In a renaissance of sorts in Marathi cinema, film-makers are freely adapting the lore surrounding unsung heroes from Maratha history. Over the last few years, there has been a slew of films about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the bravery of his soldiers — Farzand (2018), Fatteshikast (2019), Pawankhind (2022), Sarsenapati Hambirrao (2022), Sher Shivaji(2022).
Close on the heels of such films come writer-director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande’s Har Har Mahadev, starring Sharad Kelkar and Subodh Bhave, and the first pan-Indian Marathi film releasing in five different languages.
The story about the Battle of Pavan Khind (earlier known as Ghod Khind) and the sheer valour displayed by Maratha commander Bajiprabhu Deshpande and his army of 600 against Siddhi Masud and soldiers owing allegiance to Ali Adil Shah II is well known across Maharashtra.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj strategically dodged his enemies to take control of Vishalgad, resulting in a fierce last stand at the eponymous mountain pass.
Har Har Mahadev is the second film this year that brings the rousing tale of this momentous battle to the screen. Earlier, we saw the Digpal Lanjekar-directorial Pawankhind depicting the same historical event, but focused almost entirely on what led to the battle and the battle itself.