MUMBAI: Known for their commitment towards their ‘Dharm’ and ‘Karm’, the Marathas have been referred to as protectors and not fighters. They were not just ferocious fighters safeguarding their motherland but also ethical warriors with a simple code of honor. Director Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus ‘Panipat’ delves into a significant chapter in Indian history that lauds the unshakeable bravery, courage and the strong principles of the Marathas displayed during the Third battle of Panipat. 

Even till their last breath, they fought fiercely just to keep their motherland safe from the Afghani invaders. Celebrating the vigor and valor of the Marathas, Zee Cinema is all set for the World Television Premiere of ‘Panipat’ on Saturday, 29 February at 8 pm only on Zee Cinema.

Donning the role of the brave Sadashiv Rao Bhau is Arjun Kapoor who leads the Marathas into battle against the intruders led by the Afghan king Ahmad Shah Abdali played by Sanjay Dutt. Kriti Sanon takes center stage as the leading lady Parvati Bai along with an ensemble cast comprising of Mohnish Bahl, Padmini Kolhapure, Sahil Salathia to name a few. Featuring as Sakina Begum is the elegant and veteran actor Zeenat Aman who is seen in a cameo.

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Ashutosh Gowariker says, “As a filmmaker, I have always tried to simplify the storyline of important moments in Indian history so that everyone can watch and know about these happenings. Panipat was one of the rarely narrated incidents as this was one of the few battles where we were defeated. It was a battle in which the Maratha army consisted people from different strata and backgrounds who travelled 1000 kms to stop the invader. I have always tried to go beyond the story by giving it an insightful perspective. And now, I am looking forward to the World Television Premiere of Panipat on Zee Cinema as it will make this lesser known part of India’s history reach a larger audience in their homes.”

Essaying the role of Paravati Bai, Kriti Sanon said, “Just like other heroines in Ashutosh Sir’s films, my character Parvati Bai is a powerful and independent woman who is a vaidya (physician). She is emotionally and physically strong and is one of the important characters during the Third battle of Panipat. Initially when the character was narrated to me, I didn’t realise how courageous and fearless she was. Parvati Bai is someone who knows sword fighting and doesn’t fear from coming to the forefront to guard her people. Unlike the other female characters of that time, she is also very vocal and doesn’t hesitate about expressing her love for and to her husband Sadashiv Rao. All in all, it was really a unique experience portraying this role.”

Mohnish Bahl shares, “This is the first time I have taken up a role in a historical drama film and I am playing the role of Sadashiv Rao’s cousin Nana Saheb Peshwa. He is one of the important characters of the film, who has several layers as an individual and hence seems as a very complicated character. I am glad that I got an opportunity to work with Ashutosh Gowariker as he is a phenomenal director who pays attention to the smallest of details. I hope I have done  justice to the role and that the audience watches the World Television Premiere of Panipat on Zee Cinema.”

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The plot narrates the events from 1758, when Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, popularly known as Nana Saheb was in charge of the Marathas. With able commanders like Raghunath Rao, Shamsher Bahadur and Sadashiv Rao in his council, the Marathas returned victorious after defeating the Nizam of Hyderabad. But, due to internal politics, Sadashiv Rao was made in charge of the financials affairs. While everything was going well, a new storm came knocking at their door with the entry of Ahmad Shah Abdali, the king of Afghanistan whose intention was to expand his powers in India. On finding out about his inroads into India after forming an alliance with Najib Ud Daula, the able commander Sadashiv Rao was chosen by the Maratha Peshwa to lead their army in Delhi. Even with less armed forces, the Maratha’s didn’t give up and fought with valor to protect their motherland.