An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Immediately after Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s initial two motion pictures in the sequence of movies devoted to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the author-director returns with a bang in the 3rd movie of the sequence – Pawankhind.

The movie, which was delayed owing to the pandemic, is based on just one of the most renowned incidents from Maratha record – the Struggle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it crystal clear that this is not a comprehensive documentation of the battle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation intended to showcase the bravery of the Marathas included in this fight. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the story is maintained.

The tale about the Struggle of Pavan Khind (earlier regarded as Ghod Khind) and the bravery shown by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal military of 600 from the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is very well identified across Maharashtra. The end result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s prosperous escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar triumph in recreating this significant chapter from Marathi historical past on display? Definitely!

Pawankhind is a extensive cinematic expertise that is healthy for the massive display screen. The movie is ambitious in seeking to examine this story in two and a fifty percent hours, but it mainly succeeds in building the appropriate establish up and atmosphere that leads to a superb climax. From laying out the motive and the figures concerned in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape system and the true struggle, Pawankhind lays out all its cards in entrance you chronologically, even though inducing a dose of heritage, drama and even comedian aid in between. The movie doesn’t overlook out on providing thanks credit to the the vast majority of the generals who helped Shivaji Maharaj realise his desire of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it’s not an straightforward job to carry some of the most properly –known names from the Marathi movie and Television marketplace jointly in a multi-starrer of this scale. But the casting section 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 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. A further notable 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 bound to bring tears to your eyes.

Though Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the technical elements, nevertheless 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 slash. Nonetheless, all stated and done, the entire crew has done its ideal to make this a huge display expertise. Possibly with a more substantial finances, these items can be ironed out in the adhering to movies of Lanjekar’s collection.

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