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Sher Shivraj (2022) : Movie Review -

Historical is one of my favourite genres in the movies. You don't have to write anything fictional because many historical stories make better scripts than fiction. Even in Hollywood, magnus opus like "Birth Of A Nation" (1915), "Ben-Hur" (1925), and the talkie version of 1959, "The Ten Commandments" (1923), and the talkie version of 1956, stand the test of time because of historical references that aren't fictional. In India, we have "Maya Bazaar" (1957) and "Mughal E Azam" (1960) that have remained iconic for years and will remain evergreen forever. Ashutosh Gowariker's "Jodha Akbar" (2008), SLB's "Bajirao Mastani" (2015), "Padmaavat" (2018), and Om Raut's recent blockbuster "Tanhaji" (2020) are good examples of historical dramas. In Marathi cinema, there was Bhalji Pendharkar's super hit "Chhatrapati Shivaji" (1952) that set the benchmark, and to name one good film from recent times, I'd like to add Om Raut's Lokmanya (2015) for its experimental storytelling. Interestingly, Lokmanya also had Chinmay Mandlekar playing one of the most important parts. The same man is on board for an 8-part series of Digpal Lanjekar based on the glorious tales of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. These stories of brave Maratha warriors are better than Baahubali, but unfortunately, Digpal Lanjekar couldn't match the level with this much budget, but I guess more than the budget, the major thing he lacked was presentation. Whether it was Farzand, Fatteshikast, or Pawankhind, all these films had great stories but couldn't make great films. The commercial success of those films is a different thing, so let's just not get into that argument. The films weren't critic-proof. That's what I'm worried about. Like I said, it wasn't just about budget, but storytelling too. Om Raut's vision, which made Tanhaji hold your breath, wasn't just about budget. I mean, the climax was all about setting those scenes in the right manner. That hand-cutting scene has visuals, but the slow motion graphics make it incredible. Om Raut had that vision, while Digpal missed it with the previous three films in the franchise. Now, the fourth one, Sher Shivraj, comes as a celebration because Digpal has surpassed those films and finally cracked the right formula.

Sher Shivraj is based on the most popular chapter from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's history book, "The Slaughter of Afzal Khan." This is the first film in the franchise that is completely based on Chhatrapati Shivaji's bravery and also has the most amount of action. Farzand was about Kondaji Farzand, a lesser-known story. Fatteshikast was about Shayistekhan's finger cutting, a less action-driven film. Pawan Khind was about Bajiprabhu Deshpande, a very popular chapter, but it wasn't fully focused on any one man. Sher Shivraj is about Chhatrapati Shivaji versus Afzal Khan, probably the most dangerous and powerful enemy the Maratha king ever faced. This story has everything, I mean, it easily beats Bahubali or any other historical tale of bravery, and thankfully, Digpal understood that while making it. Sher Shivraj gives the most detailed analysis you will ever see of the Afzal Khan slaughtering story. What we know from the school books, TV series, and YouTube videos is that Adil Shah's Begum announces a prize in the courtage for finishing Raje Shivaji, and then a tall, strong, and ferocious commander, Afzal Khan, takes the challenge. He goes on to destroy temples, rape women, kill children, and then finally arranges a friendly meeting with Shivaji. However, his main plan is to kill Shivaji by treachery. On the other side, Raje Shivaji knows it already and sets up his own plan to kill the evil guy. We've all heard this story, but Sher Shivraj provides a fantastic extension and detailing of it. We didn't know that Afzal Khan had killed Shivaji's elder brother and humiliated his father, Shahaji Raje, too. The entire trap of Shivaji is much more than just that meeting. The film shows you that. From adding spice and sweetness to his food, only to arrange his anger accordingly, that Ayurveda's reference, the planning for the special weapon, and which part of the body should be struck. Digpal's writing tells you small small details like this and many more.

Chinmay Mandlekar seems to have fixed everything that was needed for the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. What a king-size entry he has in this film. Certainly, the best - even better than Farzand. I must say, this man is on a riot! Absolutely riot. Pawan Khind in February, The Kashmir Files in March and now Sher Shivraj in April. Three powerful performances in three straight months. A rare achievement for an actor. Mukesh Rishi makes a perfect Afzal Khan for you. He has those scary eyes and stalwart physics to match the evilness of that cruel character. His accent, too, works in his favor. Almost every actor shines in a supporting role. Mrunal Kulkarni as Jijau, Ajay Purkar as Tanhaji, Digpal Lanjekar as Bahirji, Sameer Dharmadhikari as Krushanjiraje, Dipti Ketkar as Deepai, Isha Keskar as Saibai, Madhvi Nimkar as Soyrabai, Dynanesh Wadekar as Krushnaji, Vaibhav Mangle as Bokil, Atad Kale as Vishwas, Akshay Waghmare as Gole and Varsha Usgaokar as Begum amongst others have done good jobs. Sher Shivraj gets full marks for the visual spectacle it offers. The entry scene of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is so beautiful to watch. First they introduce you to other pals one-by-one, and every single person has action to do in those 10-second entry scenes. A popular folk song about God is playing, and then comes the King, Raje Shivaji, in that yellow smoke. That's metaphor at its massy best. The action scenes in the film are much better than in the previous three films by Digpal Lanjekar. In Farzand, we never saw the troops of 2000 people as mentioned. The same happened in Fattehshikast, while Pawan Khind had its own different issues. But Sher Shivraj is an improvement over those. Music plays an important role here. The entry scene song, one more folk song, and that popular Garjana from Nitin Chandrakant Desai's Raja Shivchhatrapati in the climax, will give you goosebumps.

