Nayika Devi: The Warrior Queen

Most reviews seem to be unable to differentiate between historical character and film. Just because one likes a certain character, dynasty, empire, or period of history does not automatically make any film on it marvellous.

While the film is a good attempt, it fails in several aspects.

1. Acting - While some of the characters acted well, the lead definitely needs a much wider range of emotions - she had just two expressions - an angry stern ruler and a shouting screaming warrior. In war, no one is constantly shouting without reason and there's many different ways to depict anger and aggression.

2. Fight choreography - Indian films seem to have an obsession with unnecessary slow-mo shots, unrealistic heroics (one person taking on 10 and still winning), flying through the air, ... The fights seems extremely fake and were almost unwatchable.

3. Inconsistencies and inaccuracies - a. If the Ghoris spoke in Hindi, shouldn't other kingdoms such as the Marathas and those from Kashi also talk in Hindi?

B. The 'gh' in Ghori is pronounced as 'gh' in ghum or gharib and not as that in 'ghamand'. At least the Muslim characters would be able to pronounce their own name correctly?

C. The lead couldn't correctly pronounce the 'n' in Patan or 'aapne', instead saying 'aapde', basics that should've been corrected.

D. Unnecessary vilification - Another trend in Indian films, from Padmavat to Tanhaji and Panipat is the overvillificaion of Muslim characters. No, they don't wear fur coats in the Indian heat, they don't dress only in black, they're not savages who eat like animals, they're not sex fiends. It just takes away from history!

While the film had potential, it failed for me in several departments. Some of the songs were nice. It was an overall decent attempt, but so much could have been done better.