Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (TV Series 2024– ) Poster

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6/10
Sudden Plot shift
sidraainsar2 May 2024
The journey through the narrative landscape began with an air of anticipation and excitement, each episode unveiling layers of intrigue and promise. From the onset, the tale seemed poised to deliver a gripping saga of revenge and redemption, with Fareedan's quest for vengeance serving as the central driving force. As viewers, we were drawn into the intricate web of characters and conflicts, eagerly awaiting the resolution of the simmering tensions that lay at the heart of the plot.

However, as the story unfolded, cracks began to appear in the carefully constructed facade of the narrative. What started as a tale of personal vendetta soon morphed into something altogether unexpected and disconcerting. The introduction of Tajdar's love story initially seemed like a welcome addition, promising to add depth and dimension to the overarching narrative. Yet, as the plot progressed, it became increasingly apparent that this newfound subplot was not destined for a happy resolution.

Instead of serving as a complementary element to the main storyline, Tajdar's tragic romance became the focal point of the narrative, eclipsing the original premise of Fareedan's quest for justice. With each passing episode, the spotlight shifted further away from Fareedan's journey, leaving viewers wondering whether his pursuit of revenge had been relegated to the sidelines indefinitely.

What's more, the manner in which Tajdar's love story unfolded felt jarring and disjointed, lacking the organic flow and cohesion that characterized the earlier episodes. Scenes of tenderness and passion were abruptly interspersed with moments of heart-wrenching tragedy, leaving little room for the audience to fully invest in the emotional arc of the characters. Instead of feeling a sense of empathy or connection with Tajdar and his beloved, viewers were left feeling perplexed and emotionally disconnected, unsure of how to reconcile the sudden shift in tone and focus.

As if the abrupt departure from the original plotline wasn't disconcerting enough, the narrative took an even more bewildering turn in its final act. With only a handful of episodes remaining, the storyline inexplicably veered into the realm of patriotism, introducing themes and motifs that felt entirely out of place given the trajectory of the plot thus far. Suddenly, the central conflict shifted from the personal vendettas of individual characters to a broader, more abstract struggle for national identity and pride.

While patriotism can undoubtedly be a powerful storytelling device when wielded with skill and nuance, its sudden introduction in the eleventh hour felt forced and contrived, robbing the narrative of its authenticity and emotional resonance. What started as a tale of personal tragedy and triumph had devolved into a thinly veiled attempt at political commentary, leaving viewers feeling more bewildered than enlightened by the abrupt change in direction.

To make matters worse, the lack of a proper resolution only served to underscore the narrative disarray that had come to define the latter half of the series. Questions that had been meticulously seeded throughout the earlier episodes remained unanswered, dangling tantalizingly out of reach as the final credits rolled. What became of Fareedan and his quest for vengeance? Did Tajdar ever find peace after the untimely demise of his beloved? And what, if anything, did the sudden shift to patriotism ultimately achieve in terms of advancing the overarching themes and messages of the narrative?

As a viewer who had invested countless hours in following the twists and turns of the storyline, the lack of closure felt like a betrayal of trust. What had initially promised to be a gripping and emotionally resonant tale had devolved into a disjointed and unsatisfying mess, leaving me feeling disillusioned and disappointed by the narrative missteps that had come to define the latter half of the series.
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8/10
Interesting storyline
ayeshakhais2 May 2024
Powerful performance by Manisha, sonakshi. Interesting storyline..didn't enjoy the last 2 episodes as it was a complete diversion from the main plot. The politics of heeramandi is what makes the story enjoyable...Manisha and Sonakshi along with bibbojaan were really good, even saima and fattu are well written characters on the other hand richa was completely wasted Lajjo was a poor character no graph no depth. Actress who played Alamzeb her voice and diction were good but this role needed a very very good actress and she had limited expressions. Music is very good, it's a visually stunning film too.
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6/10
The case of unrealized potential
khan-4853 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The Goods:

  • Let me be the broken record and say it again, splendid sets -- the havelis, paintings, chandeliers, courtyards; each and everything! It made me imagine a fairytale (what couldve been) Lahore. The costumes, the visuals; it seemed like one of those too beautiful to be true Dall-E visual theme.


