‘Pawankhind’, the first thing that comes to the mind is a lesson in Maratha history of the great battle of Pawankhind, an epic battle that was fought for 12 hours straight by extraordinary warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande during the great Maratha Warrior Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
To fit such an epic tale onto to the cinema in just 2 hours 30 minutes is just impossible but Maratha history enthusiast film director Digpal Lanjekar has made it possible, to bring alive the tale of a ferocious battle and the wit of Shivaji Maharaj in escaping from the clutches of the Mughals.
Once more, Lanjekar has proved his mettle, his passion for telling history in a cinematic form in his latest offering, Pawankhind.
As his earlier film Farzand, and Fateh-Shikast, Pawankhind too offers us a fast paced yet an emotional film, making the sacrifice of 300 Mavala and the legendary Baji Prabhu’s fight with Siddi Masud of Adilshah Sultanate, enabling Shivaji’s escape from Panhala fort.
Using nature in its best element, Digpal showcases the beauty and importance of Maharashtra’s forts and the treacherous forests surrounding it, giving us an insight into the Bandals and the Naiks who were knowledgeable about the various roots, and its chemical uses, or of understanding the wind patterns and even of sturdy constructions of forts.
The storyline is woven intricately, introducing the audience to the characters one by one, giving importance to all those people who had pledged their lives for the King.
The film plays a lot on the dialogues that give emphasis on the knowledgeable and brave Raja Shivaji, played with grace and keeping the essence intact by Chinmay Mandlekar. The cast is as important as the storyline and Digpal is spot on in his selection of casts playing the important characters. Mrunal Kulkarni shines on as the dynamic, Jijamata or Ausaheb, while Ajay Purkar steals the show as the legendary Baji Prabhu, standing tall and holding fort in Ghodekhind while his King escapes safely. Ankit Mohan playing alongside Purkar as Rayaji Bandal and Harsh Dudhade as Bahirji Naik are spectacular, bringing the historical figures alive.
Watching this film, will definitely transport you into Chatrapati Shivaji’s era and make you part of this historic fight, making you realize the true valour, sacrifice and love for their King.
Watch Pawankhind as a perfect way to pay obeisance to the greatness of the Maratha warrior Shivaji Raja.
Verdict- Powerful & superhit
Rating- 4.5/5 stars
