An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

After Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s to start with two films in the collection of movies focused to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the writer-director returns with a bang in the third movie of the sequence – Pawankhind.

The movie, which was delayed due to the pandemic, is primarily based on a single of the most renowned incidents from Maratha historical past – the Fight of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it apparent that this is not a total documentation of the battle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation meant to showcase the bravery of the Marathas involved in this battle. 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 known as Ghod Khind) and the bravery exhibited by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 versus the Siddhi Masud and the soldiers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is nicely identified throughout Maharashtra. The consequence – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s prosperous escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar realize success in recreating this crucial chapter from Marathi heritage on screen? Unquestionably!

Pawankhind is a extensive cinematic experience that is fit for the significant screen. The movie is bold in seeking to examine this tale in two and a half several hours, but it mainly succeeds in making the proper develop up and ambience that prospects to a superb climax. From laying out the motive 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 playing cards in front you chronologically, although inducing a dose of record, drama and even comedian reduction in involving. The movie does not miss out on supplying thanks credit rating to the the vast majority of the generals who aided Shivaji Maharaj realise his aspiration of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it is not an simple job to bring some of the most perfectly –known names from the Marathi film and Television 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 given his very best 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 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 certain to deliver tears to your eyes.

Whilst Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the specialized areas, while great, could have been far better. The background rating overpowers dialogues in some important scenes, and the motion choreography in some scenes fails to make the cut. Nevertheless, all stated and done, the overall group has completed its best to make this a massive display screen expertise. Perhaps with a larger funds, these points can be ironed out in the pursuing movies of Lanjekar’s series.

For now, Pawankhind is a excellent look at, and at the cinemas only.