I am unlucky to watch this movies on phone i missed this masterpiece on threathre . But still able to give gossebumbs . This is nota stroy of an ordinariy king and his friends this is the stroy of indian most courageable person. Someof scence is unforgotable and some secnece i dont like threr is some mistakes in movies but if we ignore itwe can watch this mastetrpiece charater selection is ok but 80 percentage but shard sir nailed the role he palyed vfxis better but not so much but i think sure marathi industri will progess it background score is good some scence devlop by director but they justofy it . Overall good to watch.
23 Reviews
Extraordinary movie.
n00nesperfect27 October 2022
It is brilliant movie with extraordinary writing and direction. Actors have done great job, complexity of each individual character have performed so well. Script is good, dialogues justifies the scene. Overall fine work regarding technical aspect for action scenes and VFX. Background music is good. Subodh Bhave did justice to the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's personality so did Sharad Kelkar to Baji Prabhu's. Only down side is some characters got lesser screen time. Movie surely touch the depth of human emotions and rather than just action, it builds protagonist character thoroughly at various scenes. Overall movie looks good on screen.
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
sachinkadam-2379327 October 2022
Watch the biggest history of relationship and friendship. Friendship between bajiprabhu deshpande & chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj everyone have to watch this movie on big screen. Battle of Pävankhind was a rearguard last stand that took place on 13 July 1660, at a mountain pass in the vicinity of fort Vishalgad, near the city of Kolhapur with the Maratha warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Sambhu Singh Jadhav against Siddi Masud of the Bijapur Sultanate. Shivaji and his 300 soldiers had to break through the encirclement of Suryarao and Jaswantrao at Vishalgadh. A fierce battle ensued in which Shivaji himself fought wearing Dandpatta in his both hands. Seeing this fight, the commander of Vishalgadh fort sent help to Shivaji enabling him and his troops to reach the fort safely. Shivaji then fired cannons as a signal for Baji Prabhu to retreat.
Brilliant movie
pandasunita30 December 2022
No need to say we all love Shivaji... But despite Shivaji being in the movie and on screen, Kelkar has done a great job as deshpande... He is amazing... Great story telling, awesome pace, screenplay, especially good dialogues and their delivery.
It is a superb movie, two hours really well spent... There were times when I felt like crying... It reminded me of what my ancestors have gone through to get us what we take for granted today.
I wish someone would make a series on entire life of Shivaji... Containing all leaders and generals under him.
Please watch this movie, in this leftist world this is a breathe of fresh ancestral air.
It is a superb movie, two hours really well spent... There were times when I felt like crying... It reminded me of what my ancestors have gone through to get us what we take for granted today.
I wish someone would make a series on entire life of Shivaji... Containing all leaders and generals under him.
Please watch this movie, in this leftist world this is a breathe of fresh ancestral air.
Movie of the year
sagardjadhav6 November 2022
It is extremely rare to get to watch a movie these days where you wouldn't dare to take your eyes off the screen for even a second. Har Har Mahadev is one such movie, where the screenplay is so tight it seems as though our heads are being held in place by invisible hands coming out of the screen.
A slow start is generally forgiven so long as the remainder of the movie makes up for it. However, in the case of this movie, that isn't applicable because as there are no filler scenes in it. Every scene is momentous which gives the screenplay its fluidity; the movie flies from scene to scene.
Baji Prabhu Deshpande's (Sharad Kelkar's) entry scene coupled with a vitalizing background score is the first goosebump-inducing scene of the movie, topped only by the second entry scene (if one may call it that) of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj (played exceptionally well by Subodh Bhave.)
The dialogues are well-written, especially those spoken by Subodh Bhave; good enough to give a fair idea of how they would have sounded had Maharaj himself spoken those.
Sharad Kelkar's portrayal of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, more of his inner struggles than that of his valor, is near perfect.
Although a movie based on the same event (the battle of Pavan Khind) was released earlier this year, that is no reason to miss this magnificent movie which conveys a true story in a spectacular manner.
Do watch!
A slow start is generally forgiven so long as the remainder of the movie makes up for it. However, in the case of this movie, that isn't applicable because as there are no filler scenes in it. Every scene is momentous which gives the screenplay its fluidity; the movie flies from scene to scene.
