Pawankhind

Pawankhind

Year: 2022

Runtime: 151 mins

Language: Marathi

Director: Digpal Lanjekar

Echo Score: 83
DramaHistoryWarEpic history and literatureHistorical battles and epic heroism

This depicts the historical rearguard action fought on July 23, 1660, at a mountain pass near Vishalgad Fort, close to Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. The battle saw Maratha warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande bravely confront Siddi Masud’s forces from the Adilshah Sultanate. It was a desperate stand to delay the enemy and allow the Maratha army to safely retreat, showcasing immense courage and sacrifice.

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Timeline – Pawankhind (2022)

Trace every key event in Pawankhind (2022) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Bijapur court challenge to Shivaji's life

In a Bijapur court, Badi Begum proclaims a dare: who would kill Shivaji? Siddi Johar answers with audacity, declaring that he dares to kill Shivaji. Badi Begum offers him a post in Bijapur if he succeeds, and warns she will kill him if he fails.

1660 Bijapur court
2

Panhala Fort besieged by Siddi Johar

Siddi Johar's forces besiege Panhala Fort, cutting off supply routes and pressuring Shivaji's defenses. The bombardment heightens the danger to the garrison as Shivaji plans a retreat. The siege sets the stage for the escape and tactical maneuvers to come.

1660 Panhala Fort
3

Siddi Johar arms with grenades and English mercenaries

Siddi Johar purchases grenades from the English at Rajapur and hires English mercenaries to bolster his forces. The new weapons amplify the threat to Shivaji's camp. This alliance with foreign aid complicates the defense.

1660 Rajapur
4

Shivaji orders Bahirji Naik to find a secret road

Shivaji orders Bahirji Naik to locate a secret route to Vishalgad, offering a possible escape for himself and his men. Bahirji's reconnaissance identifies a hidden path that could outflank the enemy. The plan hinges on swift, stealthy travel through dangerous terrain.

1660 Panhala Fort vicinity
5

Shivaji escapes Panhala via night; look-alike sent

Under cover of darkness, Shivaji escapes Panhala along the hidden route. A barber named Shiva Kashid is sent as Shivaji's look-alike to meet Siddi Johar, creating a dangerous decoy. The ruse buys time for the real departure and confounds pursuers.

1660 Panhala Fort vicinity
6

Shiva Kashid is killed at the Siddi camp

At the Siddi Johar camp, Fazal Khan recognizes the impostor. He kills Shiva Kashid, ending Shivaji's decoy and escalating the danger to Shivaji's escape plan. The failure of the decoy redirects attention to Shivaji's real route.

1660 Siddi Johar's camp
7

Adilshah's 10,000-strong army pursues

An enormous pursuing force from Adilshah, numbering around 10,000, advances to trap Shivaji and his retreating forces. The larger army heightens the stakes for a successful escape and defense. The pursuit intensifies the decision to split forces.

1660 Panhala region / pursuing route
8

Baji Prabhu Deshpande prepares to block the pass

Shivaji splits his army and Baji Prabhu Deshpande volunteers to hold the pass of Ghodkhind with only 300 soldiers. His resolve mirrors the broader strategy to protect the retreat by stalling the enemy. The sacrifice begins a critical stand that will decide the fate of the mission.

1660 Ghodkhind
9

The battle at Ghodkhind turns deadly

A fierce clash erupts at Ghodkhind as Baji Prabhu's small force faces the vast Adilshah army. Four of his comrades—Fulaji, Aginya, Rayaji Bandal, and Shambusingh Jadhav—are killed in the fighting, while Baji Prabhu is wounded but refuses to yield. The defense buys time for Shivaji's escape and for reinforcement to arrive.

1660 Ghodkhind
10

Five hours later: cannons herald Shivaji's return

Five hours after the engagement begins, the cannons are fired signaling Shivaji's safe return to Vishalgad. The defenders endure, and the lead to Vishalgad reinforces the strategic retreat. The dramatic moment confirms the success of the plan despite heavy losses.

1660 Vishalgad
11

Pavankhind renamed in honor of sacrifice

In honor of the 300 Marathas who sacrificed themselves, Shivaji renames Ghodkhind to Pavankhind. The renaming cements the tragedy and courage of the stand as a national memory. The pass becomes a symbol of Maratha valor.

1660 Ghodkhind (Pavankhind)
12

1674: Shivaji recounts the Battle to Sambhaji

The plot frequently shifts back to 1674, where Shivaji Maharaj narrates the tale of Pavankhind to Sambhaji. The narration frames the battle's significance for contemporary audiences. Sambhaji listens as the legend of the pass is kept alive.

1674 Sambhaji's vicinity / court
13

Legacy endures: Pavankhind as a symbol of valor

The narrative emphasizes the enduring legacy of Pavankhind and the valor of the Marathas who faced overwhelming odds. The story underlines strategic sacrifice and the importance of memory in shaping heroism. The film closes on the idea that history is retold through such legends.

1674

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:24

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