Urvita Productions LLP’s Sarsenapati Hambirrao (Marathi; UA) is a biopic on brave Maratha warrior Hansaji Mohite who was given the title of Sarnobat Hambirrao.
Shivaji Maharaj appoints Hansaji Mohite (Pravin Tarde) as his army chief after the demise of the current army chief. How Hansaji rises to the occasion and does a lot of good for the Marathas is what the film is all about. He even ensures that after the demise of Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji steps into his shoes instead of Rajaram whom his (Rajaram’s) mother, Soyrabai (Shruti Marathe), is planning to appoint as king.
Pravin Vitthal Tarde has written an interesting story which keeps the viewers engaged. His screenplay is very appealing and has plenty of drama, action, valour and sacrifice. Pravin Vitthal Tarde’s dialogues are lovely.
Pravin Tarde lives the character of Sarsenapati Hambirrao/Hansaji Mohite. Gashmeer Mahajani performs ably in a double role as Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj. Sunil Pahwal is good as Bahadur Khan. Shruti Marathe is alright in the role of Queen Soyrabai. Mohan Joshi plays Aurangazeb effectively. Raqesh Bapat is okay as Sarja Khan. Upendra Limaye makes his mark as Bahirji Naik. Snehal Tarde does a good job as Hambirrao’s wife, Lakshmibai. Aarya Ramesh Pardeshi makes a nice debut as Tara. Revati Limaye is so-so as Yesubai. Shubhangi Damale (in a bit role as Rajmata Jijau), Sunil Abhyankar (as Anaji Pant), Kiran Yadnopavit (as Moropant), Ramesh Pardeshi (as Yasaji Kank), Devendra Gaikwad (as Nandi), Kshitish Date (as Santaji) and Shubhankar Ekbote (as Dhanaji) provide decent support.
Pravin Vitthal Tarde’s direction is nice. His narration keeps the audience well entertained. Narendra Bhide’s music and Pranit Kulkarni’s lyrics ought to have been better. Umesh Jadhav’s choreography is quite eye-filling. Avinash Vishwajeet’s background music is impactful. Camerawork (by Mahesh Limaye) is of a fine standard. Pradyumna Kumar Swain’s action and stunt scenes provide a lot of thrill. Madan Mane’s art direction is eye-pleasing. Mayur Hardas’ editing is sharp.
On the whole, Sarsenapati Hambirrao is a box-office winner.
Released on 27-5-’22 at Plaza (daily 3 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity: good. Opening: very good.