Baji Prabhu Deshpande's (Sharad Kelkar's) entry scene coupled with a vitalizing background score is the first goosebump-inducing scene of the movie, topped only by the second entry scene (if one may call it that) of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj (played exceptionally well by Subodh Bhave.)
The dialogues are well-written, especially those spoken by Subodh Bhave; good enough to give a fair idea of how they would have sounded had Maharaj himself spoken those.
Sharad Kelkar's portrayal of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, more of his inner struggles than that of his valor, is near perfect.
Although a movie based on the same event (the battle of Pavan Khind) was released earlier this year, that is no reason to miss this magnificent movie which conveys a true story in a spectacular manner.
Do watch!
Worst worst! Spoiling history for glorifying characters
bhagyashreemote8 November 2022
Many scenes are twisted in the name of cinematic liberty. Director should focus more on detailing of the history rather than unnecessary heroic dialogues and heroism of the characters.🙏🏻👎🏻
Dubbing mistake.. main lead can't speak proper Marathi.
All the things from look to characterisation is bad and worst part is it has released in multiple languages.
People who aren't aware of our history might think this is the correct version which it isn't.
Many scenes made up and shot by their convenience.
Lot of important characters aren't even mentioned in the scenes All in all this is a bad bad version of our history they have shown and people should ban such films.
All the things from look to characterisation is bad and worst part is it has released in multiple languages.
People who aren't aware of our history might think this is the correct version which it isn't.
Many scenes made up and shot by their convenience.
Lot of important characters aren't even mentioned in the scenes All in all this is a bad bad version of our history they have shown and people should ban such films.
Will the Story Continue??
balfemayur15 December 2022
The Story is about passing down the torch to the next generation.
Baji Prabhu Deshpande laid down his life for his King Chatrapatti Shivaji Maharaj who later completed his own dream of establishing Swarjya .
But the Motherland or maybhumi will not prosper if only 1 or 2 such Great Beings choose to sacrifice themselves .
Entire Generations must sacrifice their hardwork,blood,sweat ,tears.
Then we can build a beautiful world.
Coming back to movie, Music was phenomenal, Great use of VFX, Each character had a lot of depth and personal growth towards the end of the story. Will remember in my memory for a long time.
Baji Prabhu Deshpande laid down his life for his King Chatrapatti Shivaji Maharaj who later completed his own dream of establishing Swarjya .
But the Motherland or maybhumi will not prosper if only 1 or 2 such Great Beings choose to sacrifice themselves .
Entire Generations must sacrifice their hardwork,blood,sweat ,tears.
Then we can build a beautiful world.
Coming back to movie, Music was phenomenal, Great use of VFX, Each character had a lot of depth and personal growth towards the end of the story. Will remember in my memory for a long time.
Almost wrong History, dialogues are not good
anshul_12329 October 2022
Almost wrong History. Except Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Shivaji Maharaj No other Maratha is shown who had also sacrificed for Swarajya such as Bahirji, Rayaji, Shambu singh Jadhav, Aginya. Disappointing... The direction was good. Dialogues were worse. An insult to Maratha history. Baji Prabhu Shivaji Maharaj Fight scene did not happened in Real History. Also Baji Prabhu was not there when Afzal was killed. Bahirji major contribution is not shown at any part. Music was Ok. Except Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Shivaji Maharaj No other Maratha is shown who had also sacrificed for Swarajya such as Bahirji, Rayaji, Shambu singh Jadhav, Aginya. Disappointing...
It's Indian pride
jamisrinu29 December 2022
In this movie every scene makes me goosboms. While I'm watching this movie i proud to be an indian . While watching this movie i got one thought that is "INDIANS ARE NOT A SERVANTS THEY ARE RULERS WE ARE THE RULERS" . Be proud to an indian, SHIVAJI CHHATRAPATI history it's just not an story its our PRIDE. I LIKE EVERY SCENE IN THIS MOVIE . Think for our country to make it lord of this world. I don't know who will accept my words but it's true. It's a superb movie and obey the words what SHIVAJI CHHATRAPATI says and follow those words in our daily life. Please respect women and save our indian history and our Hindu culture.
Thank you for reading this movie.
Thank you for reading this movie.
