An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Immediately after Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s very first two flicks in the series of films dedicated to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the writer-director returns with a bang in the 3rd film of the collection – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed because of to the pandemic, is dependent on one of the most well known incidents from Maratha historical past – the Battle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it crystal clear that this is not a full documentation of the struggle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation meant to showcase the bravery of the Marathas involved in this struggle. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the story is maintained.

The story about the Fight of Pavan Khind (earlier recognised as Ghod Khind) and the bravery displayed by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 in opposition to the Siddhi Masud and the soldiers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is well identified throughout Maharashtra. The outcome – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s successful escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar thrive in recreating this essential chapter from Marathi heritage on display? Definitely!

Pawankhind is a thorough cinematic working experience that is healthy for the huge display. The film is ambitious in trying to discover this story in two and a 50 percent hours, but it largely succeeds in creating the ideal make up and ambience that sales opportunities to a wonderful climax. From laying out the reason and the figures involved in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape approach and the genuine struggle, Pawankhind lays out all its cards in entrance you chronologically, whilst inducing a dose of history, drama and even comedian reduction in between. The movie does not skip out on giving owing credit history to the bulk of the generals who aided Shivaji Maharaj realise his aspiration of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it is not an straightforward activity to bring some of the most nicely –known names from the Marathi movie and Tv market jointly 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 and every actor has offered his very best 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 different notable effectiveness that stands out is that of Ajinkya Nanaware as Shiva Kashid, the person who resembled Shivaji Maharaj and sacrificed himself for his king. The scenes involving Ajinkya and Chinmay are bound to provide tears to your eyes.

While Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the specialized facets, nevertheless good, could have been better. The qualifications score overpowers dialogues in some crucial scenes, and the motion choreography in some scenes fails to make the lower. Nevertheless, all claimed and accomplished, the total staff has completed its best to make this a huge screen working experience. Maybe with a even bigger spending budget, these things can be ironed out in the pursuing movies of Lanjekar’s collection.

For now, Pawankhind is a great view, and at the cinemas only.