Asoka (2001)

Santosh Sivan’s much anticipated magnum opus Asoka is well worth the nail-biting wait that preceded its release. Tracing Asoka’s first few years as a boy, the film quickly moves to his years as a grown a strapping and arrogant young prince played by Shah Rukh Khan. His father Bindusara (Gerson De Cunha) warns Asoka’s stepbrother Susima (Ajith Kumar) to take over the throne, but Asoka firmly believes that the throne belongs to he who fights for it. His mother Dharma (Subhashini Ali) convinces him into entering a life of exile, and lead a life among the laymen. Asoka dons the robes of a common man and calls himself Pawan. He comes across the beautiful and elegant Kaurwaki (Kareena Kapoor) and her brother Arya who incidentally is the king of Kalinga in hiding. They are protected by soldier Bheema (Rahul Dev). Kaurwaki and Asoka, who she mistakes for a commoner, fall in love and get married. But Asoka is forced to return to the palace to meet his mother. On returning he is informed of Kaurwaki and Arya’s death. Shattered, Asoka loses interest in his life. During the course of his healing with Veerat (Danny Denzongpa), a compatriot from his days as Pawan he meets Devi (Hrishitaa Bhatt), a devotee of Lord Buddha, who he weds. Asoka is a changed man. He gets increasingly cruel in his actions, alienating Devi and surprising Veerat with his lack of mercy, slaying his brothers and assuming the throne of Magadha. In the mean time Kaurwaki is alive and is waiting for her beloved to return. Asoka in a bid to expand his territory wages war with Kalinga. The mighty war leaves no stone unturned in its ruthless massacre of soldiers. Kaurwaki realises her Pawan is none other than the enemy she is fighting. Asoka overhears people talking about Kauwaki and goes hunting for her amidst the sea of the dead. Prince Arya rushes up to him mistaking him for Pawan and begs him to protect his little life against the cruel Asoka. In that one moment Asoka meets with his biggest defeat. Asoka is another feather in Santosh Sivan’s cap. With the internationally acclaimed Terrorist behind him, the man conjures up another dreamlike reality with his vision captured in sharp celluloid grandeur. The film is extremely stylish in its mix of Indian aesthetic and contemporary simplicity which reflects in the art direction by Sabu Cyril and pleasing costume design. The performances throughout the film are spot on with Shah Rukh Khan ruling the roost once again with his stupendous and sincere portrayal of Asoka, his myriad emotions and thoughts shining like a mirror in every frame. Kareena Kapoor as Kaurwaki makes a beautiful and sensuous princess, commanding the screen with a presence, that few of her contemporaries can rival. The film is further enhanced by its supporting cast of Rahul Dev, Danny Denzongpa and Hrishitaa Bhatt who makes a confident debut with Asoka. The highlight of the movie is of course the surreal envisioning of the Great War of Kalinga, which is breathtakingly choreographed with a scale that could stand in good stead with some Hollywood films. Technically, Asoka has few rivals. The cinematography is A-class and the editing crisp. Sivan’s script is tightly woven with moments of passion and intrigue erupting at regular intervals keeping the viewer gripped. While the music of Asoka by Anu Malik is exquisite, one does wish he had dabbled more with a sound that was reminiscent of an era gone by. The dialogues by Abbas Tyrewala are sharp, but still reek of contemporary penmanship. For all practical purposes Asoka is a winner, and comes through in style mesmerising the audience with its spectacular visuals and searing their souls with its haunting portrayal of truth. A must watch for anyone who enjoys cinema in its richest sense. My bapu (dad in Guajarati because I am a Hindu) bought this movie for me to show some Indian history since the story line is true. Shah Rukh Khan is my favourite Indian actor. I would rate this movie 4/5 stars because it’s not only an action but is a bit of comedy and full of romance!!!!