Great movie
totanchowdhury-7008513 January 2023
Har Har Mahadev is all about the glory and unheard history of Shivaji Maharaj and his brave soldiers. Bollywood has come up with some greatest historical movies of which HHM is one such movie. I applaud the entire team of HHM for presenting us a great movie in 2022. Though I watched it in January, 2023. Those of you who have not watched it, please do so. You will feel proud of your unsung heroes of the past. I am looking forward to more such movies in the near future. The makers deserve a praise. Those of you love great content should go for it. You will love it till the end. A gem of a movie I must say.
Too much dramatic
jagdishmane7 November 2022
Not close to the real history,
Liberty used to modify the situation and unwanted scenes added which dilute the grip of movie.
Film mostly not upto the marks in terms of dialog delivery and screen time wasted on unwated importance to the side actors.
Director missed the opportunity, else this film would be masterpiece.
Lot more work is remaining, instead of taking huge starcast bit more focus on story and acting is expected.
Few action scene are really good if we take it as a imagination and try not to relate with the actual history.
One time watch is ok or just wait for few days to release on OTT.
Film mostly not upto the marks in terms of dialog delivery and screen time wasted on unwated importance to the side actors.
Director missed the opportunity, else this film would be masterpiece.
Lot more work is remaining, instead of taking huge starcast bit more focus on story and acting is expected.
Few action scene are really good if we take it as a imagination and try not to relate with the actual history.
One time watch is ok or just wait for few days to release on OTT.
VFX are good but presenting wrong history.😤
batmans-816131 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I was excited about this movie because it is the first Marathi pan India movie which released in 5 languages. VFX and starcasts are good but they shown wrong history like
1) Fulaji Prabhu, Bajiprabhu's brother had betrayed him in childhood.
2) Bajiprabhu used to called as GOAN GUNDA in this movie.
3) They didn't show which peoples are involved in the battle of Pawandkhed.
4) The sacrifice of Shiva Kashid didn't shown properly.
5) Subodh bhave tried to play role of Shivrai his acting was good but he do not look like Shivaji Maharaj
6) There are many urdu and Persian used in this movie by Shivaji Maharaj.
7)Final battle was not that much engaging.
My thoughts on this movie is that this is a commercial masala historical film please do not thought it as a real history. If you want to watch the movie on this topic than I will definitely recommended the movie by Dighapal Lanjekar PAWANKHIND it is really a well made film.
2) Bajiprabhu used to called as GOAN GUNDA in this movie.
3) They didn't show which peoples are involved in the battle of Pawandkhed.
4) The sacrifice of Shiva Kashid didn't shown properly.
5) Subodh bhave tried to play role of Shivrai his acting was good but he do not look like Shivaji Maharaj
6) There are many urdu and Persian used in this movie by Shivaji Maharaj.
7)Final battle was not that much engaging.
My thoughts on this movie is that this is a commercial masala historical film please do not thought it as a real history. If you want to watch the movie on this topic than I will definitely recommended the movie by Dighapal Lanjekar PAWANKHIND it is really a well made film.
Khup faltu direction. Director doesn't understand or know true History.
patilshushrut11 December 2022
Extremely inaccurate movie in terms of History.
All 300 were completely filled with blood. They killed about 6000 . Even Chatrapati Shivaji Raje had to face 2000 before reaching the fort to sound the cannon.
Even with a lower budget Pawan Khind was so good.
This director should learn a bit of spirituality, to understand Dnandev Tukaram and how Raje was spiritual to get the sword Bhavani from Devi Bhavani. He is like God not because of his speech, but his selfless actions and his vision. The dialogues make both Baji Prabhu and Raje seem like a biggot. He was a like Chandra Gupta with Chanakya.
The unnecessary (paanchat) dialogues everywhere, shows him very ordinary. Even Baji Prabhu seems ordinary because of the direction even though what they did was extraordinary.
All 300 were completely filled with blood. They killed about 6000 . Even Chatrapati Shivaji Raje had to face 2000 before reaching the fort to sound the cannon.
Even with a lower budget Pawan Khind was so good.
This director should learn a bit of spirituality, to understand Dnandev Tukaram and how Raje was spiritual to get the sword Bhavani from Devi Bhavani. He is like God not because of his speech, but his selfless actions and his vision. The dialogues make both Baji Prabhu and Raje seem like a biggot. He was a like Chandra Gupta with Chanakya.
