An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Just after Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s first two movies in the series 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 film, which was delayed due to the pandemic, is based mostly on just one of the most famed incidents from Maratha heritage – the Fight of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it distinct that this is not a full documentation of the struggle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation intended to showcase the bravery of the Marathas included in this struggle. 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 recognized as Ghod Khind) and the bravery exhibited by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 against the Siddhi Masud and the soldiers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is properly recognised throughout Maharashtra. The consequence – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s productive escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar succeed in recreating this important chapter from Marathi record on display screen? Unquestionably!

Pawankhind is a comprehensive cinematic expertise that is suit for the major display screen. The film is bold in trying to examine this tale in two and a 50 % hrs, but it largely succeeds in creating the proper establish up and atmosphere that sales opportunities to a wonderful climax. From laying out the cause and the characters included in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape system and the precise struggle, Pawankhind lays out all its cards in entrance you chronologically, although inducing a dose of historical past, drama and even comic reduction in between. The film doesn’t pass up out on providing due credit score to the majority of the generals who assisted Shivaji Maharaj realise his dream of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it’s not an uncomplicated endeavor to carry some of the most properly –known names from the Marathi movie and Tv business with each other 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 each individual actor has given his ideal 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 overall 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 sure to bring tears to your eyes.

When Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the specialized elements, however superior, could have been much better. The qualifications rating overpowers dialogues in some essential scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the minimize. Even so, all reported and performed, the whole crew has completed its most effective to make this a massive monitor working experience. Perhaps with a even larger funds, these factors can be ironed out in the adhering to movies of Lanjekar’s collection.

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