An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Immediately after Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s first two videos in the collection of films devoted to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha army, the author-director returns with a bang in the third film of the sequence – Pawankhind.

The movie, which was delayed because of to the pandemic, is primarily based on a single of the most popular incidents from Maratha record – the Fight of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it distinct that this is not a finish documentation of the fight, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation intended to showcase the bravery of the Marathas involved in this struggle. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the story is maintained.

The story about the Struggle of Pavan Khind (earlier recognised as Ghod Khind) and the bravery shown by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 towards the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is perfectly identified throughout Maharashtra. The end result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s successful escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar thrive in recreating this critical chapter from Marathi record on screen? Definitely!

Pawankhind is a thorough cinematic working experience that is in shape for the major display screen. The movie is bold in making an attempt to investigate this tale in two and a 50 percent several hours, but it mostly succeeds in creating the correct develop up and atmosphere that sales opportunities to a amazing climax. From laying out the reason and the characters involved in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape strategy and the genuine struggle, Pawankhind lays out all its cards in front you chronologically, whilst inducing a dose of historical past, drama and even comedian aid in among. The movie does not skip out on offering because of credit rating to the bulk of the generals who aided Shivaji Maharaj realise his dream of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it is not an uncomplicated undertaking to deliver some of the most very well –known names from the Marathi film and Television field together in a multi-starrer of this scale. But the casting department 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 every actor has specified his finest 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 general 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 deliver tears to your eyes.

While Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the complex aspects, nevertheless superior, could have been far better. The track record score overpowers dialogues in some crucial scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the cut. Having said that, all stated and done, the complete crew has done its finest to make this a large monitor encounter. Possibly with a greater funds, these items can be ironed out in the subsequent movies of Lanjekar’s collection.

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