Veer Murarbaji: The Battle of Purandar — Film Review

Jitendra KumarFebruary 19, 2026February 19, 2026

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Veer Murarbaji: The Battle of Purandar is a sweeping historical drama that aims to place a spotlight on one of the most loyal and courageous warriors in Maratha history — Murarbaji Deshpande. Directed by Ajay–Anirudh and headlined by Ankit Mohan in the title role, this Marathi-Hindi bilingual film seeks not just to recreate an iconic battle but to weave an emotional tapestry of sacrifice, valor and leadership. With a cast that includes Sourabh Raaj Jain as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as well as Dipika Chikhlia, Arun Govil, Santosh Juvekar, Tanishaa Mukerji and others, Veer Murarbaji arrives with both regional pride and pan-Indian cinematic ambition.

The core of the film centers on the Battle of Purandar, a defining moment during the struggle between the Maratha forces and the Mughal empire in the mid-17th century. Unlike many historical films that focus almost exclusively on the exploits of kings and emperors, this story shifts the narrative gaze to a battlefield commander whose leadership helped define the character of the Maratha resistance. What unfolds on screen is not just a war epic but a meditation on duty, friendship, resilience and the price of freedom.

Narrative and Storytelling

The screenplay unfolds in a deliberately paced but engaging manner. We are first introduced to Murarbaji — not as an abstract legend, but as a man of flesh and blood, committed to his people, driven by principles, and willing to face overwhelming odds. The early sequences effectively establish the political tension of the era, blending courtly strategy with personal motivations. The writing wisely avoids overloading the audience with dry historical exposition; instead, it uses character interactions and situational conflict to convey political stakes.

Once the siege of Purandar fort begins, the narrative shifts gears into a dynamic rhythm of strategy and combat. What stands out here is how the film balances battlefield spectacle with intimate storytelling. The battlefield sequences are visceral and chaotic at times — the clash of steel, the thrust of spears, the thunder of hooves — yet the camera never loses sight of the human at the center of every moment. Murarbaji’s decisions aren’t portrayed as infallible proclamations of heroism but as choices weighed under fire, often with grave consequences.

Performances

Ankit Mohan delivers a deeply committed performance as Murarbaji. The role demands both physical intensity and emotional nuance, and Mohan rises to the occasion. In quieter moments, his portrayal carries a quiet intensity — the kind that requires no words but speaks volumes through a lingering gaze or an unguarded expression. In the heat of battle, he captures the warrior’s resolve without slipping into caricature.

Sourabh Raaj Jain’s turn as Shivaji Maharaj is respectful and grounded. He embodies the king’s strategic brilliance and compassionate leadership, conveying a ruler who earns reverence not by decree but through genuine care for his people and his commanders. Their dynamic — the bond between sovereign and soldier — feels authentic and is one of the emotional anchors of the film.

The supporting cast adds depth. Veterans like Dipika Chikhlia and Arun Govil bring solidity to their roles, infusing them with seasoned craft that complements the film’s theatrical scale. Tanishaa Mukerji and Santosh Juvekar contribute solid performances that enrich the narrative tapestry without distracting from the central arc.

Direction and Technical Craft

Directors Ajay–Anirudh exhibit both vision and restraint. They understand that a historical film’s success lies not in visual grandeur alone but in grounded, character-driven storytelling. The production design is immersive — forts, battlements, terrains and costumes feel authentic without veering into artifice. Attention to cultural detail helps anchor the film in its era.

The battle sequences are choreographed with care. Rather than lingering too long on spectacle, the film uses editing and camera movement to maintain narrative momentum. The editing also ensures that emotional beats land with clarity — allowing audiences to feel the strain of prolonged sieges and the toll it takes on warriors and civilians alike.

Musically, the score supports the emotional core without overwhelming it. Themes of solemn loyalty, rising tension, heartbreak and triumph are woven into the soundscape in transition and action alike.

Themes and Impact

At its heart, Veer Murarbaji is a story about courage under constraint — a theme that resonates universally. Through Murarbaji’s journey, the film explores questions of leadership, sacrifice and the spirit of resistance in the face of overwhelming power. It wisely avoids turning its hero into an untouchable myth; though he fights valiantly, he is shown experiencing fear, doubt, loss and hope — a reminder that courage is not the absence of fear but the will to act despite it.

The portrayal of camaraderie among the Maratha soldiers adds emotional texture. The film captures the sense of collective striving that binds individuals together when survival is uncertain and stakes are high. This sense of shared purpose elevates the story from a simple chronicle of battles to a moving account of loyalty, pride and identity.

Conclusion

Veer Murarbaji: The Battle of Purandar delivers a compelling blend of spectacle and heart. Anchored by strong performances, thoughtful direction and reverence for its historical subject, the film succeeds as both an engaging war drama and a character study. It invites audiences not just to witness history, but to inhabit it emotionally — to feel what it might have meant to stand firm when surrender beckoned. For lovers of historical cinema, this is a memorable and inspiring ride through a chapter of Indian history that deserves its moment in the spotlight.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Journalist Details

Jitendra Kumar

Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.