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Entertainment • Film

Bajirao Mastani

Bajirao Mastani is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language epic historical romance film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bajirao Mastani is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language epic historical romance film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It stars Ranveer Singh as Peshwa Bajirao I, Deepika Padukone as Mastani, and Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai, and is loosely based on the Marathi novel Raau by Nagnath S. Inamdar. The film was released on 18 December 2015 and received widespread critical acclaim and major awards recognition.

Plot and historical basis

The film is a fictionalized account of the love story between Bajirao I and Mastani, set against the politics of 18th-century Maratha power. It is loosely based on the Marathi novel Raau by Nagnath S. Inamdar.

Production

Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed the film and was also involved in production and music. The film was co-produced with Eros International.

Cast and characters

Ranveer Singh plays Bajirao I, Deepika Padukone plays Mastani, and Priyanka Chopra plays Kashibai. Supporting roles include Tanvi Azmi, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Milind Soman, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Aditya Pancholi.

Reception and awards

The film was widely praised for its direction, performances, and technical craft. It also received substantial awards recognition, including National Film Awards and Filmfare success according to the available sources.

Key facts

  • The film depicts the romance between Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I and Mastani, while also focusing on the conflict with Bajirao’s first wife, Kashibai.
  • It was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who also co-produced the film and composed its soundtrack.
  • The film was released theatrically on 18 December 2015.
  • Review sources describe it as an epic historical romance and historical drama.
  • The film won multiple awards, including seven National Film Awards according to one source.
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Canadian context

The film screened internationally and is part of the broader circulation of Indian cinema that reaches Canadian audiences through theatres, streaming platforms, and diaspora-focused film programming.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bajirao Mastani?
It is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language epic historical romance film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Who starred in Bajirao Mastani?
The lead roles were played by Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra.
What is the film based on?
It is loosely based on the Marathi novel Raau by Nagnath S. Inamdar and on the historical figures Bajirao I and Mastani.
When was Bajirao Mastani released?
It was released in theatres on 18 December 2015.
What genre is the film?
It is generally described as an epic historical romance, with drama and historical elements.
Did the film win awards?
Yes. Sources report that it won several major awards, including National Film Awards and Filmfare recognition.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bajirao_Mastani
    Supports: Release date, director, cast, production, awards, and general film description.
  2. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/bajirao-mastani/umc.cmc.5qogzmqe6akx4gsph5aybad4z
    Supports: Short synopsis and character relationship overview.
  3. Google Play — https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Bajirao_Mastani?hl=en_US&id=WUAMwN0-OAo
    Supports: Brief synopsis and genre/film identification.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bajirao_mastani
    Supports: Runtime, release date, genre, and synopsis.
  5. University of Michigan — https://quod.lib.umich.edu/f/fc/13761232.0040.301/--bajirao-mastani-the-love-story-of-a-warrior-india-sanjay?rgn=main;view=fulltext
    Supports: Plot context, thematic discussion, and basis in Raau.