Har Har Mahadev
Har Har Mahadev is a 2022 Indian Marathi-language epic historical action drama film written and directed by Abhijeet Deshpande and produced by Zee Studios along with Sunil Phadtare under the banner of Shree Ganesh Marketing And Films. It stars Subodh Bhave as Shivaji I and Sharad Kelkar as Baji Prabhu Deshpande with Amruta Khanvilkar, Nishigandha Wad, Sayali Sanjeev, Hardeek Joshi, Milind Shinde, Kishore Kadam, Nitish Chavan and Ashok Shinde playing supporting roles. The film is about the Battle of Pavan Khind where Baji Prabhu Deshpande, a general of Shivaji I who, along with his army of 300 soldiers, fought against 12,000 Bijapuri soldiers.
The film was released theatrically on 25 October 2022 and digitally in Hindi on 8 December 2022 on ZEE5. The film collected a gross of, it became the Marathi films of 2022|third-highest-grossing Marathi film of 2022]. The film won three Maharashtra State Film Awards, including Best Film III and Best Director III, and received two Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar, and earned two nominations at the 7th Filmfare Awards Marathi.
Synopsis
The film is about the Battle of Pavan Khind where 300 soldiers, led by Baji Prabhu Deshpande, the commander of Shivaji fought against 12,000 Bijapuri soldiers.Plot
As the petty feudal lords and Watandars of the region express concerns about Shivaji's expanding dominion, Baji Prabhu is approached to contain the young warrior's ambitions. However, when Shivaji meets Baji Prabhu and presents his vision of establishing a rule that cares for the people, Baji Prabhu gradually shifts his allegiance. The two warriors develop a profound bond of mutual respect, with each becoming willing to sacrifice his life for the other's cause.Following Shivaji's strategic assassination of Afzal Khan, the feared Adilshahi general, the court of Bijapur grows furious. Siddi Johar, a cunning and shrewd Adilshahi commander, launches a massive military campaign against Shivaji. With an overwhelming force, Siddi Johar lays siege to the Panhala fort, where Shivaji and his soldiers have taken refuge.
Facing the siege, Shivaji resolves to escape to Vishalgad fort under the cover of darkness. On a rain-soaked night, Shivaji and approximately 300 handpicked soldiers, led by Baji Prabhu Deshpande, break through the siege. As they advance toward Vishalgad, Siddi Johar's forces pursue them relentlessly. Realizing the pursuing army will overtake them, Baji Prabhu devises a plan to hold back the enemy at a narrow mountain pass known as Pavan Khind while Shivaji reaches safety. Shivaji is to signal Baji Prabhu's retreat by firing three cannon shots once he arrives at Vishalgad.
At Pavan Khind, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his 300 warriors engage in a fierce battle against the vastly larger Adilshahi force. Armed with his sword and dandpatta, Baji Prabhu fights with extraordinary valor throughout the confrontation. Despite being outnumbered, his warriors hold their ground for hours. Baji Prabhu is wounded by gunfire but continues fighting, inspiring his soldiers to resist until their final breath. Upon hearing the three cannon shots from Vishalgad, Baji Prabhu realizes his mission is complete. He and his warriors achieve martyrdom, having successfully held back thousands of enemy soldiers. The sacrifice at Pavan Khind becomes a legendary testament to the courage of the Maratha warriors and proves instrumental in the survival and continuation of Shivaji's vision for Hindavi Swarajya.
Soundtrack
The music of the film is composed by Hitesh Modak and the lyrics are written by Mangesh Kangane and Mandar Cholkar.Marketing and release
The teaser of the film was released on 4 March 2022, which included a voice-over given by Raj Thackeray. The trailer of the film was released on 10 October 2022 and received 5 million views in less than 24 hours on YouTube.Theatrical
The film was released theatrically on 25 October 2022. It also became the first Marathi film to be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada languages.Home media
The film was released on 9 December 2022 on ZEE5.Reception
Har Har Mahadev met with critical acclaim, with emphasis on the direction, the cast's performance, cinematography, visual effects, and emotional weight.Subhash K Jha of IWM Buzz gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, “Go for this disarming tryst with history with open arms. It is an experience of a lifetime. Powerful and persuasive, with some sequences designed to cause goosebumps.” Shalmesh More of Koimoi.com rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote “Har Har Mahadev is driven by a story that has already been told but still deserves your watch on the big screen due to its emotional treatment. It's more than a war drama!” Mihir Bhanage of The Times of India gave the film 3 out of 5 stars and said, “The film succeeds in creating a big-screen spectacle, but the repeat value in the story dampens the spirit.”
Shaheen Irani of OTTplay rated 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, “Har Har Mahadev is a cinematic brilliance in the last hour of the film. Up to that point, you are only trying to figure out where the story is headed and where it will lead to. Even then, although the visuals are beyond appealing, the music is not.” Mayur Sanap of Rediff.com calls it an “emotionally-charged war drama” and appreciated the cast. Overall he wrote “Har Har Mahadev is not without flaws and had the potential for much more. But credit to Director Deshpande for attempting to make the tale layered and emotionally moving.” with a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Sameer Ahire of Movie Talkies criticised the direction but appreciated Kelkar, Khanvilkar, and Sanjeev's performance and wrote, “Sharad Kelkar's Electrifying Act Saves The Mediocre Vision Of Abhijeet Deshpande In This Legendary Tale.” He gave 2.5 stars out of 5. Likewise, Film Information gave positive reviews, noting Deshpande's impactful direction, dialogues, and Sadineni's camerawork but criticised the editing.