Unfortunately, the film has a few technical glitches that could have been repaired, but Digpal doesn't seem to have noticed them. The same glitches you saw in the previous films, and Digpal has to be blamed for that. Some of the funny dialogues look spoofy and spoil the mood. One or two songs appear on the wrong occasions, and why is this film so loud sometimes? I mean, was it trying to challenge Rocky Bhai's KFG Chapter 2 in loudness? There are some flaws that can't be forgiven, but let's be happy that the amount is less this time. I have grown up from reading this story in 4th grade to watching YouTube versions of it. Every time I think about it, it makes me nostalgic. Watching that nostalgia on screen easily puts the cinematic mistakes behind. Despite the faults, the way Digpal has tried to make it different is really commendable. The film starts with Hiranyakashyapu's tale, but who would have thought that it could be connected to Shivaji vs. Afzal Khan? That emotional speech Shivaji makes after Tanhaji Malusare is forced to slash explores the love and friendship he shares with his warriors. Also, that Goddess' dream sequence, even though it comes with bad VFX, is so good on-paper. Digpal has truly surpassed the previous films and has finally shown improvement in his storytelling. Sher Shivaraj is by far the most glorious chapter in the Digpal Lanjekar's historical series on legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and by god's grace it came for the most popular chapter too. Just don't miss it!

RATING - 7/10*

Film Review: Sher Shivraj ( screening successfully in theatres) #sanjuzzreviews #SherShivraj #SherShivrajMarathiMovie After Farzand, Fatteshikhast, Pawankhind comes Sher ShivRaj, the 4th installment chronicling the life of the great Maratha king, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This is a part of the planned 8 part series on the great leaders life.

Directed by Digpal Lanjekar, Sher Shivraj is a dramatic retelling of the slaying Afzal Khan, the mighty Adilshahi general from Bijapur at the foothills of Pratapgad fort in Maharashtra.

It shows how it is possible to beat a physically stronger adversary using proper planning with a backup plan, human psychology and keeping one's wits intact in case of any last minute surprises.

Chinmay Mandlekar as Shivaji is brilliant. The guy seems to have mastered the role of Shivaji Maharaj and is at the top of his game.

Mukesh Rishi as the imposing Afzal Khan is another standout performer. Other usual suspects, Mrunal Kulkarni, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Ajay Purkar, Vaibhav Mangle, Isha Keskar and Lanjekar himself as the Bahirji Naik are brilliant as usual.

The background music is awesome and the songs are good, especially Shivba Raja. Comic movements added in the film also add a lot of flavor before the earth shattering climax.

All in all, a well directed film and a visual treat indeed. However the adrenaline rush moments were a notch higher in Pawankhind.

That doesn't take anything away from this one ... Highly recommended & everyone should watch it in theatres. The ending gives is a glimpse of the next part of the series, Shivajis escape from Aurangzebs clutches in Agra.... Coming soon!!

3.5/5 from me .... Adios 🙂

Good movie to watch for especially the director digpal has done great work on life of shivaji maharaj the movie depicts the shivaji maharaj and afzalkhan saga in a very good manner.

Chinmay Mandlekar Sir Hatts off to you👏👏👏After Pawankhind and Kashmir Files i am big fan of yours now. What a Acting. As Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj you did great job👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏Well done sir. I request director of this movie Digpal Lanjekar Sir Please increase your Budget and use good VFX and Release in More Languages so You can get more Audience and more budget for next Projet.🙏🙏🙏🙏

This series of Chattrapati Shivaji's momentous events in Indian history is a great education for the kids. Amazing storyline and great acting by all characters.

This movie deserves an award. Excellent direction and screenplay. The first half is a little stretched but the climax is pure gold😍 The BGM during the climax scene is just treat for the ears. Digpal Lanjekar is gem of a person is direction is just amazing. The acting by Chinmay Mandlekar in the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja is just excellent.

In short the bgm, story, acting, screenplay everything is great. Just go and experience this excellent piece of art.

Bomby film industry Bollywood Preaching as, shan of Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Is it ?

If it is, Then Something is gonna wrong Is The Chatrapati Belongs to Maharashtra Is the Chatrapati idol for each & every Maharashtrian.

