An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Following Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s to start with two movies in the sequence of films dedicated to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the author-director returns with a bang in the 3rd movie of the series – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed due to the pandemic, is dependent on one particular of the most renowned incidents from Maratha historical past – the Struggle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it clear that this is not a entire documentation of the struggle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation intended to showcase the bravery of the Marathas included in this struggle. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the story is maintained.

The tale about the Struggle of Pavan Khind (before identified as Ghod Khind) and the bravery shown by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 in opposition to the Siddhi Masud and the soldiers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is very well regarded across Maharashtra. The outcome – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s profitable escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar triumph in recreating this essential chapter from Marathi background on screen? Absolutely!

Pawankhind is a complete cinematic expertise that is healthy for the large display. The movie is bold in seeking to take a look at this story in two and a fifty percent hours, but it mainly succeeds in developing the correct construct up and atmosphere that prospects to a wonderful climax. From laying out the cause and the people concerned in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape strategy and the actual struggle, Pawankhind lays out all its playing cards in front you chronologically, although inducing a dose of background, drama and even comic aid in between. The movie does not pass up out on giving because of credit history to the majority of the generals who served Shivaji Maharaj realise his aspiration of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it’s not an effortless undertaking to bring some of the most nicely –known names from the Marathi film and Television set marketplace together in a multi-starrer of this scale. But the casting section 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 just about every actor has provided his ideal to their roles. Even the supporting cast has some unforgettable performances from Kshitee Jog as Badi Begum, Harish Dudhade as Bahirji Naik, Shivraj Waichal as Harpya, Rishi Saxena as Rustam Zaman. A further noteworthy general performance 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 sure to provide tears to your eyes.

Although Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the complex facets, while fantastic, could have been much better. The background rating overpowers dialogues in some essential scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the minimize. Having said that, all claimed and carried out, the total group has completed its very best to make this a big display experience. Possibly with a even larger budget, these issues can be ironed out in the adhering to movies of Lanjekar’s sequence.

For now, Pawankhind is a wonderful check out, and at the cinemas only.