Har Har Mahadev Review - Story

Har Har Mahadev begins by touching upon the rule of Watandars and the trivial disputes between them. Shivaji Maharaj (Subodh Bhave) and his soldiers are trapped in Panhala fort, surrounded by troops of the Adil Shahi sultanate led by Siddi Johar (Milind Shinde). The film deals with the efforts of Baji Prabhu Deshpande (Sharad Kelkar) and his Maratha soldiers and how they rescue their Maharaj from the Panhala fort.

Har Har Mahadev Review - Analysis

More than the war, Har Har Mahadev brings forth the human side of a warrior without being overly sentimental. The film's first half explores Shivaji's relationship with his trusted commander Baji Prabhu. The setting is gripping and has been mounted on a lavish scale. Director Abhijeet Deshpande brings out the human tale and showcases us behind the scenes of these ruthless warriors in an engaging manner.

How Baji Prabhu Deshpande is initially not keen on joining forces with Shivaji. This side of the story was seldom explored and hence makes for an interesting watch. Adding to this, the performances are top notch. The costumes, dialogue diction and arresting visuals hold your attention in the first half. What clicks in this film is Har Har Mahadev takes the action choreography to a different level. The thumping background score during the battle scenes is amazing. Sharad Kelkar as Baji Prabhu Deshpande steals the show with his acting prowess and an overall display of layered emotions. In a way, Sharad is heroic in every scene from the beginning to the end. Mohan Joshi comes in a very brief role and even though it’s forgettable. Subodh Bhave in the role of Shivaji does not appear for the longest time but creates an impact. The VFX is tacky and more montage scenes to depict the pain would have made a lot of difference. All songs support the film well along with a powerful BGM, but it’s the ‘Baji Ra’ song which keeps playing in your head even after leaving the theatre. Novelty wise, there is nothing new as Marathi cinema has already dwelled on this subject in a different manner. In a way, one would miss the commercialization of the film as it runs on a plain thread.

Har Har Mahadev Review - Verdict

Har Har Mahadev is a film that has a familiar premise and a known story. But still, it makes up for a decent watch thanks to the decent drama and gripping setting. If you lower your expectations and give this film a shot, it will manage to impress you.