Independence Day 2019: 5 Actors who played prominent patriotic leaders in Marathi cinema

Marathi actors have enthusiastically displayed their affection for the country and depicted patriotic characters in award winning performances over the years. As we come together to celebrate India’s 73rd Independence Day, here’s taking a look at Marathi actors, who have effortlessly been the face of patriotism on the big screen.

Om Raut’s debut directorial ‘Lokmanya, Ek Yugpurush’ was based on the life of India's popular leader, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He was an Indian nationalist, teacher, social reformer, journalist, lawyer and freedom fighter. Subodh as Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak did justice to the character, which elaborated on Tilak’s hard-hitting writings against the rulers, which lands him rigorous imprisonment of six years, outside the country in Mandalay, Burma. This hard-hitting drama is a must-watch.

Directed by Gajendra Ahire, 'Ek Krantiveer: Vasudev Balwant Phadke' is a biopic of revolutionary Vasudev Balwant Phadke. The film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Ajinkya Deo, Ramesh Deo, Chandrakant Gokhale, Sonali Kulkarni and others. Set in the pre-independence era, the story revolves around Vasudev Balwant Phadke and his struggle against the British. Ajinkya Deo gives a mesmerising performance as Vasudev Balwant Phadke, thus giving us an insight into the freedom fighter’s battle against the British. The makers had done a lot of research to recreate the 18th-century era, which is beautifully executed in the film.

'Krantiveer Rajguru' was directed by Ashok Kamle and is a biopic on the legendary freedom fighter Shivram Hari Rajguru. The movie revolves around his struggles and how he lost his life for the country's independence. Chinmay Mandlekar played the title role of Shivram Hari Shivguru, who fought against the Britishers and was hanged with Shaheed Bhagat Singh. The film was made under the banner of Shree Bhavani Chitra Combines and produced by Shreyas and Rajendra Kamle. Apart from Chinmay, the film also featured Pankaj Vishnu, Suhasini Muley, and Vilas Chavan.

A significant and lesser-known revolutionary, Anant Kaxman Kanhere, became the subject of ‘1909’, directed by Abhay Kambli and produced by been produced by Shree Venkateshwara Movies International. The film was made to acquaint the next generations with the significance sacrifices made by revolutionaries like Anant Kanhere, Krishnaji Karve and Vinayak Deshpande. Marathi star, Akshay Shimpi, portrayed the character of Anant Kanhere and underwent training for different styles of fights, which were used by the revolutionaries in those days.

'Farzand' pays tribute to the unsung hero of the Maratha empire — Sardar Kondaji Farzand, Shivaji Maharaj’s brave heart disciple, who managed to conquer the fort of Panhala from the reigns of the Adilshahi empire, against all odds with just a bunch of 60 mavalas. First-timer Ankit Mohan (known for his work in Hindi TV serials) played the lead with great conviction. His muscular physique goes well with the character and he shines in the action sequences. Chinmay Mandlekar as Shivaji Maharaj, Prasad Oak as Bahirji Naik, Ganesh Yadav as Tanaji Malusare, Mrunmayee Deshpande as the feisty Keshar and Mrinal Kulkarni as the eternal Jijamata - all the actors packed a punch.