Reviews

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Review: A good piece of historical fiction

Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh is a historical show which started airing on 20th March 2017. The show brings the inspirational journey of Sikh leader Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He did wonders right from his young age. He was a great warrior and an amazing ruler. He has ruled over hearts of the people by maintaining equality and fairness. He had been done justice in every aspect. He kept his enemies at bay by his wise approach. He dreamt of keeping Punjab united and fulfilled it.

The epic show is based about the true incidents of his life, which made him the King of Punjab at the age of 21. He has fought with the Afghans and also made a Golden temple for his people. He founded the Sikh empire. He was much admired for valuing everyone’s sentiments. Damanpreet Singh plays Ranjit Singh, while the show marks the return of Shaleen Bhanot and Sneha Wagh as Ranjit’s parents Maha Singh and Raj Kaur.

Main Characters:


Ranjit Singh:

He is a dedicated, patient, compassionate administrator, who rules to serve humanity. He always thinks of people first. He has a great vision and followed all the teachings of Sikhism. He manages to expand the province when Sikhs were in minority in Punjab. He made a united Punjab by fighting with Afghans. He has comprehensive plans. He shows much patience. He never gives capital punishments to anyone. He believes everyone deserves a second chance. He does not wish for revenge and war. His reign becomes a pleasant time for his people. He treated everyone equally. He regarded himself to be one among all.

Maha Singh and Raj Kaur:
They are Ranjit Singh’s proud parents. They have much love and trust in their relation. They respect each other. They get blessed with a child when Maha Singh is away on war ground. Maha Singh is a brave, determined and wise king. He takes advise from Sikh Guru. He wants to keep Punjab united and free of all problems. Raj Kaur is a strong woman, who never tends to become Maha Singh’s weakness. She always stands by his decisions and gives him courage to fulfill his aim. Maha Singh worries by the internal politics happening in his province. Maha Singh is very close to his people. He feels every human is equal irrespective of status. Maha Singh and Raj Kaur pass their thinking and good values to Ranjit Singh.

Cast:

Damanpreet Singh as Ranjit Singh
Shaleen Bhanot as Maha Singh
Akashdeep Saigal as Pir Mohammed
Sneha Wagh as Raj Kaur

Story So Far:

Every country in the world was busy in wars. Afghans, Britishers and Turks tried to control India by joining hands with greedy kings. Britishers started commanding over many regions. Just Punjab was left which did not bend in front of external powers. The internal politics and fights were dividing Punjab into small regions. Afghans were waiting to conquer Punjab.

Maha Singh worries about Pir Mohammed trying to break their province. He thinks to gain such knowledge that becomes his power. He gets advised to fight the way with Pir. Maha Singh’s brother in law knows Maha Singh is taking a bad step. He controls his wife and wants to see fear in her eyes. Maha Singh prepares for the war. He divides the army in units. The war begins between Maha Singh and Pir. Maha Singh’s wife Raj Kaur gets labor pain and is about to deliver the child, just when Maha Singh is concluding the war. Ranjit is born. Raj gets glad to be blessed by a baby.

Maha Singh wins the war, while Pir dies. Maha Singh meets his family after returning to palace. He celebrates his big victory. Maha Singh tells Raj Kaur that he has won the big war after his son’s birth. He names the baby as Ranjit Singh, who would win every war. The show takes a leap of five years. Punjab gets affected by Chickenpox epidemic. The villagers get affected. Maha Singh prepares to leave with other Sardars to help the people. Maha Singh gets impressed by a little boy’s courage, who is ready to accompany them and help the people affected by the epidemic.

Maha Singh tells the boy to play with his son Ranjit, who is of his age. Maha Singh tells his minister about the Guru dying while treating the affected people. Ranjit grows into a kind boy who wants to help the sick people. Raj Kaur fears that Ranjit will get affected by epidemic. She wishes all problems face her before reaching him. Ranjit Singh hears him and thinks to serve the people to get blessings from Lord. Maha Singh asks Hakim about the epidemic solution.

Hakim gives the good news that they can stop the epidemic soon, they have found a solution. Maha Singh permits him to go and treat patients in the tents. Maha Singh does not know about little Ranjit goes to the tent area. Many people die by the epidemic. Raj Kaur worries for Maha Singh. Hakim asks her not to worry. Ranjit Singh tells the old man that everyone is equal in Lord’s eyes. He treats the sick people. Raj Kaur gives courage and hope to Maha Singh. They get informed about Ranjit Singh who is missing from the palace.

Our Take:

It is often interesting to watch historical drama which bring light on the real history. Unknown figures come out in limelight and provide inspiration to many. Much efforts are put in character detailing, costumes, sets and dialogues. The locales are a visual treat. The palace and outskirts scenes are shot lavishly. The costumes are surely here to set a mark. Damanpreet as Ranjit Singh is still to come. The child actor is seen in the initial week. Shaleen Bhanot and Sneha Wagh together have a powerful screen presence. The story telling phase in the beginning is impressive, along with the VFX. History about the Sikh clan in the ancient time is seen. The novel subject of King Ranjit Singh comes out well. Shaleen stands out by his toned performance. Shaleen does not overact in any frame. He looks very much composed as Maha Singh. Supporting actors are well cast and fit in the roles superbly.

The show has few low points where the track moves off the main story. The interest drops after the high peak dialogues scenes. Concept offers an insight into the history, but does not raise much interest. Historical accuracy is fairly okay. There has to be more of entertaining factors. Plain drama without proper highlights does not invite curiosity. The show may get better with Damanpreet’s entry in upcoming episodes. One can expect the show to do wonders with time. Viewers may accept the show once actors put that natural appeal.

Overall:

A nice attempt by Life Ok. The show is great concept wise, but little bit of more fiction can help the show to get high in drama quotient. All episodes look simple with no high points. Historical shows lovers can go for this grand show for the visual charm.

Our Rating:

2.5 out of 5

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Amena

I really enjoy writing and being a part of Tellyupdates. I believe in hard work and dedication. I have a craze of trying creative yet difficult things. My aim is to do good work.

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