Jagdamb Creations’ Shivpratap Garudjhep (Marathi; UA) is a historical. It talks about that chapter of history which deals with Shivaji Maharaj’s imprisonment in Aurangzeb’s palace and the former’s tricks to set himself free.
The story is interesting and since it is taken from history books, it relies more on the actual happenings. Dr. Amol Ramsingh Kolhe’s screenplay is average as it concentrates more on the drama and less on action. This would be a major minus point for the audience which expects a lot of action and stunts in a story like this. Even Shivaji Maharaj’s entry is below the mark. The ending has been altered — and this may not go down well with people who are aware of the actual history. The screenplay lacks in emotions and also light moments. What’s more, it does not even have nail-biting or thrilling moments. Consequently, the drama unfolds without getting the audience’s participation. Dialogues, penned by Dr. Amol Ramsingh Kolhe and Yuvraj Patil, are the best part of the film.
Dr. Amol Kolhe does a fine job as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Yatin Karyekar acts quite well in the role of Aurangzeb but he does not look or act like a tyrant. Shailesh Datar is good in the role of Mirza Raje. Harish Dudhade is okay as Ramsingh. Pratiksha Lonkar leaves a mark as Jijamata. Master Harak Amol Bharatiya is good as Shambhuraje. Manava Naik lends fair support as Soyarabai. Pallavi Vaidya is quite alright in the role of Putalabai. Alka Kaushal (as Jahan Ara), Adi Irani (as Zafar Khan), Ajay Tapkire (as Bahirji Naik), Mahesh Phalake (as Yesaji Kank), Ramesh Rokade (as Hiroji Farzand), Vishwajeet Fadate (as Faulad Khan), Pushkar Shrotri and Savita Malpekar provide routine support.
Kartik Rajaram Kendhe’s direction is so-so. He has made the film look like a TV serial. Music (Shashank Powar and Rohit Nagbhide) lacks the popular appeal. Hrishikesh Paranjpe’s lyrics are alright. Deepali Vichare’s song picturisations hardly deserve separate mention. Shashank Powar’s background music is routine. Sanjay Jadhav’s camerawork is up to the mark. Ravi Dewan’s action and stunts lack thrill mainly because there isn’t much scope for action in the screenplay. Mahesh Gurunath Kudalkar’s art direction is appropriate. Peter Gundra’s editing is loose.
On the whole, Shivpratap Garudjhep has title value and dialogues as its two biggest plus points, but that will not be enough for the film to click at the box-office.
Released on 5-10-’22 at Plaza (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity: good. Opening: very good due to Dassera holiday. Collections took a dip on the second and third days.
