Explained: What is Hindi film ‘Panipat’ about, and who plays which part?

Panipat trailer released: The setting of the film

The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between Maratha forces and invading armies of Afghan general Ahmed Shah Abdali in 1761. They clashed in the plains of Panipat in present-day Haryana, around 90 km north of Delhi. The Marathas were defeated in the battle, with 40,000 of their troops killed, while Abdali’s army is estimated to have suffered around 20,000 casualties.

Apart from the Marathas and the Afghans, the battle and its prelude involved key roles by players in north India, including Surajmal Jat of Bharatpur, Shuja ud-Daula of Awadh, and the Rohillas. Court intrigue within the Peshwa household and disunity among Maratha generals are believed to have contributed to the Marathas’ defeat. It marked a loss of prestige for the Marathas, who lost their preeminent position in north India after this war, paving the way for British colonial power to expand here. The Marathas lost some of their most important generals and administrators, including Sadashivrao and heir-apparent Vishwasrao of the Peshwa household, Ibrahim Khan Gardi, Jankojirao Scindia, and Yashwantrao Puar.

Panipal film: Who plays whom

Arjun Kapoor plays Sadashivrao ‘Bhau’, the son of Chimaji Appa, Bajirao Peshwa’s brother. Sadashivrao was a general who, before Panipat, had waged successful battles against the Nizam of Hyderabad. He led the Maratha armies at Panipat.

Kriti Sanon plays Parvati Bai, Sadashivrao’s wife who accompanied him to the Panipat battlefield.

Sanjay Dutt portrays Ahmed Shah Abdali (also called Ahmad Shah Durrani), the Afghan general, who invaded India nine times between 1747 and 1769. He is regarded as the founder of modern-day Afghanistan.

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