An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Following Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s 1st two movies in the collection of movies dedicated to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the writer-director returns with a bang in the 3rd movie of the collection – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed thanks to the pandemic, is based on 1 of the most renowned incidents from Maratha historical past – the Battle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it clear that this is not a comprehensive documentation of the struggle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation meant to showcase the bravery of the Marathas concerned in this struggle. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the story is managed.

The tale about the Fight of Pavan Khind (before recognised as Ghod Khind) and the bravery displayed by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal military of 600 in opposition to the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is nicely known across Maharashtra. The end result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s productive escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar realize success in recreating this important chapter from Marathi record on display screen? Definitely!

Pawankhind is a thorough cinematic experience that is fit for the significant screen. The movie is bold in striving to take a look at this story in two and a 50 percent hrs, but it mostly succeeds in producing the appropriate establish up and atmosphere that potential customers to a excellent climax. From laying out the explanation and the people involved in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape strategy and the true battle, Pawankhind lays out all its cards in entrance you chronologically, while inducing a dose of historical past, drama and even comic aid in between. The movie doesn’t pass up out on giving thanks credit score to the the vast majority of the generals who helped Shivaji Maharaj realise his aspiration of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it is not an uncomplicated process to deliver some of the most effectively –known names from the Marathi film and Tv field with each other in a multi-starrer of this scale. But the casting department and makers pull off this feat. Chinmay Mandlekar as Shivaji Maharaj, Ajay Purkar as Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Sameer Dharmadhikari as Siddhi Jauhar, Aastad Kale as Siddhi Masud, Ankit Mohan as Rayaji Bandal, Mrinal Kulkarni as Maasaheb Jijau, Akshay Waghmare as Koyaji Bandal every single actor has provided his greatest to their roles. Even the supporting solid has some memorable performances from Kshitee Jog as Badi Begum, Harish Dudhade as Bahirji Naik, Shivraj Waichal as Harpya, Rishi Saxena as Rustam Zaman. A further notable efficiency that stands out is that of Ajinkya Nanaware as Shiva Kashid, the guy who resembled Shivaji Maharaj and sacrificed himself for his king. The scenes involving Ajinkya and Chinmay are certain to deliver tears to your eyes.

When Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the complex facets, although fantastic, could have been better. The qualifications rating overpowers dialogues in some important scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the cut. Having said that, all explained and accomplished, the entire staff has done its best to make this a large screen knowledge. Probably with a bigger price range, these matters can be ironed out in the pursuing films of Lanjekar’s collection.

For now, Pawankhind is a terrific enjoy, and at the cinemas only.