An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Right after Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s first two films in the sequence of films devoted to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the author-director returns with a bang in the 3rd movie of the sequence – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed because of to the pandemic, is centered on a person of the most famous incidents from Maratha history – the Fight of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it crystal clear that this is not a full documentation of the fight, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation meant to showcase the bravery of the Marathas associated in this struggle. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the story is maintained.

The tale about the Fight of Pavan Khind (earlier recognised as Ghod Khind) and the bravery displayed by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 from the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is effectively known across Maharashtra. The result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s productive escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar do well in recreating this vital chapter from Marathi heritage on monitor? Absolutely!

Pawankhind is a extensive cinematic practical experience that is fit for the big monitor. The film is ambitious in making an attempt to examine this story in two and a 50 percent several hours, but it mainly succeeds in creating the right develop up and atmosphere that leads to a superb climax. From laying out the reason and the figures involved in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape prepare and the real struggle, Pawankhind lays out all its cards in entrance you chronologically, while inducing a dose of history, drama and even comedian relief in involving. The film doesn’t skip out on giving owing credit history to the vast majority of the generals who aided Shivaji Maharaj realise his dream of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it’s not an quick process to bring some of the most properly –known names from the Marathi film and Television set marketplace collectively 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 each individual actor has provided his ideal to their roles. Even the supporting solid 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 overall performance that stands out is that of Ajinkya Nanaware as Shiva Kashid, the gentleman who resembled Shivaji Maharaj and sacrificed himself for his king. The scenes involving Ajinkya and Chinmay are bound to provide tears to your eyes.

Whilst Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the complex features, even though superior, could have been much better. The qualifications score overpowers dialogues in some crucial scenes, and the motion choreography in some scenes fails to make the cut. Nevertheless, all claimed and carried out, the overall crew has completed its best to make this a major monitor working experience. Perhaps with a bigger spending budget, these issues can be ironed out in the adhering to movies of Lanjekar’s collection.

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