Asoka- a film review
By- Suruchi Thakur

Director: Santosh Sivan Cast: Asoka: (Shah Rukh Khan) Kaurwaki: (Kareena Kapoor ) Virat: (Danny Denzongpa) Susima: (Ajit Kumar) Devi: (Hrishitaa Bhatt) Bheema: (Rahul Dev) Arya: (Suraj Balaje) Dharma: (Subhashini) Bundusara:     Gerson da Cunha) Music Director: Anu Maliik Lyrics: Gulzar Anand Bakshi

History:

Asoka was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya and the third Mauryan King who ruled the powerful empire from Maghada. He was known and hailed for his pacifist ways and his strive for a just society for his subjects. Yet he wasn't so merciful to begin with. Asoka in his early years as a king was known as the 'evil king' for his ruthless ways of raging and winning wars.

The movie:

The movie, based in 3rd century BC, accurately describes life in Mauryan Empire during the period of Asoka's coronation. Asoka is an imaginative tale that is knit around the life of India's greatest ruler that ever lived showing how and why he became the Great Asoka.

Synopsis:

Torn between a duty and ambition Asoka is forced to abandon his princely title and leave the capital. Here on he undertakes the life of a traveler and among other things finds love in a runaway princess Kaurwaki of Kalinga. The story here takes another turn and torn between duty and love Asoka is separated from Kaurwaki. Upon his return Asoka finds out that his princess has been killed in a massacre. Asoka, in the face of harsh reality and the loss of his true love throws himself into battle. Angered by the cruelties of the world he charges at his enemy inviting death for respite.

Amidst battle he meets Devi who saves his life and obligingly Asoka takes her for wife. Still embittered and lonely he turns draconian towards life and its worth. He slaughters his enemies mercilessly and soon gains the title of the 'Evil King'. Asoka fights his final battle in Kalinga with which he has a dark connection. Horrified at the loss of life caused by battle, reprisals, deportations, the turmoil of this fateful battle Asoka is devastated. While surveying the battlefield he finds Kaurwaki among the injured enemies. Ashamed at his disrespect for life and the injuries it caused Kaurwaki he relinquishes his sword signifying his desire to veer his evil ways.

Music:

Directed by Anu Malik the songs betray the royalty the movie creates. 3 songs out of the original 6 were cut out in the international version of the movie so it's not that bad!

Performances:

Great work by Shahrukh Khan who steers his role with grace and passion. Khan gracefully works with the various vicissitude of the Great emperor's life. His expressions are apt and very convincing. Although Kareena Kapoor needs more time for seasoning. Johnny lever effectively provides tickling respite from many dramatic scenes in the movie. Danny Denzongpa plays a delightful lighthearted role, a rare change from his usual fierce villain style. Hirishita Bhatt does justice to her placid role of a Buddhist girl.

Direction:

The Santosh Sivan magnificently brings 3rd century BC Maghada back to life with his props, costumes, jewelry, location and even the dialogue. The ambience in which the movie is filmed is apt. Abbas Tyrewala's dialogues take the viewers back into an era of purity yet carefully insures they are understandable by general public. Art direction by Sabu Cyril is very imaginative. Overall Santosh Sivan has made a really bold statement.

Overall:

Asoka is on the thin line that separates an art film from an entertaining one. It has qualities of both- provides information and at the same time entertains. Thus making it a must see movie. Asoka would leave you wanting for more.

Credits

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