AA Films, Everest Entertainment, Raajwarasa Productions, Mulakshar Productions Pvt.Ltd., Rajau Production, Pruthviraj Production and Parampara Productions’ Subhedar (Marathi; UA) is a historical about the bravery and sincerity of Shivaji Maharaj’s trusted lieutenant, Tanaji.
Shivaji Maharaj (Chinmay Mandlekar) and his mother (Mrinal Kulkarni) desire to capture the 23 forts which are in the possession of the Mughals. Shivaji first makes his trusted lieutenant, Tanaji (Ajay Purkar), the Sardar, and then the commander-in-chief. Even as preparations are afoot for the child marriage of Tanaji’s son, Rayaba (Arnav Pendharkar), he (Tanaji) undertakes to get the Kondhana fort freed from the Mughals. He takes an army of 500 soldiers with him to battle it out with the 1,500-strong army of Udaybhan (Digvijay Rohidas). But Tanaji is killed at the hands of Udaybhan.
The story is based on the real-life story of Tanaji and is taken from the books of history. It is replete with patriotic sentiments. Digpal Lanjekar’s screenplay is both, interesting and engaging. No doubt, Hindi film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior was based on the same story but yet, the drama of this film keeps the audience interest alive throughout. The human drama is very appealing. Besides, the patriotic flavour of the screenplay is extremely strong. The first half is so-so but the post-interval part is appealing. The ending portion moves the viewers emotionally. Also, since the screenplay is fast-paced, it keeps the audience hooked on to the proceedings right from the start till the end. Digpal Lanjekar’s dialogues are excellent.
Chinmay Mandlekar acts ably in the role of Shivaji Maharaj. Ajay Purkar performs very well as Tanaji Malusare. Mrinal Kulkarni has her moments as Shivaji’s mother, Aausaheb. Digvijay Rohidas, as Udaybhan, makes his presence felt. Abhijeet Shwetachandra lends nice support as Suryaji. Sameer Dharmadhikari is alright as Shelar Mama. Smita Shewale does a fair job as Tanaji’s wife, Savitri. Digpal Lanjekar makes a mark as Bahirji Naik. Nupur Daithankar is okay in a brief role as Shivaji Maharaj’s wife, Soyrabai. Shivani Rangole lends fair support as Suryaji’s wife, Yashoda. Mrunmayee Deshpande leaves a good mark in a brief role as Kesar. Aastad Kale is okay as Vishwas. Rishi Saxena (as Kubad Khan), Virajas Kulkarni (as Jiva), Sunil Jadhav (as Baji Pasalkar), Dnyanesh Wadekar (as Achal Singh) and Alka Kubal (as Jana Garadin) provide average support. Uma Sardeshmukh is adequate as Parvatibai. Master Arnav Pendharkar is okay as Rayaba. Bhushan Shivtare (as Yesaji Kank), Shrikant Prabhakar (as Moropant) and Bipin Surve (as Baji Jedhe) are ordinary. Rajdatt (as Shelar), Aishwarya Shidhaye (as Shelar’s daughter), Soumitra Pote (as Hiroji Indulkar), Sanket Oak (as Pilaji Nilkanth), Mandar Paralikar (as Janoji), Ajinkya Ninaware (as Rambhaji) and Purnanand Wadekar (as Navalaji) are passable. Others fit the bill.
Digpal Lanjekar’s direction is excellent. He has made a wonderful human drama from the pages of Maratha history. Devdatt Manisha Baji’s music is appealing. His background music is quite impactful. Lyrics (Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Digpal Lanjekar) are nice. Kiran Borkar and Pankaj Chavan’s choreography appeals to the eyes. Priyanka Mayekar does a fine job of the cinematography. Prashant Naik’s action and stunt scenes afford thrill. Pratik Redij’s production designing is very nice. Sagar Shinde and Vinay Shinde’s editing is razor-sharp.
On the whole, Subhedar is an entertaining fare and will definitely score well at the ticket counters.
Released on 25-8-’23 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity: excellent. Opening: outstanding.