Laybhari Production and Nitin Dhawne Films’ Dharmarakshak Ahilyadevi Holkar – Ek Yug (Marathi; UA) is the story of the courageous Maratha queen, Ahilyadevi Holkar, who defied convention to rule with love, compassion, wisdom and strength. It traces her rise from being a humble village girl to becoming one of the most progressive rulers of India. She ruled from 1767 to 1795.
Sushant Kalyan Sonawale has written a story and screenplay, which borrow from the real life of the queen who is known for defeating the enemy and restoring thousands of temples including the twelve Jyotirlings and the Char Dham. However, the script is not exciting enough to evoke participation from the audience. Sushant Kalyan Sonawale’s dialogues are alright.
Ashwini Mahangade is okay in the central role. Suresh Vishwakarma is average as Malharrao Holkar. Anil Nagarkar lends ordinary support as Tukoji Holkar. Sanjay Khapre is alright as Gangoba Tatya. Sunil Godse performs fairly well as Raghunathrao Peshve. Shiva Randani is passable as Delhi Badshah. Sanjeevani Jadhav has her moments as Gautamibai Holkar. Pushpa Chaudhari does a routine job as Sagunabai. Suhas Jadhav is ordinary in the role of Palshikar Sardar. Dhiraj Pawar’s performance (as Santaji Holkar) is nothing to shout about. Pratap Thorat delivers an ordinary performance as Bharmal Dada Holkar. Mahesh Shevate (as Mahadaji Shinde), Dattatray Ghule (as Govindrao Rajole) and Akshay Mandalik (as Sardar Kalgawade) lend routine support.
Sushant Kalyan Sonawale’s direction is below the mark. Shubham Patankar’s music is devoid of hit songs. Lyrics (by Guru Thakur and Priyanka Shendge) are quite nice. Ramesh Shelke’s camerawork is okay. Suhas Jadhav’s action and stunt scenes afford some thrill. Suraj Kore’s art direction is okay. Om Patil’s editing ought to have been tighter.
On the whole, Dharmarakshak Ahilyadevi Holkar – Ek Yug lacks the fire to make a mark at the ticket windows.
Released on 30-5-’25 at Movie Time Goregaon (daily 1 show) of Bombay thru AP Communications. Publicity & opening: poor.