In recent years it seems like the Bollywood has slanted towards a historic genre more often than in the past. Some are fictional, some close to reality and some produce the combination of both. Tanhaji-The Unsung Warrior is a compound work fiction and fact.
The narrative sets off in 1647 with Young Tanhaji and concludes in 1670 with his death. Fort 'Kondana' had gone from Marathas in a forced agreement in 1664. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is planning to recapture the fort. Tanhaji Malusare comes to know about the mission. He asks Maharaj to be sent on the mission. The request is denied as his son Raiba is getting married soon. But soon he convinces Maharaj and Jijau to go on Misson. Rest of the Story is about how he tries to stop the devil Udaybhan Rathod on his way to Kondana before the surgical strike on the fort to succeed in the mission.
The VFX have been used throughout and they are mind-blowing. I wish I could get to watch them in 3D. The storytelling is so crisp that there is no room for any other offtrack nonsense. Om Raut as a director has hit the bull's eye by keeping the period film just over 2 hrs. He makes you weep at times and gives the nailbiting moments throughout.
The songs are short and sweet. 'Shankara' and 'Maybhawani' songs bring the goosebumps. The high octane background music lifts the fight scenes. The war sequences make you hold your breath at times. Stunts are choreographed very innovatively and bring memories of 'Bahubali' Franchise.
This marks Ajay Devgan's 100th film and proves why he lasted this long in the industry. Kajol as 'Savitri Bai' and Sharad Kelkar as 'Shivaji Maharaj' are impressive in their brief appearance. Saif Ali Khan has nailed it as 'Udaybhan Rathod'. This will be remembered as one of his best performances. I will be surprised if he doesn't earn the award for the best actor in a negative role.
I don't like to judge the movie on its authenticity. I always go by entertainment value. Tanhaji works just perfect on most of the fronts. It has emotions, goosebumps, clap and whistle moments. It is too good to be missed.
#Raview