At least each & every marathi spiking people Which is not less than 11 million people's & they are ready for buying a move tickets For movie on the Chatrapati Then how they dare not give shows To movie Sher shivraj

This message is a varchual stone Which has capacity to Breack theatre owner ego, distributers jaw holding Marathi film industry.

After Pawankhind I just saw this Masterpiece.👏👏👏great work by Chinmay Mandlekar and Director Digpal. Great Work. Everybody Should Watch this Movie👏 Please increase you shows. Limited shows in theatres. No Primetime shows. All shows are morning or afternoon. How can we Watch this movie on Weekends or Evenings with family. Please look into this matter. Why other states movies has 5 shows in every theatre and only 1 show for Marathi Movie in each theatre. This is Maharashtra and Marathi Cinema has limited shows. This is not acceptable. In Mumbai Kannada, Telgue and Tamil language Movies Shows is Equal to Marathi Movies Shows. This is not right. They think Mumbai is not a part of Maharashtra and It is Union territory of India and only Beneficial for Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra and North Indian States. They all are taking advantages of Marathi People because of Maharashtrians have Secular Mindset. We thinks all indians are our brother and Sister but they don't think. They think about their people and their Language.

Beautifully portrayed Shivaji Maharaj. Must watch for everyone. Very good series' of movies on Shivaji Maharaj. Support such movies so that more such movies are made.

Need to watch everyone as its based on true historical event. If we made strategies and will execute with sharply then offcourse we will get definitely success.

This chapter is the most important, the most glorious and highly proud moment of History.

Larger than life act of Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but Lanjekar failed to portrait the richness of it.

Sound design of movie is low.

Music and DOP could be more impactful.

Only Chinmay Mandlekar's efforts are up to mark.

Detailed discription of the whole story makes the film unique and interesting. Along with the thrill audience enjoys the small perks of comic element in it also. Story is truly inspiring. Must watch!

Perfect.

Extremely well made with lots of patience, there is no temptation to add emotional drama to encash on emotions of people... Explores the strategical and analytical side of Shivaji Maharaj and his team.

The story shows how he was blessed with patience and never let his ego come in the way of his aim. He had no problem accepting where his weakness lies and from there he was able to find ways to overcome it... Great character building of all involved, even the character of Afzal Khan is brought to life without making him look pure evil. He is shown to do all that we know he did but it's presented in a way that only defines him as a man on a mission, no matter how wrong that is.

Another great aspect of the movie is highlighting the role of Maratha women in the fight for Swaraj... Shivaji was all that his mother made him, there are moments when he goes undecisive but his mother and his wife are there to remind him that they are not afraid of losing him for the cause he was born to serve. There are other brave Maratha women who play their roles including fighting in the war.

Sadly North India's dominant narrative of History has kept us away from such great stories from the rest of India... Hopefully, such movies are made all over India and such stories reach all homes in this country.

Being a tamil, I never got introduced to Marati movie. Thanks to Amazon prime that I was able to watch the movie with subtitles. I randomly watched the movie.

It is a good movie with no compromise in production value. The running time of the movie is around 2 and a half hours which flies like anything because of the engaging screenplay.

Kuduos to the entire team and it is very much required to watch such a kind of movies to educate ourselves about our glorious past.

I am eagerly waiting for the next part.

Each and every details presented so brilliantly. The Battle of Pratapgad is biggest chapter in Maratha Kingdom and all the small details are noted very carefully. Also the cast is amazing, Mrunal Kulkarni is always best for Rajmata Jijau but others also played the character so beutifully. A must watch movie to experience the Battle of Pratapgad and Glory of Maratha Empire. Waiting for Next Release.

We need more movies like this that can show the real history unapologetically. Chattatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the greatest warrior, the death of Afzal khan was well planned by the great Chattatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

From this movie we can learn that wisdom is greater than strength.

Another attempt of government backed history twisting thriller. This time its so cheap and pathetic try of changing the facts that you'll laugh your @$$ off !

Useless propaganda, you can't change history morons!

This film is stunning and well filmed portraying the incidents of Shivaji Maharaj. All the performances from the cast was brilliant and the background score is really good. Must watch by everyone.

It was an unique experience to watch this movie.... What a wonderful movie it is. A must watch Film. Dont ask just go and watch this experience. This movie tells how great and brave your ancestars history is .

Good Story. Good Screenplay. Good Acting. Must Watch.

The Drawback I feel is that the story should have included the mention of Samarth Ramdas, and his special letter to Shivaji Maharaj, with the special secret code.

Apart from this, the movie is the best.

Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji.

The cast of the movie, making, direction,everything is too good.

You must know whou all and how people fought for us in past.

We should be grateful ro them JAY BHAVANI JAY SHIVAJI.

Last seen when Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj kills Afzal khan is so awesome and proud feeling.. just goosebumps..... Must watch this movie. Chattrapati shivaji Maharaj ki jai.....