Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior is a 2020 Indian Hindi-language biographical period action film starring Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan and Kajol. It is directed by Om Raut and produced by Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar. Set in the 17th century, the story revolves around the life of Tanaji Malusare, depicting his attempts to recapture the Kondhana fortress once it passes on to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who transfers its control to his trusted guard Udaybhan Singh Rathore.
Principal photography commenced on 25 September 2018, and the film was released in India in 3D and conventional theatres on 10 January 2020. It received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the action sequences, cinematography, performances, and visual effects, but criticised it for its predictability, nationalism, religious bias and historical inaccuracies. Tanhaji has grossed ₹367.58 crore (US$52 million) worldwide.
The film begins with the opening scene of India, also called "Sone ki chidiya" (the golden bird). However, this golden bird was destroyed due to several invasions.
The introduction follows up with a young Tanhaji Malusare learning sword fight under his father. After winning a sword fight and a duel between his father, the plot thickens.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has escaped from the house arrest of Mughals had to hand over his precious forts to Aurangzeb. Kondhana (Singhad) is included too. Aurangzeb thus appoints Udaybhan Singh Rathod, a Rajput, to be the Killedar or fort keeper of Kondhana with the intention of making Kondhana the capital of the South. Shivaji Maharaj prepares to take back Kondhana, Tanhaji Malusare, unaware of the situation comes to Rajgad to invite the Maharaj for his son's - Raiba's - wedding. He eventually finds out due to the treacherous intentions of fellow ministers in the Maharaj's council and decides that Kondhana is more important than his son's wedding.
After thorough planning, Tanhaji Malusare decides to attack Udaybhan before he can reach Kondhana. The attempt fails and Udaybhan along with Naagin, a fictional long canon, reaches Kondhana. Thus begins Tanhaji Malusare's actual battle of reconnaissance of the Kondhana fort, it's secret doors and the actual war. After taking 300 mavalas with him, he climbs the Kondhana fort and Suryaji Malusare (brother of Tanhaji Malusare) and Shelar Mama (uncle of Tanhaji Malusare) along with 400 mavalas waits at the Kalyan Darwaza. A group of Marathas opens the Kalyan Darwaza and the Marathas rush into the fort. Tanhaji Malusare and the mavalas enter through the Pune Darwaza by sheer bravery and battle begins with Udaybhan singlehandedly destroying the Marathas. After the battle and exhilarating background music, the duel between Udaybhan and Tanhaji starts. While Tanhaji Malusare cuts the fire to the Naagin canon in mid-air, Udaybhan cuts his fore-arm. After wrapping his turban around his fore-arm he pushes Udaybhan along with Naagin down the fort. Shivaji Maharaj rushes onto Kondhana and Tanhaji dies in his presence.
The movie ends with Tanhaji Malusare's wife welcoming him in bridal attire, as she had promised him that she would grant any of his wishes if he won Kondhana and his wish was for her to come to him dressed up as a bride.
