." The Hindu highlighted that despite the impressive battle sequences, the narrative "fails to engage viewers on an emotional level." Rotten Tomatoes does not have a consensus score for the film, but user reviews vary widely, with some lauding the action sequences and costume design, while others criticize the stiff performances and dialogue delivery. Overall, Panipat is appreciated for its ambitious storytelling and scale but criticized for execution that doesn't consistently captivate.