An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Just after Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s very first two flicks in the series of movies focused to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the author-director returns with a bang in the third movie of the collection – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed thanks to the pandemic, is primarily based on a person of the most popular incidents from Maratha background – the Struggle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it distinct that this is not a full documentation of the fight, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation intended to showcase the bravery of the Marathas included in this battle. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the story is taken care of.

The story about the Fight of Pavan Khind (previously recognized as Ghod Khind) and the bravery shown by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 in opposition to the Siddhi Masud and the soldiers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is well identified throughout Maharashtra. The outcome – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s productive escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar triumph in recreating this vital chapter from Marathi background on screen? Unquestionably!

Pawankhind is a thorough cinematic encounter that is fit for the huge monitor. The film is formidable in seeking to investigate this story in two and a 50 percent hrs, but it mainly succeeds in building the ideal make up and ambience that potential customers to a wonderful climax. From laying out the rationale and the people involved in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape plan and the precise struggle, Pawankhind lays out all its cards in entrance you chronologically, while inducing a dose of background, drama and even comedian aid in between. The movie doesn’t miss out on supplying due credit to the greater part of the generals who assisted 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 film and Television marketplace alongside one another in a multi-starrer of this scale. But the casting office 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 ideal 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. A different notable 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 bring tears to your eyes.

Even though Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the complex facets, while excellent, could have been greater. The track record rating overpowers dialogues in some essential scenes, and the motion choreography in some scenes fails to make the reduce. However, all reported and finished, the whole group has accomplished its most effective to make this a major monitor expertise. Perhaps with a more substantial spending plan, these factors can be ironed out in the following films of Lanjekar’s series.

For now, Pawankhind is a great observe, and at the cinemas only.