The unnecessary (paanchat) dialogues everywhere, shows him very ordinary. Even Baji Prabhu seems ordinary because of the direction even though what they did was extraordinary.
History is not present in factual way.. there are many controversial scenes
Swapnil_Dhabekar18 December 2022
History is shown in wrong way.. one should not make and release such movies without verifying historical facts. What message we are trying to give future generations?? .
I strongly disagree on many scenes in it.
History is not present in factual way.. there are many controversial scenes. If you look at media reports on what chatrapati sambhaji maharaj and chatrapati udyan raje bhonsale said on movie you'll come to know.. because of wrongly portraying characters and scenes without verifying from historical experts and chatrapati family group members they have strongly opposed to it.
And even if we read historical books written by very big experts you'll also come to know on the controversial scenes and and action drama shown in it.
I strongly disagree on many scenes in it.
History is not present in factual way.. there are many controversial scenes. If you look at media reports on what chatrapati sambhaji maharaj and chatrapati udyan raje bhonsale said on movie you'll come to know.. because of wrongly portraying characters and scenes without verifying from historical experts and chatrapati family group members they have strongly opposed to it.
And even if we read historical books written by very big experts you'll also come to know on the controversial scenes and and action drama shown in it.
Twisted History. POOR Dialogues, Poor Direction, Poor Story
gklolge28 October 2022
This movie is to just entertainment purpose no connection with History, Because all History is Twisted for Masala.
So Many Flaws poor Execution. Movie Doesn't connect to Audience Poor Emotional Scenes. I've really so much expectations from This Movie but totally waste of money.
Powerless Dialogues.
The Way Sharad kelkar repeatedly insulting Maharaj was awful to watch.
Baji Prabhu was so mature Warrior this movie shows him immature and selfish goon.
BGM is also poor not connecting to Scene.
If you really want to watch Movies about Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Must Watch Digpal Lanjekar's "Farzand, Fatteshikhast , PawanKhind and Sher Shivraj" Masterpiece movies featuring Chinmay Mandlekar (fame Kashmir Files).
So Many Flaws poor Execution. Movie Doesn't connect to Audience Poor Emotional Scenes. I've really so much expectations from This Movie but totally waste of money.
Powerless Dialogues.
The Way Sharad kelkar repeatedly insulting Maharaj was awful to watch.
Baji Prabhu was so mature Warrior this movie shows him immature and selfish goon.
BGM is also poor not connecting to Scene.
If you really want to watch Movies about Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Must Watch Digpal Lanjekar's "Farzand, Fatteshikhast , PawanKhind and Sher Shivraj" Masterpiece movies featuring Chinmay Mandlekar (fame Kashmir Files).
Totally Wrong History
pravinspatil-6776726 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is nothing to watch, I went to see it with high hopes but felt very sad, how can you show so much lies. He has completely misrepresented history. Maharaj Saibai is never shown as Priyasi which is wrong. The Maharaja's language was not shown to be pure, but abuse was also shown from his mouth. Actually Maharaj's language was very pure. The focus is on a single person. Bajiprabhu Deshpande is shown swearing a lot from his mouth. Attempts are made to show anything in the tone of entertainment. Not even once in the entire film has any mawra been shown doing mujra. The killing of Afzal Khan is also completely misrepresented. Acting was also not good. This movie should be banned. Because of this wrong information is being spread in the society. It has to be stopped.
Only a fake story
sandeepjsamudre200913 November 2022
Fiction to malign the images of certain... And glorifying certain people... All fake situations created.. Not supported by even 1 historian..... Pathetic story just to fill SELFCOFFERS and twisting history to suit a few...... And maligning actual people who had worked for swarajya.... All made up incidents..... Bandal Jedhe were the real warriors behind shivaji maharaj.... No doubt bajiprabhu was a good soldier of swarajya... But showing bajiprabhu fighting against shivaji maharaj .... Is pathetic.... Twisting history to fit in false agenda against maharaj and swarajya by a few elitists.... To suit future course of people diversion....
