Hirkani

Another example of how the Indian cinema falls short on the technical aspects of filmmaking! The running time of the movie is around 100 min.(which itself is too less for any period film, should have been at least 140 minutes or greater) out of which around 20 minutes are dedicated to Hirkani's legendary descent. This is core of the film and is dismal. Maharashtra has hundreds of accomplished climbers who have trekked across the Sahyadri. They could have helped with guessing and projecting the possibilities of how Hirkani would have descended in a freestyle way but such efforts don't seem to manifest. While Sonalee Kulkarni's makeup and acting is surprisingly good, the other actors fail to make any impression, including Prasad Oak as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Actors utilized for characters of Kavi Bhushan, Bahirji Naik, Pant(now it's unclear if they were taking about Moropant Pingale or Ramchandra Pant Amatya!) and others are unsuitable! There is not a single view(VFX-based) of how majestic fort Raigad would have been in 1670s, moreover, they didn't bother to show how Hirkani Buruj and the western cliffs look today(remember, Raigad was termed as 'Troy of the East'). The music somehow doesn't suit a period film. I will continue to watch and encourage period movies, especially about the Maratha empire but the filmmakers need to raise the bar much higher, put blood and sweat and create technical and historical masterpieces.

HIRKANI REVIEW :-

Small but a brave tale of Hirkani is part of primary school books and that's what excites you to watch Hirkani. The nostalgia is already there now it is just about how it's done? Shivaji Maharaj is perhaps the biggest subject in Maharashtra. One can not only make 100+ films from his brave tales but can also make 100+ films on his brave Mawalas (Soldiers). Hirani was not an integral member of Shivaji Maharaj's army but what she had done for her child is nothing short of miracle. Prasad Oak brings this bravery tale on screen with sepctacular visuals. The problem appeas in execution which has so many fictional changes to make this real story look unrealistic.

We all know Hirkani's story that she came down form western corner of Fort just for the sake of her child who is alone and hungry at home. Here, film begins with Shivarajyabhishek Song which is without any doubts one the finest theatrical experience of the year. After this staggering start film slows down and takes time settle the character of Hirkani. Sonalee Kulkarni as Hirkani looks promising and almost does the justice to the character. Her body language, accent and expressions shows that she really wants to be that Hirkani. Her chemistry with Ameet Khedekar who plays her husband Jeevajirao is commendable. Who plays Shivaji Maharaj? Okay, i am not gonna give any spoilers here, please find the answer in theatres near you.

Hirkani was a very short story which didn't really have potential to be expanded in a feature film. That's one of major reasons why it needed fictional changes, and unfortunately film is lost in it's own cinematic Liberty. Despite having short runtime of around 99 minutes, Hirkani still doesn't find the clear expansion of the script. First half looks better compared to 2nd one because fictional properties are less there. Music by composer Amitraj is good, that 'Rajyabhishek Song' is truly Marvellous. Cinematography of Sanjay Memane looks decent while costumes are attractive.

Director Prasad Oak does excellent job in the first half where he set the chatacters very well and keeps the excitement rising high. Second half as conclusion to that excitement is underwhelming and mostly unrealistic. The guy who has delivered a Classic like Kaccha Limbu going offtrack like this is completely unbelievable and unacceptable.

As a whole, Hirakni has some moments to enjoy but it also has some low moments. It is Visually spectacular, grand and gives you goosebumps at so many ocassions. Actors delivering thier best may satisfy you as an audience but only of you're a Fan of anyone among them. A strong story of brave Mother deserved a better execution and Hirkani would have became a Must See product, but at the moment it end up on Average Note.

RATING- 4/10*

Art work best vfx and sound is excellent and acting is excellent

The film suffers due to shallow execution of the main plot. The real drama starts post interval and ends abruptly. The scenes of climbing down are shot with perfection but the graphics used for animals are poor. The female lead has lived the character of Hirkani but the character of male lead lacks depth.

Its a movie that tugs at your heart strings...right out of the school books. A good movie to see and show the kids. And encourage the Marathi film makers. I personally enjoyed even the songs..even though I don't understand Marathi as a mother-tongue. In short, I loved the movie. Sonali was overacting,,,not authentic at all. Bad casting. For someone whose job was to go up and down the hills, she kept fumbling and hamming the fear factor of the steep jumps. And the mishaps was all in a linear expected fashion one after the other...predictable. The director hasn't put enough effort. Special effects were very sad, pathetic and embarrassing. Shows the limited budget/low creative thought. Shivaji Maharaj ...such a revered personality...wasn't represented well. The Raigad fort wasn't shown in all its glory, but I guess that is due to budget limitation. Still, I enjoyed the movie. am sure lots of you will. Just watch with an open mind.