Urvita Productions LLP’s Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Marathi; UA) is the story about the bravery of Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji.
Sandeep Raghuvanthrao Mohite Patil and Dr. Sudhir Nikam’s story offers no novelty as films on Sambhaji’s life have been made earlier too. The duo’s screenplay is ordinary. Hrishikesh Balasaheb Zambare and Ganesh Phuke’s dialogues are okay.
Thakur Anoop Singh does a fair job in the title role. Amruta Khanvilkar acts ably as Maharani Yesubai. Kishori Shahane Vij performs very well as Rajmata Jijabai Bhosale. Bhargavi Chirmule makes a fine mark as Dharau Mata. Pallavi Vaidya has her moments as Saibai. Sanjay Khapre is nice as Sarsenapati Hambirrao Mohite. Raj Zutshi provides good support in the role of Alamgir Aurangzeb. Pradeep Rawat impresses as Mukkarab Khan. Kamlesh Sawant is alright as Siddi Khairiyat. Pradeep Kabra (as Siddi Qasam), Ujjwal Chopra (as Kavi Kalash), Vineet Sharma (as Kondaji Farzand) and Anil Gawas (as Bahirji Naik) lend fine support. Others are adequate.
Tushar Vijayrao Shelar’s direction is average. Mohit Kulkarni’s music is ordinary. Lyrics (by Hrishikesh Balasaheb Zambare and Dr. Prasad Biware) are alright. Song picturisations (Kruti Mahesh and Omkar Mane) are okay. Background music should’ve been more effective. Mahesh Ganesh Aney’s camerawork is of a fine standard. Anand Shetty and Dipak Mali’s action and stunt scenes afford some thrill but should’ve been more exciting. Gorakshanath Khande’s editing leaves something to be desired.
On the whole, Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj will not be able to make a mark at the ticket windows.
Released on 22-11-’24 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PVR Inox Pictures. Publicity: so-so. Opening: weak.