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The
great story of Emperor Asoka though distorted has
hit the silver screen in a spectacular way with
Shah Ruk Khan taking on a daring different role.
Almost a classic film but falls short of it
because this movie happens to be a commercial film
and so yet again the producer dictates while the
Director Santosh Sivan tried his best in bringing
out a masterpiece. |
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The film opens with the
emperor, Chandragupta Maurya in the 3rd century B.C.
renouncing the world and his grandson, Asoka (Shah Rukh
Khan) showing great determination to ascend to the throne
of Magadh. He firmly believes that he is the rightful heir
to the throne, though his half brother, Susima (Ajith)
stakes a claim too as the legitimate successor since Asoka
is the step child of Bindusara and Dharma.
For Asoka, his grandfather's last words do have great
importance and he sets out to explore the world on his
own. As Asoka begins his journey as a commoner, assuming
an identity that helps him merge with the ordinary man
quite easily as Pawan, he sets his eyes on the beautiful
princess of Kalinga, Kaurwaki (Kariena Kapoor), who is on
the run along with her uncrowned brother, child prince
Arya, and her senapati (Rahul Dev).
As enemies of the princess and her younger brother start a
hunt for them, Kaurwaki turns to Asoka for support. Their
mutual attraction blossoms into undying love for each
other and the two decide to get married. The princess is
oblivious of his true identity and waits for his return
when Asoka leaves them with the hope that he would come
back soon and help them win back their kingdom. Kaurwaki
and Asoka are separated as she goes hiding and a
devastated Asoka meets Devi (Hrishitaa Bhatt) and marries
her. Asoka undergoes a change of heart when his mother is
killed one day and he turns evil to avenge her
death.
He decides to wage a war against Kalinga and it is after
winning the war that a complete transformation occurs that
leaves him shattered. He gets heart broken as dead bodies
of young victims are strewn all over the battlefield. He
is further grief stricken as he discovers Kaurwaki among
the wounded and her dead brother. He embraces Budhhism at
this crucial juncture of his life and the bloody
battlefield that leaves innocent lives dead turns him into
an apostle of peace eventually.
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While
the film is spectacular with breathtaking visual
treats that fill the screen, transcending the
viewers to a fantasy world of colors and dreams
and the plot unfolds in the right mix of intrigue,
romance, songs, dances and mystery, the
presentation may well be a subject of debate —
both for the purists and the modern radicalists
alike.
Distorting historical facts in the name of
cinematic liberty is unpardonable too and the film
makers should prepare themselves for all the flak
that is likely to follow. |
Sandeep Chowta's
excellent background score.Kariena is splendid as the
princess, adding oomph and sensitivity to her portrayal
like a seasoned actress. She has been brilliantly
photographed and looks stunning throughout. Rahul Dev as
her senapati should get noticed by prominent directors for
their films in future. He impresses in a small role.
The story of Asoka is something which history will never forget. The
man who fought the bloodiest war in Indian
history finally turns to ahimsa. The film ends with Asoka
giving up the sword. Infact the deeds of Asoka is something
history will forever cherish. Yet it has not been filmed. The
men behind the movie should have highlighted
more on this aspect. Nevertheless Asoka is indeed a great story. Not
to be missed by Indians. Ofcouse history is dragging. Yet one needs to know that in India there were
rulers whose deeds and actions are still remembered even
till this day centuries after their death.
-Maju
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