An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

ByTommie C. Curtis

May 11, 2022 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Immediately after Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s to start with two films in the sequence of movies focused to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the writer-director returns with a bang in the 3rd film of the series – Pawankhind.

The movie, which was delayed thanks to the pandemic, is based on one particular of the most famous incidents from Maratha background – the Battle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it distinct 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 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 Fight of Pavan Khind (before regarded as Ghod Khind) and the bravery shown by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 against the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is well recognized across Maharashtra. The end result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s successful escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar triumph in recreating this critical chapter from Marathi history on display screen? Unquestionably!

Pawankhind is a complete cinematic working experience that is healthy for the large screen. The movie is bold in seeking to check out this story in two and a 50 % several hours, but it largely succeeds in developing the suitable build up and atmosphere that prospects to a amazing climax. From laying out the purpose and the figures involved in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape system and the real battle, Pawankhind lays out all its playing cards in entrance you chronologically, although inducing a dose of record, drama and even comedian reduction in between. The movie doesn’t skip out on giving owing credit history to the vast majority of the generals who served Shivaji Maharaj realise his dream of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it is not an quick activity to deliver some of the most properly –known names from the Marathi movie and Television sector alongside one another 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 actor has offered his most effective 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. An additional notable overall performance that stands out is that of Ajinkya Nanaware as Shiva Kashid, the man who resembled Shivaji Maharaj and sacrificed himself for his king. The scenes involving Ajinkya and Chinmay are certain to deliver tears to your eyes.

Though Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the complex facets, even though excellent, could have been better. The track record score overpowers dialogues in some essential scenes, and the motion choreography in some scenes fails to make the cut. On the other hand, all claimed and done, the full crew has done its ideal to make this a major screen knowledge. Probably with a even larger finances, these matters can be ironed out in the pursuing movies of Lanjekar’s collection.

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