Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar telugu web series review ibomma, where to watch, story, cast: Star director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s another web series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is now streaming on Netflix in telugu languages.
Overview
| Web Series | Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (हीरामंडी: द डायमंड बाज़ार) |
| Language | Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil |
| Screen | 2D |
| Release Date | May 01, 2024 |
| Star Cast | Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chaddha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah Badussha |
| Country | India |
| Genres | Drama |
| Director | Sanjay Leela Bhansali |
| Producer | Bhansali Productions |
| Music | Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Benedict Taylor, Naren Chandavarkar |
| Cinematographer | Sudeep Chatterjee, Mahesh Limaye, Huenstang Mohapatra, Ragul Dharuman |
| Editor | Sanjay Leela Bhansali |
Story
The story takes place during India’s struggle for independence from British rule. It shows the lives of courtesans or tawaifs living in Heeramandi, a famous area. The Shahi Mahal in Heeramandi is controlled by Mallikajaan (played by Manisha Koirala). She has two daughters – Bibbojaan (Aditi Rao Hydari) and Alamzeb (Sharmin Segal).
Bibbojaan is already a courtesan, and Mallikajaan wants her other daughter Alamzeb to also become a courtesan. However, Alamzeb wants to be a poet and loves Nawab Tajdar (Taha Shah Badussha). Mallikajaan does not approve of Alamzeb’s choices.
On the other hand, Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha) is waiting to take revenge against Mallikajaan. It is not clear who Fareedan is and why she wants to destroy Mallikajaan and her empire. The story explores whether Mallikajaan succeeds in making her daughter Alamzeb a courtesan or not.
Plus Point
Heeramandi explores an unknown part of India’s history in the freedom struggle – the role of courtiers in the war of independence. This unique perspective is the show’s main strength.
Manisha Koirala gives a good performance as one of the leads. The role of the courtier is very difficult, but the veteran actor portrays him brilliantly. Towards the end, one of his chief designs on the fountain shows his great operational skill. The way the director writes and plots his character is excellent.
Sonakshi Sinha is also amazing playing Manisha’s nemesis or rival in the show. Other actresses like Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Taha Shah Badussha also make a big impact in their roles. The last four lines are particularly compelling because they build on the plot.
Minus Point
As is typical of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films, Heeramandi has grand sets and stunning costumes. Technically, the show looks lavish. However, the way the story is narrated lacks punch and impact.
Bhansali seemed more focused on making every frame visually grand and artistic like a painting. But this approach ended up hurting the storytelling quality of the series.
The first four episodes are unnecessarily slow-paced, with not much happening to drive the main plot forward. There are many scenes that test the viewer’s patience. The series also has too many subplots that are not directly related to the core story.
The decision to cast actress Sharmin Segal in such an important role was questionable. Her performance leaves much room for improvement for such a crucial character.
Importantly, Bhansali’s trademark magic is missing from the love story track, which is supposed to be the soul of this historical drama series.
So while visually stunning, the extravagant production values seem to have come at the cost of tighter storytelling and character depth in certain aspects.
Technical Analysis
The production design is outstanding and does an excellent job showcasing the historical era authentically. The makers spent a huge budget on the series, which is evident in every frame’s lavish visuals.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s music compositions are soulful. The background score by Benedict Taylor and Naren Chandavarkar is also good. The cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee, Mahesh Limaye, Huenstang Mohapatra, and Ragul Dharuman is solid. The costumes and jewelry look visually appealing.
The visual effects (VFX) work is satisfactory. Bhansali also edited the series himself, but it may have benefited from being a tighter 5-episode series instead of 8 episodes. Many scenes are unnecessarily prolonged without reason.
Bhansali’s direction is not up to his usual high standards. While there are good dramatic moments towards the end, the compelling intensity one expects from a Bhansali drama is largely missing.
However, he did extract terrific performances from the lead actresses Manisha Koirala and Sonakshi Sinha.
Review
Heeramandi explores an untold aspect of India’s freedom struggle involving court ladies, which is an interesting theory. But the pace is very slow for most of the show.
The standouts were the brilliant performances by Manisha Koirala and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead roles. It’s even more compelling plot-wise than the previous four episodes.
But overall, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali seemed to prioritize visual grandeur and grandeur over a strong storyline. The first lines were unnecessarily extended. Too many subplots unrelated to the main story, and too much focus on hiding and fancy costumes, detracted from the original story.
While the show has its high points, the overall experience falls short of being completely satisfying due to the slow pace and context for a significant chunk of the runtime.
Specifically, stunning graphics and some great acting couldn’t seal the deals in terms of crisp, engaging storytelling throughout the series..
Trailer
FAQs
What is the release date of the Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar web series?
The web series was released in OTT platform Netflix on May 01, 2024
Who directed the Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar web series?
The web series is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Who are the main actors in the web series of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar?
‘Heeramandi The Diamond Bazaar’ main actors includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chaddha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah Badussha
