An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Just after Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s initial two motion pictures in the sequence of films 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 centered on a person of the most well known incidents from Maratha background – the Battle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it clear that this is not a entire documentation of the fight, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation meant 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 preserved.

The tale about the Battle of Pavan Khind (earlier identified as Ghod Khind) and the bravery displayed by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal military of 600 versus the Siddhi Masud and the soldiers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is perfectly known throughout Maharashtra. The final result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s prosperous escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar do well in recreating this essential chapter from Marathi background on screen? Absolutely!

Pawankhind is a complete cinematic encounter that is in shape for the big monitor. The movie is formidable in hoping to discover this tale in two and a half hours, but it mainly succeeds in building the proper build up and atmosphere that potential customers to a great climax. From laying out the motive and the figures concerned in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape approach and the actual fight, Pawankhind lays out all its playing cards in front you chronologically, although inducing a dose of history, drama and even comic aid in amongst. The movie doesn’t miss out on providing because of credit rating to the majority of the generals who served Shivaji Maharaj realise his aspiration of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it is not an quick job to provide some of the most properly –known names from the Marathi film and Tv set field together 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 each actor has specified his finest to their roles. Even the supporting cast has some memorable performances from Kshitee Jog as Badi Begum, Harish Dudhade as Bahirji Naik, Shivraj Waichal as Harpya, Rishi Saxena as Rustam Zaman. A further noteworthy effectiveness that stands out is that of Ajinkya Nanaware as Shiva Kashid, the guy who resembled Shivaji Maharaj and sacrificed himself for his king. The scenes involving Ajinkya and Chinmay are certain to carry tears to your eyes.

When Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the technological aspects, nevertheless superior, could have been improved. The history rating overpowers dialogues in some essential scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the cut. Having said that, all claimed and carried out, the entire crew has completed its best to make this a significant display practical experience. Possibly with a greater budget, these points can be ironed out in the next movies of Lanjekar’s series.

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