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Genres:  Drama Censor: UA Duration: 125 min. Studio / Presenter: A Prabodhan Films, Sawai Martand Films Producers: Priyanka Kagle, Khushal Mhetre, Utkarsh Kudale DOP: Sunil Borkar, Nishant Bhagwat Director: Khushal Mhetre Cast:  Santosh Juvekar, Makarand Deshpande, Kishor Kadam, Abhijit Chavan, Prashant Mohite Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is considered as a great source of inspiration by people of Maharashtra. And therefore, today we find some of our politicians taking advantage of this situation, to exploit the sentiments of the people, when it comes to gaining or retaining their power. Best examples are caste politics and statue politics. But, is this what is going to benefit the new generation? This is what the latest released Marathi film ‘Chhatrapati Shasan‘ has tried to show with a timely message.

This film narrates the principles on which the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj emphasized during his rule. The film does highlight some of the important issues, such as instead of worshiping symbols and idols or excitedly raising slogans like ‘Jai Shivaji’, it is important to understand the truth about the strategies of Shivaji Maharaj while establishing his empire through his wisdom, bravery and thoughts.

The first half of ‘Chhatrapati Shasan‘ film wastes a lot of time, explaining about the existing situation in villages where the so called leaders using Shivaji Maharaj as their strength, don’t know much about the great warrior and his ideology. But then, in the second half of the film we find the emergence of a protagonist, who wants to educate the people from his village towards progress, by starting their own company with active participation from one and all. There are many such scenes in the film, which hits out at the blind faith some people have in their leaders. But, at the same time, it shows how the mindset of young leaders can change, after realizing their own weaknesses.

The film also reveals some of the facts, which made Shivaji Maharaj so popular among the people of all castes and religions. At the same time it also removes the misconception that Shivaji Maharaj was anti-Muslim, citing examples from history, how many of his close associates and loyalists were Muslims, who helped him win many battles. ‘Trust’ was the key in his administration, which helped him to achieve success and become the first Management Guru. This is what the film highlights This is what the film highlights, as the perception differs from person to person.

Director Khushal Mhetre who has also written the screenplay and dialogues of this film, has been able to show his strengths, particularly in the second half. Through all the four important characters, namely Ranjit ( Santosh Juvekar), Amar ( Prashant Mohite), Samar Sir ( Makarand Deshpande) and a wanderer ( Kishore Kadam) he has tried to present his subject and all these artistes have responded well. There is no scope for female artistes in the film, as it is a male dominated film with a serious subject. However, few characters like a so called Don played by Abhijeet Chavan and others try to generate some humour for a change. The inclusion of dance seemed to be unnecessary in the screenplay. Photography is good but the music did not appeal much. Kishore Kadam has impressed through his meaningful poems. All in all, ‘Chhatrapati Shasan‘ is a timely film with a social message.