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 military, the writer-director returns with a bang in the 3rd movie of the series – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed owing to the pandemic, is dependent on a single of the most famed incidents from Maratha history – the Struggle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it apparent that this is not a complete documentation of the struggle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation meant to showcase the bravery of the Marathas involved 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 Struggle of Pavan Khind (previously acknowledged as Ghod Khind) and the bravery displayed by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 towards the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is very well known throughout Maharashtra. The final result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s productive escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar realize success in recreating this critical chapter from Marathi record on display screen? Definitely!

Pawankhind is a extensive cinematic working experience that is in shape for the massive display. The film is bold in attempting to explore this story in two and a half hrs, but it mostly succeeds in creating the correct establish up and atmosphere that leads to a excellent 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 genuine battle, Pawankhind lays out all its playing cards in front you chronologically, even though inducing a dose of record, drama and even comic relief in in between. The film does not miss out on offering thanks credit rating to the the greater part of the generals who helped Shivaji Maharaj realise his dream of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it’s not an easy process to provide some of the most very well –known names from the Marathi film and Tv market with each other 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 presented his best 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 different noteworthy 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 bound to carry tears to your eyes.

When Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the specialized factors, nevertheless very good, could have been improved. The background score overpowers dialogues in some critical scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the cut. Having said that, all reported and finished, the whole team has accomplished its best to make this a huge monitor practical experience. It’s possible with a more substantial funds, these things can be ironed out in the next movies of Lanjekar’s collection.

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