Celebrating six years of glory, ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ remains a cornerstone of Bollywood’s historical genre. The Om Raut directorial, released in 2020, chronicled the heroic recapture of Kondhana Fort. Sharad Kelkar, essaying the role of Udaybhan Rathod, calls the chapter ‘life-altering’ during anniversary reflections.
The plot weaves valor and sacrifice: Tanhaji Malusare’s nocturnal raid against overwhelming odds, immortalized by Ajay Devgn’s tour-de-force act. Kelkar’s Udaybhan, a symbol of Mughal might, provided the perfect foil. ‘The duel scenes were heart-pounding,’ Kelkar reminisced. ‘Bonding with the crew over war cries was unforgettable.’
Production highlights included massive sets in Film City and outdoor shoots in forts like Sinhagad. VFX by NY VFXWAALA delivered seamless spectacles, from cannon fire to hand-to-hand combat. The soundtrack, blending folk and orchestral, amplified drama. Kajol’s poignant turn as Tanhaji’s wife added heart.
For Kelkar, it was a pivotal shift. ‘Sharad Kelkar 2.0 emerged from ‘Tanhaji’,’ he quipped. Training under experts honed his skills, earning praise at awards like Filmfare. The movie’s Rs 200 crore+ India nett underscored audience appetite for rooted stories.
Post-anniversary buzz includes fan campaigns for extended cuts. Streaming metrics show sustained popularity. ‘Thankful for this masterpiece,’ Kelkar concluded. ‘Tanhaji’ endures, inspiring pride in Maratha legacy and cinematic ambition.