Incorrect history, Bad language
bhushankulkarni-3979824 January 2023
There is no proof saying that Bajiprabhu fought against Shivaji Maharaj, as shown in movie. Subodh Bhave doesn't fit in this role. Dialogue writing is very poor, low level of language used. Afzalkhan episode is badly pictured. Character of Bandal/Patil is shown as villian, it doesn't have historical proof. Market of women is shown in movie, doesn't have any proof or reference. Fulaji (Baji's elder brother) character is also shown as bad boy. Twisted facts, twisted history. Any pan-India movie should not make such kind of errors. Better to read books to know real history.
The other movie on the same topic Pavankhind is much better than this one.
The other movie on the same topic Pavankhind is much better than this one.
All good but Shivaji casting not suited to the actor
kartikkartik42023 January 2023
All good but Shivaji casting not suited to the actor. Remaining castings are appropriate and their acting. Some newbie acting are lame. Locations are proper. Shivaji actor must do some body work and grace. His look is not suited to Shivaji. He should not be cast as Shivaji even though he is acclaimed actor. Sharad kelkar is the most suited to the character in entire movie. Movie length, as usual in Indian movies, is the problem. He did the excellent lead role. I wish he'll get more and more better movies in future. Subhod may be good actor but he have limitations to suit some characters such as Shivaji.
Sharad Kelkar's Electrifying Act Saves The Mediocre Vision Of Abhijeet Deshpande In This Legendary Tale.
SAMTHEBESTEST26 October 2022
Har Har Mahadev (2022) :
Movie Review -
The presence of Subodh Bhave as Chhatrapati Shivaji and Sharad Kelkar in the role of Baji Prabhu Deshpande has made Har Har Mahadev the biggest Marathi film of the year. Abhijeet Deshpande shares the same surname as the brave warrior, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, so his coming up with a film on his life was definitely exciting. One thing that decreased the excitement was Digpal Lanjekar's "Pavan Khind," which was based on the same topic was released in February of this year. It is becoming too mainstream nowadays. Every 2-3 months, we have a historical film made on Chhatrapati Shivaji or his warriors, which results in deducting the potential of those films. Pavan Khind was awaited even before the pandemic, so it emerged as a super hit despite average content. Abhijeet Deshpande carries the same story with some additional affairs and a long narrative. Har Har Mahadev tells the backstory of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, which we never got to see on screen. We have seen his famous fight in Ghod Khind, but we hardly know about how he joined forces with Shivaji. Director Deshpande takes that challenge, but his overuse of cinematic liberty and hard-core action spoils the fun. I saw Snyder's "300" when I was in college and always thought this legendary tale of 300 warriors was so similar to our history of Baji Prabhu Deshpande. I kept asking myself when we would have a film made on that scale and with such high vision. But it seems that it's not possible for today's filmmakers, who are too obsessed with outdated hardcore visions. Maybe someday, if Rajamouli attempts it. If he can make Bahubali and RRR so grand and visually splendid despite their weak writing, then just imagine what he will do with the legendary tales from the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Abhijeet Deshpande is a huge admirer of Rajamouli, but he doesn't seem to have that kind of vision, or even half of that. His previous outing with Subodh Bhave, "Ani Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar," was underwhelming too (it was a Super hit at the box office). Of course, Subodh Bhave had already done classic biopics like "Balgandharva" and "Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush" and Kashinath was nowhere close to that. With Har Har Mahadev, I expected Deshpande to recover the loss, but here he lost a few more bucks. Har Har Mahadev is hardly an average flick with outdated action scenes and a terrible execution of Mr. Deshpande that might please kids.
Har Har Mahadev is not just about Baji Prabhu Deshpande, but it also pulls off other famous events from the nearby period. From Baji Prabhu's early days before he joined Shivaji and Shivaji's famous meeting with Afzalkhan at Pratapgadh to Baji Prabhu's extraordinary battle in the Pavan Khind, Har Har Mahadev carries three stories together. Deshpande has written a film from a different perception, but I think that's one of the big mistakes here. Even Om Raut did the same thing with his "Tanhaji," but his brilliant cinematic vision didn't let people think about it. We have all been hearing about Shivaji Maharaj and his mawla's stories since childhood. I have grown up with them, from history books to TV series to YouTube videos. These stories are stored in my head. What we know about Pavan Khind is that Baji Prabhu was a loyal servant of Shivaji Maharaj, but here Deshpande shows him as a very self-centred and confused man. That's so stupid, man. Stop using cinematic liberty in the stories that have already been fitted into people's minds. Why should that freedom of cinematic liberty taint our historical narratives? Better save it for fictional action epics. Even that point is arguable, but who wants to see the same story with different anecdotes? Pavan Khind shows something different, Har Har Mahadev has something different to say, the TV serial has school books followed, and then YouTube videos show something totally different. Why can't everybody keep it just the same?