The Bad:

  • Alamzeb, one of the main characters, had little to no oomph in the acting department. The dialogue delivery and facial expressions seemed too monotonous. Could've been played by someone else.


  • Plotline: It started off as a very captivating show with the first episode but took me about 3 episodes just to figure out who's who - young Zulfiqar and Zoravar being played by the same character didn't help this confusion either. Lots of pauses, rewinds to wrap my head around the plotlines.


  • Some of the things just seemed plainly stupid; which had no impact on the storyline but couldve been avoided to not make it seem comical.


Why was Taj just keeping around all his plans for bombs and attacks so unattended in his room?

When BibboJaan got caught by police, she still had the gun in her hand till the very end?

All of a sudden Faridun started to feel Malika Jaans pain because they both are women?

Faridun abandoning her stance and switching sides for not a very strong motive?

There is no character arc to Malika Jaan and the rest of tawaif re: patriortism and all of a sudden they are freedom fighters?

This show could have been so much - a perfect amazing watch; but sadly it was only aesthetics.
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8/10
All Good Except "Sharmin Segal"
kyogeshsharma2 May 2024
"Heeramandi" offers a sumptuous dive into the intricate world of high-class "tawaifs", with its opulent sets and captivating storytelling. Aditi Rao Hydari shines brightly in her role, while Sonakshi Sinha and Manisha Koirala command the screen with their exceptional performances. Richa Chadha and Sanjeeda Sheikh deliver commendable portrayals despite limited screen time.

In short, everyone was good except SHARMIN SEGAL what was Bhansali thinking while casting her as a lead... I can do better than her.

Yet the costume team deserves high praise for their exquisite work, creating a visual feast with every attire showcased in the series. Their attention to detail enhances the viewing experience, capturing the essence of the era beautifully.

In conclusion, "Heeramandi" is a captivating journey through a fascinating era, marred only by a misstep in casting. Nonetheless, its visual splendor and compelling performances make it a worthy watch, especially for enthusiasts of period dramas.
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8/10
A brilliant period piece
Sometimes I wonder what happened to the choice our people make when it comes to movies/ serials etc. All that people want is action, abusive language and sex. There are very few that still understand good storylines, excellent dialogues and fantastic cinematography.

Heeramandi has all this.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's serial appears to be very well researched. Manisha Koirala does a brilliant job. So does Aditi Rao Hyderi and Sonakshi Sinha. The music is not the popular kind but it fits the situation very well.

Don't go by all the naysayers. Watch Heeramandi yourself. You may be extremely surprised!
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6/10
Great cinematography but choppy plot
mitmayank3 May 2024
The series has a great cinematography with amazing sets and fine silk dresses.

Sanjay leela bhansali is great in this.

The courtesians looks faboulous.

1st 2 episodes put the show with rich content and run the show.

The story or plot seems distorted later and confuses audiences on what exactly the director wants to show.

The plot became choppy with no relevant content.

The story should circle around internal rivarly, rather than roam around british army taking some revenge.

If Plot could be far better, this show would be blockbuster.

Sonakshi's character needs to be more strong and meaningful.
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1/10
All Hype but no Delivery
vidhuawasthy2 May 2024
There are so many things which make finishing this series feel like drudgery. Let's discuss a few.

1. BAD ACTING: What is Alamzeb even doing? She has a single expression plastered on her face throughout. Extremely bad casting. Others were mid. Cartwright was outrightly funny when he tried to speak Hindi and not intimidating.

2. CHARACTER ARC: You won't be able to sympathise with Mallikajaan. Waheeda feels like a thaali ka baigan. She had so much potential. Fareedan feels tiring after a while and abruptly changes her stance. I think only Bibbojaan's character was fleshed out.

3. OPULENCE DOESN'T IMPRESS YOU AFTER A WHILE

4. MIDWAY IT FEELS LIKE BANTER BETWEEN WOMEN.
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10/10
Masterpiece 💗 must watch.
swetapandey-730542 May 2024
The set of movie is just wao and so attractive and also perfect.

Acting of everyone is very good just seem so natural.

