Subhedar

Subhedar is a 2023 Indian Marathi-language historical drama film written and directed by Digpal Lanjekar, a fifth installment of Shivraj Ashtak tracing the life of Subedar Tanaji Malusare starring Chinmay Mandlekar, Mrinal Kulkarni, Ajay Purkar in the leading roles. The film is produced by Mulakshar Productions, Raajwarasa Productions, Prithviraj Productions, Rajau Productions, Parampara Productions, and it is distributed by AA Films and Everest Entertainment.

Subhedar was announced in 2022 by Digpal Lanjekar with a film poster supposed to be released in June 2023. A new release date was announced on 21 June 2023 through a teaser. The first look poster of Ajay Purkar as Tanaji Malusare, revealed by Digpal Lanjekar on 30 June 2023. The film was preponed from 25 to 18 August, but due to technical issues, it was rescheduled for release in theaters on its original date.

It was theatrically released on 25 August 2023. Open with positive reviews from critics as well audience. The film grossed over ₹18 crore worldwide, becoming the second highest grossing Marathi film of 2023.

Plot
Subedar Tanaji Malusare leaves Raiba's marriage and first goes to battle to conquer Kondhana fort and fights like a lion, after conquering the fort the fort is named Sinhagad.

Cast

 * Chinmay Mandlekar as Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
 * Mrinal Kulkarni as Jijau
 * Ajay Purkar as Tanaji Malusare
 * Digvijay Rohidas as Udaybhan Rathore
 * Smita Shewale as Savitri Malusare
 * Uma Sardeshmukh as Matoshri Parvatibai Malusare
 * Sameer Dharmadhikari as Shelar Mama
 * Abhijeet Shwetchandra as Suryaji Malusare
 * Nupur Daithankar as Soyarabai
 * Digpal Lanjekar as Bahirji Naik
 * Shrikant Prabhakar as Moropant
 * Bipin Surve as Baji Sarjerao Jedhe
 * Virajas Kulkarni as Jeeva
 * Bhushan Shivtare as Yesaji Kank
 * Sunil Jadhav as Veer Baji Yashvantrao Pasalkar
 * Mrunmayee Deshpande as Keshar
 * Purnanand Wadhekar as Navalaji
 * Aniket Bandal as Sambhaji Jedhe
 * Arnav Pendhrkar as Rayba Malusare
 * Shivani Rangole as Yashodabai Malusare
 * Astad Kale as Vishwas
 * Rishi Saxena as Kubad Khan
 * Dnyanesh Wadekar as Achal Singh
 * Nikhil Jogdand as Sardar Shilimkar
 * Alka Kubal as Jana Garadhin (Guest appearance)

Production
Subhedar was filmed in four weeks, the makers wrapped up the shoot in March 2023.

Theatrical
The film was theatrically released on 25 August 2023. More than 900 shows in more than 350 theaters in the state Maharashtra and in various cities of the country, also it has been released in six other countries.

Home media
The film was digitally released on 22 September 2023 on Amazon Prime Video.

Critical reception
Rucha Vaze of Lokmat gave four stars out of five praised the Lanjekar's direction said "once again brilliantly shown the story of another warrior through his eyes". Sayali Koulgekar of Zee 24 Taas also gave same rating, concluded that the magnificence of cinema is understood through the costumes, acting, location." A reviewer from The Times of India rated three stars out of five and wrote "the film does stand out for its execution." Shubham Kulkarni of Koimoi called "Subhedar does get dull." Akhilesh Neralekar of Loksatta wrote "It is not a perfect historical film but it is a masterpiece that carefully studies the history and presents an interesting plot to the people which should be enjoyed by every audience."

Box office
The film collected ₹1.5 crore nett on its opening day. In the first weekend grossed ₹5.1 crore. The film collected over ₹8.74 crore in first week. In ten days film crossed 10 crore mark, stand at ₹11.38 crore. The film was grossed over ₹18 crore at the box office worldwide.