An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

After Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s initial two flicks in the collection of movies dedicated to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha military, the author-director returns with a bang in the 3rd film of the sequence – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed because of to the pandemic, is dependent on just one of the most well known incidents from Maratha history – the Struggle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it clear that this is not a entire documentation of the battle, 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 managed.

The tale about the Battle of Pavan Khind (previously identified as Ghod Khind) and the bravery exhibited by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal military of 600 versus the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is effectively acknowledged across Maharashtra. The end result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s effective escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar be successful in recreating this vital chapter from Marathi history on display? Definitely!

Pawankhind is a complete cinematic encounter that is suit for the big display screen. The movie is formidable in trying to check out this story in two and a half several hours, but it mainly succeeds in creating the correct make up and atmosphere that qualified prospects to a excellent climax. From laying out the explanation and the figures concerned in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape approach and the real fight, Pawankhind lays out all its playing cards in entrance you chronologically, even though inducing a dose of background, drama and even comic reduction in in between. The film does not miss out on giving because of credit to the bulk of the generals who helped Shivaji Maharaj realise his dream of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it is not an effortless endeavor to carry some of the most properly –known names from the Marathi film and Tv field together in a multi-starrer of this scale. But the casting division 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 actor has offered his ideal to their roles. Even the supporting cast has some memorable performances from Kshitee Jog as Badi Begum, Harish Dudhade as Bahirji Naik, Shivraj Waichal as Harpya, Rishi Saxena as Rustam Zaman. A different noteworthy 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 convey tears to your eyes.

Whilst Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the specialized facets, while good, could have been better. The qualifications rating overpowers dialogues in some vital scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the cut. On the other hand, all said and done, the full crew has done its greatest to make this a huge display screen knowledge. Perhaps with a even bigger budget, these things can be ironed out in the next movies of Lanjekar’s collection.

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