Even today traces of subversion are visible in most aspects of our society due to systematic destruction of Indianness ! The sense of pride in who we are serves as a confidence booster for next generations to excel in their lives, but we were robbed of it for 2 centuries! The movie and its dialogues take us back to times where we were proud of who we were! That's the greatest gift that came from this movie! Sahyadri cha kada shwas rokuni khada!...(Sahayadri's Fortress waiting holding its breath) movie is full of such wonderful dialogues that leave your blood boiling as well as eyes wet at same time ....beautifully written songs with absolutely class music and Povadas! The detailing is mind boggling! Brilliant acting by everyone and superb narration by Upendra Limaye.
And yes, the movie did not get under the pressure of portraying grand Shivaji, the name itself carries is much weight that it's east to succumb under pressure. Mr. Tarde has kept its heart in right place without forgetting that the movie must entertain. His face exudes innocence and courage at the same time. He lived the part so well. Can't miss to see the pride in his face when he says "we are Shivaji Raje's people " to Bahadur Khan's family. Hambirrao's daughter Tararani is a revered figure in Kolhapur, pleasantly surprised to see his views resonate so well with modern times. A scene where Gashmeer portrays Sambhaji fighting like an explosive warrior, and Hambirrao looks with pride was the scene were it took me to a different world. Must say that Gashmeer did succeed in playing both characters with finesse...balance and wit of father & sheer firepower of son.
With limited resources what Shivaji Raje did is unbelievable, required a mountain of will power, and that's why India map is still on world map. To such warriors even Bahubali like movies could fall short. I always wondered why can't such greatness be portrayed with cinematic liberty to make it a surreal experience. I must say this movie went emotionally quite close to those days and those great people....must watch movie.... something that does justice to Greatness of Maratha Warriors ... Great gift to us Mr. Pravin Tarde, hats off!