Har Har Mahadev is filled with outdated scenes and hard-core action sequences that looked great in the 80s. In one of the scenes, Siddhi Johar throws a javelin at a distance where others need arrows to reach, and guess what, he hits it through a man. Holy smoke! Even Olympic gold medal winner Neeraj Chopra won't be able to do that. Then, in the next scene, he meets Baji Prabhu there, alone. Yet, there were no fights, no weapons, and they just let each other go as if they were casual friends. The action scenes have terrible pauses and illogical waving. Baji Prabhu can fly like an Iron Man, while somebody would suddenly come and hit him with a hammer or a rock. What were you doing up till now, boys? Why does Baji have to be shown as such a disrespectful man when you are going to show his great sacrifice at the end? And what were other clever people doing when Baji was openly talking about finishing Shivaji? Tell me, who would have heard that in real?
Sharad Kelkar's electrifying performance comes to the rescue in this dated, mediocre show. He is fantastic as Baji and suits the character very well. He played Chhatarapati Shivaji with so much conviction in Om Raut's Tanhaji, and now he repeats the same success with Abhijeet Deshpande's Har Har Mahadev. Subodh Bhave may be a man of biopics in the Marathi cinema industry, but he could have done a lot better as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj here. That magic of Balgandharva and Lokmanya was missing here. Amruta Khanvilkar and Sayli Sanjeev had small roles, but they did their best. I am not sure whether Milind Shinde was playing himself or Siddi Johar. The supporting cast is strictly okay.
Coming to the technical aspects of Har Har Mahadev, it seemed like a very lavish film. However, it hasn't been used up to its potential. The sets and visuals are good, while the cinematography is fantastic in some scenes. The background score lacks vibrating values, but that "Baji Ra Zunjar Baji Ra" really stays with you for some time. Har Har Mahadev has some breathtaking action scenes and jittering dialogues that enhance your viewing experience. The editing could have been better, though. It is a long film, about 160 minutes, which wasn't necessary at all. Abhijeet Deshpande talks well about SS Rahamouli, but it would have been much better if he could have matched even half of his vision. Har Har Mahadev was a great opportunity to create a Magnum Opus that would be celebrated by cinema lovers beyond regional borders like 300, Bahubali, and RRR. But all he wanted to make was an average lavish film that would fade away from people's minds as soon as they reached home from the theatre. Enough of these mediocritties, man. These legendary tales of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and history of Maratha deserve legendary films like Ben Hur, Mayabazar and Mughal E Azam, not this typical outdated and tiring action mania. I hope our filmmakers will understand this very soon.
RATING - 5/10*
The presence of Subodh Bhave as Chhatrapati Shivaji and Sharad Kelkar in the role of Baji Prabhu Deshpande has made Har Har Mahadev the biggest Marathi film of the year. Abhijeet Deshpande shares the same surname as the brave warrior, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, so his coming up with a film on his life was definitely exciting. One thing that decreased the excitement was Digpal Lanjekar's "Pavan Khind," which was based on the same topic was released in February of this year. It is becoming too mainstream nowadays. Every 2-3 months, we have a historical film made on Chhatrapati Shivaji or his warriors, which results in deducting the potential of those films. Pavan Khind was awaited even before the pandemic, so it emerged as a super hit despite average content. Abhijeet Deshpande carries the same story with some additional affairs and a long narrative. Har Har Mahadev tells the backstory of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, which we never got to see on screen. We have seen his famous fight in Ghod Khind, but we hardly know about how he joined forces with Shivaji. Director Deshpande takes that challenge, but his overuse of cinematic liberty and hard-core action spoils the fun. I saw Snyder's "300" when I was in college and always thought this legendary tale of 300 warriors was so similar to our history of Baji Prabhu Deshpande. I kept asking myself when we would have a film made on that scale and with such high vision. But it seems that it's not possible for today's filmmakers, who are too obsessed with outdated hardcore visions. Maybe someday, if Rajamouli attempts it. If he can make Bahubali and RRR so grand and visually splendid despite their weak writing, then just imagine what he will do with the legendary tales from the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Abhijeet Deshpande is a huge admirer of Rajamouli, but he doesn't seem to have that kind of vision, or even half of that. His previous outing with Subodh Bhave, "Ani Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar," was underwhelming too (it was a Super hit at the box office). Of course, Subodh Bhave had already done classic biopics like "Balgandharva" and "Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush" and Kashinath was nowhere close to that. With Har Har Mahadev, I expected Deshpande to recover the loss, but here he lost a few more bucks. Har Har Mahadev is hardly an average flick with outdated action scenes and a terrible execution of Mr. Deshpande that might please kids.
