An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Following Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s first two flicks 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 collection – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed due to the pandemic, is centered on one of the most famed incidents from Maratha historical past – the Fight of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it very clear that this is not a total documentation of the battle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation meant 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 tale is maintained.

The story about the Battle of Pavan Khind (before recognized as Ghod Khind) and the bravery shown by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal military of 600 towards the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is nicely identified across Maharashtra. The consequence – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s successful escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar thrive in recreating this important chapter from Marathi record on display screen? Absolutely!

Pawankhind is a extensive cinematic working experience that is match for the large display. The film is bold in striving to investigate this tale in two and a 50 percent hours, but it mainly succeeds in producing the proper create up and ambience that qualified prospects to a superb climax. From laying out the explanation and the people associated in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape program and the actual fight, Pawankhind lays out all its cards in entrance you chronologically, whilst inducing a dose of heritage, drama and even comedian aid in in between. The movie doesn’t miss out on out on offering owing credit score to the majority of the generals who assisted Shivaji Maharaj realise his aspiration of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it is not an straightforward endeavor to deliver some of the most perfectly –known names from the Marathi movie and Tv set field jointly 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 and every actor has specified his greatest 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 further notable efficiency 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.

Though Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the specialized areas, while superior, could have been much better. The background rating overpowers dialogues in some significant scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the cut. However, all mentioned and carried out, the complete group has done its very best to make this a major display screen encounter. Maybe with a larger price range, these matters can be ironed out in the next films of Lanjekar’s series.

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