I just love this series.

The background sound, the music, the set, jewellery,their outfit's and specially dialogue are just mind-blowing And all song of lyrics are so meaningful and all songs are just I found that in this series everything done so perfectly.

Everyone should watch this series And salute to Sanjay Leela Bhansali sir. You're a gem

I can watch this series many times without getting bored.

I just want to say everyone should watch this series Lots of lots of love to this series.
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6/10
Not worth all the hype!
UmeshAditya1 May 2024
A very average show that disappoints all the expectations it held until the release. A story that starts around individual lives of Tawaifs ends as a story of freedom struggle. It's all about 1920 Lahore Tawaifs who were known as courtesan high class prostitutes n dancers, then about Nawabs n their children growing up as Tawaifs in Heeramandi, flesh trade, simultaneous freedom struggle. There's nothing so intense n appealing about storyline but didn't keep up all the hypes that it had created. Every set appears like a palace though. Manisha Koirala n Sonakshi Sinha are the main protagonists of the show. Aditi Rao Hydari as Bijjojan is mesmerizing. Dubbed in about 15 languages n available in Netflix. My ratings 6.5/10!
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5/10
Beauty without brains
nidhinagaraj1 May 2024
If you are a sucker for visually pleasing set pieces, then this is a treat for your eyes. The set design will definitely be the benchmark for Indian cinema for days to come. Every scene looks like a painting. The costume design is immaculately seductive, feminine and elegant making everyone look so rich in taste.

First half of the show, with a lengthy narrative introduces us to its timeline and courtesan's life beyond the singing , dancing and beds. Themes like betrayal, envy, scheming,revenge, poltical subplots are slowly disclosed which gets you hooked as it builds up immense curiosity to find out how it all pans out. As it is set in the pre independence era, it also sheds light on freedom struggle amongst different strata of the society. The writing is just so clean and detailed. Highly appreciable.

But for some reason, the show makers decide to abandon all of these, all the great characters, the story building they themselves did so spectacularly. They just give up all of this to some lazy writing towards the end and devote the concluding moments in exploring "Patriotism" out of the blue. This immediately makes you unhinged from the screenplay, story and it sets in a strong sense of detachment towards the characters.

The show had everything going right for them since the beginning. The actors did a superb job. The art department blew it out of the park. The story had immense potential. But for some reason the writers were in a hurry to finish and didn't climax smoothly XD

Could've easily been a 9/10 but sadly doesn't hold up its side of the bargain.
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10/10
One of the best performance of Sonakshi Sinha and Manisha Koirala
kumarraushan-681971 May 2024
Heeramandi is a classic which is very rarely made in indian cinema. I am using the word classic not only to define the way the series looks the novel adapation is perfectly adapted here and the series itself is made in a novelstic way. The period setup the film itself is so quite and calm which never raises or has ups and downs it is staright through out the emotions are really subtle which every artist has pulled out with top notch perfection i was surprised seeing Sonakshi Sinha underplaying this much no doubt she is what she wants when it is characters but here she is never her.she has utilised her real potential.

Kudos slb the world you have created.mindblowing cinematography.
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6/10
Could have been a lot better
suhailniazi5 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Too many characters.

So many stories going on at the same time.

Some historical inaccuracies Little attention to details

Many plots childish and too good to be true.

Red light area portrayed as some must go area for all nawabs and their wives and families ok with that.

Once you start it as some intrigue good costume historical drama but end up as a staunch freedom fighting film.

Change of genre without much need.

Superintendent of Police wearing rank badges of a General and working as police Inspector.

The use of grey and dark filter mostly doesn't give a fresh feeling

The nawab baloch, father of Taj looks and wears dress so different from other nawabs.
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3/10
Why sharmin as a lead role????
kristimondal2 May 2024
My 5yr old sister can do better acting then sharmin Segal...the worst actress in the whole universe I would like to say.... HOW CAN A PERSON HAVE 0 EXPRESSION just because she is a sibling of Sanjay Leela bhansali, she got a chance for the biggest role There can be any actress in her play and they would do better than this women Most disappointing part is the lead female actor too disappointing she has just one expression in the whole series just 1 expression Otherwise the series is great and watchable for people who like old periodic movies it is a glamorous series which represents the beauty of tawaifs.
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9/10
What a masterpiece
uroojaliua3 May 2024
Heeramandi I a visually,with grand sets and costumes. Bhansalie's attention to details and commitment to quality can be seen throughout the series. Although some scenes can be slow_paced and over indulgent, the performances and storytelling make it an engaging watch for fans of drama and historical fiction.

