After Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s initial two videos 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 third movie of the collection – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed owing to the pandemic, is centered on one particular of the most popular incidents from Maratha heritage – the Battle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it very clear that this is not a complete documentation of the battle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation meant to showcase the bravery of the Marathas concerned in this struggle. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the tale is taken care of.

The story about the Battle of Pavan Khind (previously recognized as Ghod Khind) and the bravery shown by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 versus the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is perfectly identified throughout Maharashtra. The consequence – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s productive escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar realize success in recreating this important chapter from Marathi historical past on monitor? Completely!

Pawankhind is a comprehensive cinematic knowledge that is match for the massive monitor. The movie is formidable in hoping to explore this tale in two and a fifty percent hrs, but it mainly succeeds in developing the appropriate create up and atmosphere that qualified prospects to a excellent climax. From laying out the rationale and the figures associated in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape approach and the precise battle, Pawankhind lays out all its cards in entrance you chronologically, whilst inducing a dose of record, drama and even comic reduction in in between. The film doesn’t pass up out on giving because of credit score to the the greater part of the generals who assisted Shivaji Maharaj realise his desire of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it’s not an effortless task to convey some of the most properly –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 each individual actor has provided his ideal to their roles. Even the supporting solid has some memorable performances from Kshitee Jog as Badi Begum, Harish Dudhade as Bahirji Naik, Shivraj Waichal as Harpya, Rishi Saxena as Rustam Zaman. Yet another notable 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 convey tears to your eyes.

While Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the complex elements, even though good, could have been superior. The history score overpowers dialogues in some significant scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the reduce. Having said that, all said and performed, the full group has completed its very best to make this a significant screen encounter. Possibly with a greater budget, these issues can be ironed out in the next movies of Lanjekar’s series.

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