Sherr Shivraaj review: Chinmay Mandlekar's film works best on storytelling

3.5/5

Story:

Sher Shivraaj highlights one of the most important moments in history - when Shivaji Raaje fought Afzal Khan. Their individual lives are explored in the film and eventually, they get intertwined as they fight out the long-pending battle.

Review:

Sherr Shivraaj is a film that works for its intriguing storytelling ability. This is visible since the introduction scene itself.

Mrinal Kulkarni is the first actor to be seen. She is adorable as ever, in the role of a mother. Her transformation from sweet to fierce is literally the best thing to happen to this movie.

Mukesh Rishi is seen soon after and he also nails his role as Afzal Khan. As always, his looks do half his work as a villain.

The makers take 'stabbing in the back' too literally as Afzal is seen killing everyone by stabbing them in the back first. There is a moment when you feel that this actor will go to all lengths but how he saves that side for Shivaji makes him even more scary and the duel even more awaited.

The film gets too dramatic soon which is the lesser impressive part about this otherwise good movie. The background music, especially, works against the film, in the beginning. However, it has a lot of emotions attached to the scenes and this film does not fail you in stirring those emotions. The second half of the film actually gets better and captures your interest again.

Chinmay Mandlekar, who plays Shivani Raaje in the film, has a grand entry, one that is just enough bright to make you smile. The actor fits in the role pretty well.

His training is also visually appealing and sets the pace for what is to come. His entries in the film are constantly something to look forward to. The music helps build the scene during these moments.

Bipin Surve as Baji Jedhe has a great entry. It sets the vibe for the film. His is a quirky character that almost always has a song when he does something. It makes him one of the well-portrayed characters in the film. Him talking to the viewer directly is also one of the best moments in the film.

Ajay Purkar as Tanhaji steals the show. He has briefer appearances but is never a disappointment. In fact, his one-on-one scene with Shivaji raaje is pure and heartfelt.

Sameer Dharmadhikar also has a grand entry as Kanhoji Raje but somehow he does not fit in the role completely instantly. However, as his character progresses, you see the spark required in his character.

The duel between Shivaji raaje and Afzal Khan is well worth the hype. The close-up shot is a little gross but the scene makes the movie worthy of a watch.

At long last, a female warrior fights on behalf of Shivaji raaje. She steals the show and is a pleasant surprise, one this film very much needed. Even though the mothers and wives in the movie steal the show, a woman being on the battlefield is a much-needed message – that clearly states a woman is capable of handling the home and fighting for what she believes in with the same passion.

This marks the continuation of the great warrior that Shivaji Raaje was. Like we mentioned in the beginning, this film's strongest point is its storytelling and so, the movie even ends at that.

Verdict:

Director Digpal Lanjekar has great storytelling skills but Sherr Shivraaj could definitely shine if he toned down the drama portion a little by removing the unnecessary music in a few scenes. However, that is a flaw in the first half. The second half almost always keeps you intrigued and so, this one deserves your time and attention.