One of the best thing about "heeramandi" is how it talks about important issues that many people don't usually discuss. It doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities faced by the courtesanes.

But what makes "heeramandi" so special is its deep and complex story. It's not just about love and betrayal; it's about finding redemption and starting over.
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10/10
Too good for the small screen!
rshekhar-589591 May 2024
This is a grand production with the best casting under the direction of one of the master creators of cinematic gems! The series has started with all the glamour and grandeur as expected from Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Casting of actors in all the roles is nothing short of wonderful. Stalwarts like Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha etc fit into their characters perfectly and they are are already delivering fantastic performances. The cinematography makes you wish you were watching this on a much bigger screen. Music/background score is excellent quality. Hopefully people will take the trouble to watch and judge for themselves because a vast majority of viewers are likely to get hooked to the series. Definitely too good for the small screen!
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7/10
Torture.
shoxee1 May 2024
After a long hiatus, I decided to give a new show a shot, but I was sorely disappointed. The show in question, "Heeramandi" by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, promised much but delivered little beyond its visual appeal. Known for his lavish sets and intricate costumes, Bhansali's skills in these areas were unmistakable and truly commendable. Unfortunately, that's where the positives ended for me.

Describing this show as "all style and no substance" feels almost too kind. It's a perfect example of a series that looks beautiful on the surface but lacks depth. The first episode was torturously slow, so much so that I found myself fast-forwarding through parts of it, which I rarely do if I'm trying to give a show a fair chance.

As the superficial allure of the stunning sets and costumes wore off, I tried to focus on the plot, only to find myself overwhelmed. The narrative introduced around 20 characters in what felt like a rapid-fire, haphazard fashion, moving forwards and backwards with little regard for coherence. It felt like a bad LSD trip, and even Confucius would forgive me for being utterly confused and confounded.

In essence, while Bhansali's "Heeramandi" might be a feast for the eyes, it's a famine for the mind. Despite its visual mastery, the series is shallow, lacking the compelling storytelling needed to make the aesthetic elements worthwhile.
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2/10
Great sets but little else
sandeepnij2 May 2024
This series proves once again that Bhansali has no business directing anything other than visuals. He is simply not a storyteller and has no idea how to keep his audience engaged. The first episode appears to start off well but then quickly devolves into boring, simplistic scenes filled with trite dialogue that vacillate between "love" and "patriotism". The other episodes just go downhill from there.

The series tries to build characters with some depth but fails miserably. Some characters are over-dramatic while others are cardboard cutouts.

What a waste of good acting talent, some good acting but it's hard for actors to overcome poor direction and writing.
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10/10
This show is dripping with Elegance and Delight! Warning: Spoilers
I throughly enjoyed Heeramandi and its clear that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the finest directors of our era. The lavish set design and inputs from the entire direction team arrive elegantly on screen and this show is certainly worth a watch (and more).

I enjoyed the journey of the tawaifs and matriarchs who reside in Heermandi and a special congratulations is deserved for the amazing actors in the show who really help to bring the world of Heeramandi to life. I'm a sucker for shows centering on powerful women who surmount the challenges confronting them and Heeramandi certainly delivers in this regard.

Kudos to the team behind the show and I hope to see more of this world in the future!
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6/10
Nakli Heera with too much shine
debarunjana3 May 2024
Something which shines too much is not worthy at all same for the case of heeramandi. IT shines and sparkles with the sets , visuals, production , fabulous acting , Over the top cinematography but fails to deliver in Storyline , plot, british part , curiosity to watch more episodes and I think BGM at points. The music of the whole series is average There was no proper intro song or a proper intro, literally no pre intro scene after the 3rd episode and sometimes it feels way too much dragged and long. No proper explanation of relations and the tawaif culture. Could have been a 2 part movie.

