An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Following Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s to start with two flicks in the collection of films committed to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the author-director returns with a bang in the 3rd film of the series – Pawankhind.

The movie, which was delayed owing to the pandemic, is based on one of the most popular incidents from Maratha heritage – the Battle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it very clear that this is not a entire documentation of the struggle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation intended to showcase the bravery of the Marathas associated in this fight. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the story is taken care of.

The tale about the Struggle of Pavan Khind (previously identified as Ghod Khind) and the bravery exhibited by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 from the Siddhi Masud and the soldiers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is nicely acknowledged throughout Maharashtra. The result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s effective escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar succeed in recreating this essential chapter from Marathi background on display? Absolutely!

Pawankhind is a comprehensive cinematic expertise that is fit for the huge monitor. The film is ambitious in seeking to examine this story in two and a fifty percent several hours, but it mostly succeeds in producing the suitable create up and ambience that prospects to a amazing climax. From laying out the rationale and the characters concerned in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape system and the true battle, Pawankhind lays out all its playing cards in front you chronologically, while inducing a dose of historical past, drama and even comedian aid in involving. The film does not skip out on giving because of credit history to the greater part of the generals who assisted Shivaji Maharaj realise his dream of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it is not an quick undertaking to bring some of the most properly –known names from the Marathi film and Tv field 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 and every actor has given his greatest 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. Another notable general performance 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 certain to provide tears to your eyes.

While Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the complex areas, even though great, could have been superior. The track record rating overpowers dialogues in some crucial scenes, and the motion choreography in some scenes fails to make the slice. However, all mentioned and completed, the total staff has carried out its very best to make this a huge display knowledge. Probably with a even bigger finances, these issues can be ironed out in the subsequent movies of Lanjekar’s series.

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