Tanhaji -- Review (@Nikhil728)
Tanhaji has been my most awaited my movie for years but frankly, it was worth the wait because this amazing film has kicked off 2020 with a bang. It's one of Ajay Devgn's best movies and you watch this film then you will know that Om Raut directed with heart and soul. He gave this film a complete feel for an action and drama movie for the masses and classes which blends perfectly with the screenplay. This is how period drama movies should be presented when it comes to Indian Cinema with a good story but most importantly an excellent script and characterisation.
This movie starts off realistically with a young Tanhaji who follows his father's footsteps to become a Maratha warrior. I feel the goosebumps when Ajay Devgn intro came and it was perfect showing him in action sequence. Later we have Saif Ali Khan intro where he fights an elephant and he such a killer looks with excellent body language. So their characters are presented very well in this movie but honestly, you got give Om Raut credit because both actors were given equal footage.
Honestly, the first half was excellent and does hold your interest where you can not wait to see what happens after the Interval. Now the second half is better because it's fully massy with action including background score which was top notch. Plus, the climax was mind-blowing and gives you feel of a hero vs villain. Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan's fighting scene was superb.
Performances:
Ajay Devgn gives one of the best performances of his career as Tanhaji Malusare. He emotes superbly with his intense eyes but his dialogues were amazing. You can feel his pain in the climax and his emotions which is why he lives character. This will go down as once his most Iconic character along with The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Company, Zakhm, Omkara, Gangaajal, Deewangee, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, Singham, Raid and etc.
Saif Ali Khan gives you chills as the villain. If there was any actor worthy of playing Udayban Rathod Singh then its Saif because he has the versatility of playing any role given to him. I think Tanhaji is his second-best performance after Omkara. His body language was perfectly such as his movement and dialogue delivery. His anger is superb and the way he laughs as well shows he good was as the baddie.
Sharad Kelkar is excellent where he played a very important role as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He's Marathi and I think he nailed this role perfectly.
Kajol has a small role but she's a delight to watch. She does perform well according to the script.
Summary
I don't see much flaws in this movie and please don't tell me this film was propaganda with Mughals because it's a true story. There was one Maratha warrior who was a traitor but ends up getting killed by Saif.
Tanhaji is one of the best movies for Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan and its better than any period drama SLB has done. This will now open doors for Om Raut as a director and I hope does more movies with Saif Ali Khan.
My rating for Tanhaji is 5/5