Episode 1 to 3 - 4/5 Episode 4 to 6-1½/5 Episode 7- 4½/5 Episode 8-4/5 Good for one time experience with no expectations.
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4/10
Dreary Narration with Splendid Visuals.
best-review1 May 2024
The tale is a dreary and nonsensical affair.

The screenplay proves a tiresome, protracted bore.

The dialogue is insipid and trite.

Performances are utterly devoid of vitality.

The production values, however, are quite lavish.

The locales are top-notch.

The sets and their adornments are simply splendid.

The costumes are exceptionally fine.

The makeup is rather pleasing.

Cinematography is nothing short of remarkable.

The lighting is impeccable.

Alas, the direction feels hopelessly antiquated.

Its a mixed bag of splendid visuals and dreary narration not recommended for viewing.

****4****
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10/10
What a diamond !!
shaista-286732 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This drama was long awaited and this did not disappoint at all. The costumes the dialogue every second was a delight. Monisha deserves all the accolades for this outstanding performance. I disagree that the narrative was led astray with the independence story line, however I feel it added more depth to the storyline. Also this mirrors the independence the women are craving.

Let's not forget the costumes the jewellery how can every women not enjoy this lavish show of Hindi fashion. I feel the men were quite overshadowed by the strong performances of the women characters. I will surely have to watch this gem of a drama.
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7/10
a detailed and poignant masterpiece
jppatel-972091 May 2024
Bhansali is known for his visually stunning and emotionally rich storytelling, and "Heeramandi" seems to be no exception as the master begins to delve into the complex lives of courtesans, exploring themes of love, desire, power, and societal norms.

One can anticipate that Bhansali will bring his signature grandeur to the project, with lavish sets, exquisite costumes, and captivating cinematography. His attention to detail and ability to create immersive worlds have been evident in his previous works, and "Heeramandi" is no different.

The casting choices for the film are also generating excitemen. Their performances, combined with Bhansali's directorial vision, are expected to elevate the storytelling and bring depth to the characters.

In terms of storytelling, "Heeramandi" Bhansali's exploration of the lives of courtesans sheds light on their struggles, aspirations, and humanity, while also challenging stereotypes and preconceptions.
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1/10
Such a waste of potential
I struggled to finish even the first episode and you sit with a sense that something's off. As you continue, you discover the lack of soul. Poor dialogue and the acting of some of the characters is really below par. Sharmin Segal had the same expressions in almost all scenes, nepotism at its worst. Sanjay Leela is her uncle, why else would she be casted. So sad to see the lost potential with some proper actors. The dialogue between her and her lover is mostly cringe and the spoken Urdu is simply not natural. Nonetheless, stenography is great. Some really nice sets and costume. Beauty without brains!
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10/10
Credit where credit is due
unquietmind3 May 2024
It's appalling that this series received a 5 when it deserves a 10/10. Firstly, the entire cast was awesome, every single one of them. The storyline and plot was gripping, never short of wanting to leave your chair for a quick comfort break. The setting and costumes were glorious and music was simply beautiful. SLB once again did a marvelous job at producing something so beautiful and needless to say, you don't need the overrated actors to make such series or movies. One example is Ae Watan Mere Watan. It did nothing the the emotions or soul when it obviously should have. Instead, it was rather damping to watch the over acting os Sara Ali Khan. Understandably, she had to in order to make an impact. Heeramandi on the other hand took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. There were many moment of grit, hatred, sadness and joy. It was simply remarkable.

Well done SLB and the cast!
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10/10
aesthetic vibes of Lahore
jzpqbgkym3 May 2024
It's a bhansali finest film ever Everything was top notch Love this film from Pakistan Larger sets apparently with old Mughal vibes and a perfect cast makes it exciting for everyone to watch.

"Experience the intrigue and heart-pounding suspense of Heeramnadi, a gripping Netflix original series that delves deep into the tangled webs of power, betrayal, and redemption. Follow the compelling journey of characters as they navigate through the murky underworld of crime, all while uncovering the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end."
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