Alongside Chhapaak, another big-budget period drama of the brave Tanhaji Malusare and Shivaji Maharaj’s Subhedaar who sacrificed his life to capture Kondana Fort strategically will be releasing. Here is our Tanhaji movie review
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior starring Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Sharad Kelkar, and Kajol in the lead is directed by Om Raut. The film can be said as a redesign of action historical drama to masala drama. Sounds interesting? The film is releasing on 10th January, and so you can watch it in the theatre near you.
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior- Plot Analysis
The film is about the life of the Tanhaji Malusare, a fierce Maratha warrior. He was also the closes aid and military leader of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It majorly focuses on the famous Battle of Sinhagad where Tanhaji takes on a Rajput, Udaybhan, who fought against the Marathas, for the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj played by Sharad Kelkar, under the Treaty of Purandar, surrenders 23 forts to Aurangzeb, including the then Kondhana Fort. The fort was of strategic importance. On the other hand, Rajmata Jijabai swears that until the Marathas recapture the fort she will walk bare feet.
And four years later, Udaybhan aka Saif Ali Khan is sent with a huge and massive army along with canon to ensure that the fort is not reclaimed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. While Shivaji Maharaj strategizes a campaign, he is not interested to send his dear friend and trusted lieutenant Subedar Tanhaji Malusare on the war ground. Especially when the latter’s son is going to get married.
However, he pleads to Shivaji Maharaj to take on this chance to win Kondhana. As the evil intentions prevail, Savitribai plays a silent strength to him. And what follows is a deadly battle between Tanhaji and Udaybhan.
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior- Cast Performances
In the movie, Ajay Devgn is playing the role of Tanhaji, a braveheart Maratha warrior who is in top form as he portrays the straight-laced hero. He brings the intensity of Tanhaji to life and shows his devotion and undying love to Shivaji and his motherland. Ajay Devgn has portrayed his role as a rock-solid and pulls the entire film which would have fallen if his role would have flattened.
Saif Ali Khan, the grey knight, plays the role of Udaybhan. He is the antagonist who is cunning and ruthless. Saif has done complete justice to his role, he overpowers as Udaybhan and brings the devilish streak and brutality out. He portrays this interesting character with ferocity and finesse. And not only the evil madness he also manages to add the tinge of humor such that in a scene he breaks out into laughter himself. It is definitely one of the outstanding performances by Saif.
Another high point character of the film is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj played by Sharad Kelkar. He brings the gravitas to his role with his solid yet subtle performance of a warrior king. Even Kajol’s character of Savitribai, which had a limited screen time is pretty convincing. She plays the role of a strong and supportive wife, and her scenes with her husband are effortless.
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior- Direction and Screenplay
Om Raut is making his directorial debut with this historical documentary, and for a first Bollywood film, he has managed to scale very well. It doesn’t look like he considered the previously made historical dramas and worked on their formulas. It’s a completely fresh attempt at the genre, where Om has tried to reinvent as he mashed it with some masala. History is definitely boring, but this chapter is narrated by him in a very interesting way. With this film, a new genre is being introduced in the industry, the Masala Period Drama.
He manages to narrate a very interesting history chapter but in his own way. This could open ways to the new genre of Masala Period Drama.
Tanhaji Movie Review- Songs, Music and Background Score
The win part of the film is their background score. And the entire credit should be given to Sandeep Shirodkar. His background score develops a connection between the audience and the action on the screen. It is neither too loud not subtle, but I’m sure it will blow your mind.
Songs, on the other hand, are the weak link. Most of the songs look forced and slows down the pace of the film. Parampara’s Ghamand Kar the Sachet of the film fits perfectly. And in the background score, it gives the desired impact.
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior Movie Review
Om Raut and Prakash Kapadia’s story amp up the watching experience of the viewers as it takes many liberties. At places, the film looks so easy that anyone can feel if it actually has happened. The makers have taken the unusual route of period dramas. This movie is just not like the historical films that we have seen so far.
There are some top-notch action sequences, all thanks to Ramazan Bulut, the Rush and Inferno fame, action star. The makers have used the first part of the film to lay the solid basis of the film, it’s more theoretical and less practical. As a result, the film misses the punch. However, in the second half, it picks up the pace and takes you to a high note as it reaches the climax.
The film runs for 130 minutes, which is quite tight for a period drama, making it a benchmark for the other filmmakers. The credit for giving the users this cherishable experience can be given to Dharmendra Sharma and his editing.
Tanhaji, manages to stand out between a profitable potboiler and period drama.
Verdict
Overall the film has a fantastic star cast giving stellar performances, visual impact, powerful action and an untold story from history. If you are an action fan, then your weekend plan is set. Do go and watch Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior with your friends.
