‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ Movie Review: Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan’s war drama is a visual spectacle

Directed By
Om Raut

Produced By
Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar

Cast
Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Kajol, Sharad Kelkar

Bollywood Bubble Rating

What’s It About
In the late 17th century, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb declares strategic hill fortress Kondhana as the Mughal base of Southern India from which he planned to expand Mughal empire into South India. However, The Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj orders his General Tanaji Malusare to capture Kondhana at any cost to protect Southern India from Mughal invasion, while the Mughal emperor sends his trusted commander Uday Bhan to defend the fortress, thus leading to a battle between the two armies for control of the fortress. The Battle is known as the Battle of Sinhagad which decided the fate of Southern India.

What’s Hot
Saif Ali Khan may have had lesser screen space than Ajay Devgn in the movie, but it is he who leaves you in awe at the last. Saif Ali Khan once again proves that he is one of the most underrated actors in Bollywood and his brilliance is yet untapped completely. He comes up with a masterpiece of a performance, which might make you feel like it draws inspiration from Ranveer Singh’s Alauddin Khilji from ‘Padmaavat’. However, Saif showers an ample amount of his flavour of viciousness to the character, and that’s what makes it memorable. Too Good!

Obviously, Ajay Devgn was brilliant. His honest performance will leave you gasping for more. Not only has he put in his heart and soul into this film, it’s the way he brings to life the character of Tanhaji, which makes your heart go out to him at the end. His chemistry with real-life wife Kajol is also great, and the minimal screen space they have shows that good things should always be given in ample amounts otherwise it gets overdone.

Most importantly, Om Raut’s direction is not just terrific, but something beyond that. Not many directors are great storytellers but that’s not the case here. Om has woven a beautiful story that is replete with historical references, ample laughs, and enough emotional scenes. He has also managed to use 3D in a Bollywood film to the best use.

Talking about the visual effects, this is one of those rare films in Bollywood where 3D just amplifies the beauty of the film. It’s not done in 3D just for the heck of it. It does lend to making the scenes look even more larger than life.

The cinematography by Keiko Nakahara, without a doubt, is applause-worthy. Even though most of the scenes have been shot on green screens, but it’s the way they have been finally presented makes it a stand out point to notice in the movie.

The background score by Sandeep Shirodkar lends its own character to the film. It’s this aspect that will make you want to laugh at places, cry at instances and whistle at times. It’s been mastered to perfection.

What’s Not
Well, as a fan of Kajol, and her brand of acting, I would have loved to see more of her on the screen. She has been given due credit but her character is that of an extended cameo, and I, for one, would have wanted to have some more of her brilliance on screen.

The music by Ajay-Atul and Mehul Vyas is good, but as an avid connoisseur of great cinema, I didn’t want to see the songs on screen. To be fair, the songs especially ‘Shankara Re Shankara’ was slightly unnecessary for the flow of the film.

Sadly, there is nothing else, that’s not good in this movie.

Verdict
MUST WATCH. This is one of those rare films where you can watch it over and over, and yet not feel bored. I am going with 4 stars.

Box-Office
Considering the immense fan following Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, and Kajol hold, this movie is sure to run for long at the ticket windows. It might be slightly affected by Deepika Padukone’s Chhapaak and Rajinikanth’s Darbar a bit, but this will be the ‘Lambi Race Ka Ghoda’. Look out for earth-shattering box-office numbers.

Watch Trailer

Also Read: ‘Chhapaak’ Movie Review: Deepika Padukone makes it a worthy watch

Prateek Sur

Born a Movie Buff, working as a Film Critique and enjoying life as a Bollywood Reporter.

Email: editor@bollywoodbubble.com Phone: +91 8355910465