Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated web series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, finally debuted on Netflix on May 1, 2024. With a star-studded cast including Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha, and Richa Chadha, the series premiered amidst high expectations. Now, netizens have flocked to social media to give their reviews on the latest Netflix release.
‘Lavishly mounted & excellent acting’: Netizens on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi
From its initial announcement to its grand marketing campaigns, Heeramandi garnered immense anticipation. However, as the early reviews trickle in on X (formerly known as Twitter), it becomes evident that the series has sparked a diverse range of reactions.
One user on X exclaimed, “#Heeramandi is a Historical Drama. It’s magnificent, magical, and a masterpiece. Grand sets, wow costumes, great performances, and superb direction. The screenplay could have been better. Sometimes it’s stretched, but it’s worth a watch.”
Another user transported readers to the pre-partition era of Lahore. They said, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s #Heeramandi transports viewers to pre-partition Lahore, where riots rule the streets, yet lavish dances grace the gilded walls of mansions, entertained by its courtesans.”
Many also applauded the cast’s performance, particularly Sonakshi Sinha’s. One netizen wrote, “My quick thoughts on #Heeramandi Sonakshi Sinha follows up Dahaad with a powerhouse performance to the point that the show becomes weaker when it looses focus from the Game Of Thrones war between her and Manisha Koirala’s MalikaJaan.”
Contrastingly, a different user opined, “#Heeramandi ain’t peak Bhansali, but it sure is one of the mad master’s more entertaining creation. The writing is part hollow, part predictable, and there’s convenience and rush galore but so is the grandeur, dialoguebaazi, the world of the tawaifs, and above all else, Manisha Koirala.”
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Some users also pointed out the historical inaccuracy within the series. Rana Safvi, historian and author, opined, “Very lavishly mounted and excellent acting in #Heeramandi. Sorry for nitpicking, but the term Allah hafiz (used in episode 1) was not used till the 1980s, in General Zia ul Haq’s time. Also only the uninitiated tawaifs would wear a nath.” This mixed review acknowledges the series’ strengths while also pointing out its shortcomings.
In contrast, a more critical assessment surfaced, highlighting the series’ ambitious scope but ultimately labeling it a disappointment. “#Heeramandi is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s most ambitious project and that is visible in every single frame. Despite its extraordinary grand sets, the series lacks a compelling story and most importantly ROOH, making it a tedious and boring watch at over 7 hours long,” a viewer expressed.
For those unaware, Heeramandi aims to transport audiences to a bygone era, where the bustling market of Lahore morphs into a haven for courtesans amidst British colonial rule. Manisha Koirala reigns supreme as Mallikajaan, while Sonakshi Sinha’s Fareedan challenges her authority. Against the backdrop of independence struggle, the storyline blends themes of love, power, and freedom. The series also features Sharmin Segal as Alam, Sanjeeda Sheikh as Waheeda, Aditi Rao Hydari as Bibbo, and Richa Chadha as Lajjo.
Heeramandi season 1 is streaming now on Netflix.
