Zee Studios, The Great Maratha Entertainment, Satya-Saie Films and Krizalh Films’ Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale (Marathi; UA) is the story of farmer suicides and exploitation of people by politicians. Rakhma (Treesha Thosar) appeals to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for help when her father and mother commit suicide due to financial problems. So, Shivaji’s (Siddharth Bodke) spirit comes to her, accompanied by Kanhoji’s (Sandeep Juwatkar) spirit. Shivaji Maharaj is visible only to Rakhma, her brother, Krushna (Bhargav Jagtap), and their grandfather (Shashank Shende). After knowing the truth about the two suicides and other happenings, Shivaji Maharaj comes to Earth in human form to set things right.
Mahesh Vaman Manjrekar’s story is appealing although it must be said, it reminds of Lage Raho Munna Bhai. His screenplay is quite fast-paced and keeps the viewers engaged, but the drama appears a bit too simplistic. Emotions don’t touch the heart. Further, since there have been too many films on Shivaji Maharaj, this one’s drama may not appeal as much as it ought to, even though the context is different this time. Siddharth Salvi’s dialogues are very good.
Siddharth Bodke does an excellent job as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but he doesn’t have the image to take the entire burden of the film on his shoulders. Mangesh Desai is good as advocate Dinkar Jagtap. Treesha Thosar performs ably as Rakhma. Shashank Shende is extremely natural in the role of Rakhma’s grandfather. Bhargav Jagtap is okay as Krushna. Vikram Gaikwad lends nice support as MLA Bhagwan Popte. Siddharth Jadhav shines in the role of Usman Khillare. Rohit Mane does well as autorickshaw driver Anwar. Sandeep Juwatkar is alright as Kanhoji. Sayaji Shinde lends fair support as police inspector Chavan. Aakash Gharat is average as news reporter Vinay. Vijay Nikam is fair as Manik. Prithvik Pratap is alright as Rakhma’s father. Medha Manjrekar, Nityashree Dnyanlaxmi, Sanchi Bhoyar, Payal Jadhav and Nayan Jadhav do as desired. Gauri Ingavale’s dance is appealing.
Mahesh Vaman Manjrekar’s direction is nice. His narration keeps the audience engaged and entertained. Hitesh Modak’s music is okay. Of the two songs, the item number is better. Lyrics (Vaibhav Deshmukh, Sanjay Krushnaji Patil and Adi Shankaracharya) are alright. Sachin Kamble’s song picturisatoins are quite good. Hitesh Modak’s background music is appealing. Abhimanyu Dange’s camerawork is nice. Pradyumna Kumar Swain’s (PK) action and stunt scenes afford tremendous thrill. Prashant Rane’s production designing is proper. Rahul Bhatankar’s editing is sharp.
On the whole, Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale is a fair entertainer but its business will be less than its merits.
Released on 31-10-’25 at Plaza (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay by Zee Studios. Publicity: okay. Opening: dull.
