OTT Review 'Hiramandi': Best performance of Sonakshi Sinha's career, Bhansali's direction is amazing this time too, but misses a bit in the screenplay.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is debuting on OTT through the web series 'Hiramandi: The Diamond Bazaar'. This series is the story of the courtesans of Lahore Hiramandi of the 1940s. In which it is shown how big a contribution the courtesans have made in liberating the country. But the dates were not recorded. Dainik Bhaskar has given this series 3.5 stars out of 5.

What is the story of the series?

The story of the series is of a royal locality Hiramandi, where courtesans have power. The story of the series revolves around a courtesan named Mallikajan. This character is played by Manisha Koirala. Mallikajan is having a different fight with her niece Faridan. Mallikajaan's daughter Alamzeb is very fond of writing poetry. She wants to move away from this profession. But Mallikajan hates poetry. She wants Alamzeb to also come into the same field. Mallikajan's second daughter Bibbojan helps the people fighting for freedom. The series depicts the fight for freedom amid stories of loyalty, disloyalty and hatred.

Only Nawabs can come and go in Hiramandi. But as soon as the Nawabs come to know that the courtesans of Hiramandi help the freedom fighters with their money. They stop coming to Hiramandi. The Nawabs believe that if they can settle Hiramandi, they can also devastate it. At that time the freedom fighters were rebels in his eyes. The decision of the Nawabs not to come to Hiramandi does not make any difference to the courtesans there. Earlier she used to secretly help the freedom fighters. Later, openly raising the slogan of revolution, she jumps into the fight for freedom.

How is the acting of the star cast?

The specialty of Sanjay Leela Bhansali is that female characters are prominent in his films. The same has been seen in this series also. The female character has also been presented in a very strong manner in the series. Manisha Koirala is as powerful as Mallikajan. Equally, the painful character of Richa Chadha has emerged in the character of Lajjo. Lovers of true broken hearts will connect themselves with his character.

Sonakshi Sinha has played the character of Faridan. This is the best performance of his career so far. Sonakshi Sinha has given a tough competition to Manisha Koirala in the series. Aditi Rao Hydari looks very beautiful and serious in the role of Mallikajaan's daughter Bibbojaan. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's niece Sharmin Sehgal has looked a bit weak in the role of Mallikajaan's second daughter Alamzeb. Sanjeeda Shaikh's hard work is visible in the character of Waheeda.

Apart from the female characters, if we talk about the male characters of the series, then Taha Shah Badusha has a positive role in the role of Tajdar. He is also involved in the freedom struggle. Taha Shah Badusha has played his character well. Fardeen Khan is making a comeback after a very long time as Wali Mohammed. Fardeen has also played his character very well. As far as Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman are concerned, Shekhar Suman has played the role of Zulfikar and Adhyayan Suman has played the character of Zorawar. The characters of both are small and weak.

How is the direction?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's direction is amazing. Bhansali is known for bringing great stories to screen with his grand sets and costumes. He has maintained this thing in the series. To a great extent, he has been successful in showing the period he wants to show. The cinematographer has done a great job. This series of eight episodes ranges from 45 minutes to one hour. The screenplay is a bit weak in the first five episodes, but after five episodes the series holds its own. When every character's secret is revealed. But looking at the male characters of the series, it seems that there is a bit of confusion among the female characters.

How is the music?

The specialty of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films is that the songs in his films are very good. Once heard, the songs come to mind. But there is no song in this series which is remembered after listening. The music director of the series is Bhansali himself. There is a slight lack of good music in this series. Yes, the background music of the series is very wonderful. Which has been very helpful in making the scenes effective.

Final Verdict, watch or not?

Through this series, Bhansali has brought the story of such an unsung warrior, who did not find a place in the annals of history. The courtesans of Hiramandi sacrificed their lives for the independence of the country. Time has forgotten his sacrifice. If you are a fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. If you like his films then this series can definitely be watched once on Netflix.