Another notable attempt to revive the period films, especially, about Chattrapati Shivaji. The cast has done well, especially, Harish Dudhade as Bahirji is far better than Prasad Oak(cast in 'Farzand' and was intolerable). The music is pretty good except the closing song which is utterly unimpressive. I'm happy that they haven't shied away from making a considerably long movie. Many facts regarding the legendary raid on Lal Mahal are highlighted, as also the challenges faced by 'Swarajya' and it's soldiers.
The movie is riddled with flaws:
Despite of all the shortcomings, it's a commendable and welcome attempt to present the epics from a legend's life - Chattrapati Shivaji!!
The movie is riddled with flaws:
- Around 1h 30 minutes is dedicated to pre-1663 events, this should have been shortened and more details of the raid and it's planning should have shown
- The casting has gone wrong at several places, notably for characters of Shaistekhan, Fatteh Khan and Kartalab Khan.
- While some of the Maratha sardars were well-built, the obsession with 6-pack abs, Koyaji singlehandedly lifting a cannon, the dramatic duels during the raid etc. are dampeners
- While historical inaccuracies can be ignored (e.g: Ramzan fasting/Roja was ongoing during the raid and most of the sentries and other staff used to stuff themselves with food which caused lethargy), Chattrapati Shivaji charging unescorted was the most ridiculous and unbelievable sequence, so was he chasing Shaistekhan alone. 5-6 Maratha soldiers were killed in action and many were wounded inside Lal Mahal and they haven't shown this
- Last but not the least - the limping of Indian cinema on the path of technically solid movies. The Umberkhind ambush is one of the legendary battles/skirmishes in the world but is depicted so amateurish that they would have avoided it altogether!
Despite of all the shortcomings, it's a commendable and welcome attempt to present the epics from a legend's life - Chattrapati Shivaji!!