Vipashayana Tanwar

One line verdict- Phenomenal attempt to portray the Maratha valour and intricacies of political situation of 18th century India! A definite MUST WATCH ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It was an absolute privilege to watch a film like this in our times today. The unusual, unheard and little known story of 1769 battle of Panipat has been beautifully rendered on the screen by Ashutosh Gowarikar. Many might complain the length of the film, but one gets so invested in the characters, and more specifically the political dynamics involving alliances, betrayal and finally war, that the length of the movie does not bore. 1) Arjun despite being critiqued relentlessly on social media has done a surprisingly good job with his character. I feel it is the story and direction of Gowarikar which has done the magic. 2) The set design, costume and jewellery is era appropriate and there is some amount of restrain in it to keep it true to 18th century India. Unlike the costume fantasies of Bhansali, where extravagance is shown despite it being absolutely historically inaccurate (case in point Devdas where luxury enjoyed by a small zamindari family was just too much and even the nawab of Bengal could not have imagined that, or in Padmavat where sets were too grand and all over the place for 13th century Chittor, Gowarikar’s treatment with costumes and sets is very nuanced and accurate to the times) 3) the treatment of history is the strongest part of the film. The film, after several years of high quality research with help from subject experts packs in the narrative all the nuances of politics of the times. The film does an excellent job to portray -nature of Maratha state, and its financial problems like heavy debt, and financial apparatus like collection of chauth -large scale movement of army and other people over long distances -how alliances were formed and role of political expediency rather than religion in them -one can see nature of Maratha state in the idiom of zamindari sovereignty (Andre Wink) when they refuse to accept the seat of Delhi and reinstall the Mughals -how wars were fought and the rations managed. It is very realistic in showing that war materials and food were not indefinite but often finished fast. -military technologies like European tactics of battle formation used by Ibrahim Khan Gardi, and zamburak, guns on camels have bee shown precisely 4)The depiction of different characters especially Abdali follows a very textured approach. Rather than turning history into a set of binaries like Hindu vs Muslim, Indian vs foreigner it shows a complex picture where such identities were non existent yet the idea of protecting the motherland was present. Though being a film to show the Maratha valour it does not unnecessarily show Abdali and other Muslims as savage and barbarians (it is done only in one scene, overall the treatment of Muslim characters is very milk unlike Bhansal) rather Abdali’s own vulnerabilities are depicted. 5) the film does not at all tread in hyper nationalistic and jingoistic terrain. 6) Background music is solid and apt to the scenes. 7) the second half of the film is so energy packed, thrilling, emotional and satisfying that it is the real soul of the film. 8) weaknesses in the film- forgettable songs and slow 1st half. Otherwise a POWERFUL film with great rigour in historical research.