Har Har Mahadev is not just about Baji Prabhu Deshpande, but it also pulls off other famous events from the nearby period. From Baji Prabhu's early days before he joined Shivaji and Shivaji's famous meeting with Afzalkhan at Pratapgadh to Baji Prabhu's extraordinary battle in the Pavan Khind, Har Har Mahadev carries three stories together. Deshpande has written a film from a different perception, but I think that's one of the big mistakes here. Even Om Raut did the same thing with his "Tanhaji," but his brilliant cinematic vision didn't let people think about it. We have all been hearing about Shivaji Maharaj and his mawla's stories since childhood. I have grown up with them, from history books to TV series to YouTube videos. These stories are stored in my head. What we know about Pavan Khind is that Baji Prabhu was a loyal servant of Shivaji Maharaj, but here Deshpande shows him as a very self-centred and confused man. That's so stupid, man. Stop using cinematic liberty in the stories that have already been fitted into people's minds. Why should that freedom of cinematic liberty taint our historical narratives? Better save it for fictional action epics. Even that point is arguable, but who wants to see the same story with different anecdotes? Pavan Khind shows something different, Har Har Mahadev has something different to say, the TV serial has school books followed, and then YouTube videos show something totally different. Why can't everybody keep it just the same?
Har Har Mahadev is filled with outdated scenes and hard-core action sequences that looked great in the 80s. In one of the scenes, Siddhi Johar throws a javelin at a distance where others need arrows to reach, and guess what, he hits it through a man. Holy smoke! Even Olympic gold medal winner Neeraj Chopra won't be able to do that. Then, in the next scene, he meets Baji Prabhu there, alone. Yet, there were no fights, no weapons, and they just let each other go as if they were casual friends. The action scenes have terrible pauses and illogical waving. Baji Prabhu can fly like an Iron Man, while somebody would suddenly come and hit him with a hammer or a rock. What were you doing up till now, boys? Why does Baji have to be shown as such a disrespectful man when you are going to show his great sacrifice at the end? And what were other clever people doing when Baji was openly talking about finishing Shivaji? Tell me, who would have heard that in real?
Sharad Kelkar's electrifying performance comes to the rescue in this dated, mediocre show. He is fantastic as Baji and suits the character very well. He played Chhatarapati Shivaji with so much conviction in Om Raut's Tanhaji, and now he repeats the same success with Abhijeet Deshpande's Har Har Mahadev. Subodh Bhave may be a man of biopics in the Marathi cinema industry, but he could have done a lot better as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj here. That magic of Balgandharva and Lokmanya was missing here. Amruta Khanvilkar and Sayli Sanjeev had small roles, but they did their best. I am not sure whether Milind Shinde was playing himself or Siddi Johar. The supporting cast is strictly okay.
Coming to the technical aspects of Har Har Mahadev, it seemed like a very lavish film. However, it hasn't been used up to its potential. The sets and visuals are good, while the cinematography is fantastic in some scenes. The background score lacks vibrating values, but that "Baji Ra Zunjar Baji Ra" really stays with you for some time. Har Har Mahadev has some breathtaking action scenes and jittering dialogues that enhance your viewing experience. The editing could have been better, though. It is a long film, about 160 minutes, which wasn't necessary at all. Abhijeet Deshpande talks well about SS Rahamouli, but it would have been much better if he could have matched even half of his vision. Har Har Mahadev was a great opportunity to create a Magnum Opus that would be celebrated by cinema lovers beyond regional borders like 300, Bahubali, and RRR. But all he wanted to make was an average lavish film that would fade away from people's minds as soon as they reached home from the theatre. Enough of these mediocritties, man. These legendary tales of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and history of Maratha deserve legendary films like Ben Hur, Mayabazar and Mughal E Azam, not this typical outdated and tiring action mania. I hope our filmmakers will understand this very soon.
