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Genres:  Historical, Drama Censor: U Duration: 90 min. Studio / Presenter: Almonds Creations, AA  Films Producer(s): Ajay Arekar Director:  Digpal Lanjekar Writer:  Digpal Lanjekar Cast:  Chinmay Mandlekar, Mrinal Kulkarni, Anup Soni, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Ankit Mohan, Nikhil Raut, Ajay Purkar, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Harish Dudhade Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

The bravery of Great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is known to all through the history books. Writer- director Digpal Lanjekar had earlier made a Marathi film ‘Farzand’ based on Kondaji Farzand one of the warriors in Shivaji Maharaj’s army. This time, the creative writer-director rewinds the first surgical attack by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through his latest Marathi film ‘Fatteshikast’ which is also a realistic historical period drama. Through this film, Digpal presents the most important episode in Shivaji Maharaj’s life, covering his brave attack on ShaisteKhan, the general in Mughal army, who had captured his Lal Mahal in Pune.

Digpal Lanjekar presents this daring first surgical attack in the Indian history, very effectively through this film. But, before that he shows some of the incidences leading to this attack, including the atrocities by Shahiste Khan and his men on the people in and around Pune. This well planned attack was cleverly executed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj along with his brave commanders like Tanaji Malusare, Bahirji Naik, Sarjerao Jedhe, Koyaji Bandal, Chimnaji and others with the help of Keshar who posed as a domestic help in the kitchen and dasi who attended ShahisteKhan’s daughter n law .

The film gives an idea of the perfect planning by the Great Maratha King before preparing for this attack during mid night hours, based on the information gathered by him through his people on secret mission, about the changes made inside the Lal Mahal. It is just not about the surgical strike on Shahiste Khan but also about their pre planned escape within a given time, to avoid facing the huge army on duty outside his place .

Talking about the performances, which are so important in this film, Mrinal Kulkarni who has played the character of Jijamata inspires the other artistes around her with her perfect dialogue deliveries and body language. Chinmay Mandlekar as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is impressive through all those scenes to his share. But, the artist who impresses the most is Harish Dudhade, who has found the most important role of Bahirji Naik. He has plenty of scope to display his multi talent in different forms. Mrunmayee Deshpande also finds a suitable challenging role of Kesar and she too has done full justice to her character. Versatile actor Ajay Purkar who seems to be the favourite of the director has also been offered an important character of Tanaji Malusare. Vikram Gaikwad, Akshay Waghmare, Ankit Mohan, Nikhil Raut , Digpal himself and others also find interesting characters.

At the same time in the Mughal team, Anup Soni presents the character of Shahistekhan effectively. He finds good support from his deputies Sameer Dharmadhikari as Namdar Khan & Astad kale as Artalab Khan in negative roles. What is good is that all these artistes from Mughal team speak good Hindi and Urdu when they communicate among themselves and others. Special mention about the beautiful cinematography at different locations by Rashmi Sarkar and brilliant music by Devdatta Manisha Baji, Not to forget the apt English subtitles by Virajas Kulkarni.

‘Fatteshikast’ is certainly a grand film with a lot of attention paid on selection of realistic locations, costumes, art design and above all the selection of renowned artistes for all those important characters in this film. So, the technical perfection and wonderful performances coming from these artistes makes this film a worth watch for all.