An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Following Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s very first two motion pictures in the sequence of movies focused to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha military, the writer-director returns with a bang in the 3rd movie of the series – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed due to the pandemic, is primarily based on a person of the most famed incidents from Maratha history – the Fight 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 intended to showcase the bravery of the Marathas associated in this struggle. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the tale is maintained.

The tale about the Fight of Pavan Khind (earlier acknowledged as Ghod Khind) and the bravery displayed by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 against the Siddhi Masud and the soldiers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is very well regarded across Maharashtra. The consequence – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s successful escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar do well in recreating this crucial chapter from Marathi history on screen? Absolutely!

Pawankhind is a comprehensive cinematic practical experience that is in good shape for the large monitor. The film is formidable in seeking to check out this story in two and a 50 percent hours, but it mainly succeeds in generating the appropriate develop up and ambience that potential customers to a wonderful climax. From laying out the explanation and the people concerned in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape plan and the genuine struggle, Pawankhind lays out all its playing cards in front you chronologically, although inducing a dose of historical past, drama and even comic relief in involving. The film does not skip out on providing thanks credit rating to the vast majority of the generals who assisted Shivaji Maharaj realise his aspiration of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it’s not an easy endeavor to convey some of the most effectively –known names from the Marathi film and Tv set field collectively 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 just about every actor has presented his finest 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 male who resembled Shivaji Maharaj and sacrificed himself for his king. The scenes involving Ajinkya and Chinmay are sure to provide tears to your eyes.

Whilst Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the specialized facets, though great, could have been much better. The background rating overpowers dialogues in some crucial scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the reduce. Having said that, all claimed and carried out, the overall team has finished its very best to make this a major display practical experience. Probably with a larger price range, these factors can be ironed out in the next films of Lanjekar’s series.

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