RATING - 5/10*
Strong Story but in wrong hands
vaibhavparab-3370029 October 2022
Makers could have done much better job with the powerful base story but they stuck with mediocre cinematography, poor screenwriting, below average movie editing and dictating essay like dialogues before every action scene.
Background music is so bad it plays different music for 2 different characters in single scene. Shivaji Maharaj doesn't feel Shivaji Maharaj at all. Story is rushed trying to show too many things in short span of time through too many ways. Action scenes try to copy best moves from some recent movies but fails miserably.
You can see rain appearing and disappearing at creator's convenience. Day will go to night scene and night will go to day scene without any thought. Bajiprabhu Deshpande and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are legends but the creators failed to make this venture legendary.
Background music is so bad it plays different music for 2 different characters in single scene. Shivaji Maharaj doesn't feel Shivaji Maharaj at all. Story is rushed trying to show too many things in short span of time through too many ways. Action scenes try to copy best moves from some recent movies but fails miserably.
You can see rain appearing and disappearing at creator's convenience. Day will go to night scene and night will go to day scene without any thought. Bajiprabhu Deshpande and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are legends but the creators failed to make this venture legendary.
Would have loved the movie if Gashmeer Mahajani had played the role of shivaji
jesalgandhi-8711327 October 2022
Am a non marathi but love watching marathi historical movies. I have seen all movies made on shivaji maharaj. This movie would have been more impactful with wonderful intense acting by Gashmeer Mahajani. Subodh bhave was absolutely unsuitable for the role. Subodh has gentle and soft features.
Sharad Kelkar was absolute delight to watch. He is just perfect for such roles. I watched this movie because of sharad Kelkar. Amruta is sweet and does justice to the role. All the others were just ok. Most of them did their bit but not so memorable.
Overall this movie could have been better with better starcast --- GASHMEER .
They shouldn't have changed the historical events. Like shivaji was stabbed in the head in the movie. Never before have we seen or read such a thing.
Sharad Kelkar was absolute delight to watch. He is just perfect for such roles. I watched this movie because of sharad Kelkar. Amruta is sweet and does justice to the role. All the others were just ok. Most of them did their bit but not so memorable.
Overall this movie could have been better with better starcast --- GASHMEER .
They shouldn't have changed the historical events. Like shivaji was stabbed in the head in the movie. Never before have we seen or read such a thing.
Watch Pavankhind Instead
ramansharma-912573 January 2023
Twisted History. Wrong Story. Insult to brave Maratha Warriors.
Bajiprabhu Deshpande was shown as nothing but a goon who's only motive was to be a brave man in front of his son. He also swears a lot. There was no loyalty shown towards Maharaj.
There is no record of a fight between Shivaji Maharaj and Bajiprabhu Deshpande in history. But his was shown in the movie.
Subodh Bhave could not give justice to the role of Maharaj in any way.
Shiva Kashid's sacrifice was not shown in a proper way.
Fulajiprabhu Deshpande was shown as a coward who left his brother in danger. There was no bond between the brothers.
Bahirji Naik was not even mentioned in the movie.
Even, Siddhi Johar was looking like a joker and not a villain.
Total waste of talent due to stupid twisted story, overdramatic dialogues and worthless direction.
Conclusion: Don't even bother to watch this one.
Bajiprabhu Deshpande was shown as nothing but a goon who's only motive was to be a brave man in front of his son. He also swears a lot. There was no loyalty shown towards Maharaj.
There is no record of a fight between Shivaji Maharaj and Bajiprabhu Deshpande in history. But his was shown in the movie.
Subodh Bhave could not give justice to the role of Maharaj in any way.
Shiva Kashid's sacrifice was not shown in a proper way.
Fulajiprabhu Deshpande was shown as a coward who left his brother in danger. There was no bond between the brothers.
Bahirji Naik was not even mentioned in the movie.
Even, Siddhi Johar was looking like a joker and not a villain.
Total waste of talent due to stupid twisted story, overdramatic dialogues and worthless direction.
Conclusion: Don't even bother to watch this one.
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