When Vidhu Vinod Chopra must have sat down to make this almost-epic two hour movie, Shakespeare’s spirit must be haunting his room. So strong is good ol’ Willy’s influence on the movie tha tyou actually begin to wonder whether the movie has been "adapted" from Shakespeare’s works. Quite surprisingly though, this one is an original pot-boiler made by an engrossed and focussed director. The movie is set in the deserts of Rajasthan: a mystical land seeped in the sands of time. Controary to popular belief, this isn’t a period film and is based in the twenty first century. Palace politics, double crossing, honour, duty and obligation form the theme of the movie, as each character grows throughout the 120-minute screen time.
PLOT
The story revolves around Eklavya, a royal guard who has been guarding the fort and its Rana for what seems like his entire life. He considers himsef to be one with the fort that provide’s refuge to the Rana who has been left without his powers after independence. His relation with the Rana’s son studying abroad (Harsh) and his mentally challenged twin Nandini is what causes an unlikely sequence of events to unfold. Each chaarcter, torn between honour and temptation, chooses his path...........one that will either lead to death or immense wealth. Harsh’s love interest, Rajjo, is practically wasted, as a lack of inadequate screen time leads to poor character development. The movie deals with man’s raw desire for power, and how man can trade his soul for riches. It also induces sceptimism on the blind devotion of Eklavya, especially in the opression of these times.
*CAST PERFORMANCE
*Amitabh Bachchan
His expressive, emoting face and his commanding, arresting voice make him a natural choice for this role. The moviue seems to be tailor made for him and he towers above everyone else in the flick. Especially the scene where only Amitabh’a voice can be heard as hunts his pry in the darkness of the projector room seems all set to be a legend of contemporary Hindi cinema!
Saif Ali Khan
Playing the foresighted prince, his intelligent yet pained eyes, grip the interest of the viewer. After Amitabh, he plays the pivotal role in this melodramatic movie.
Raima Sen
Who knew she could actually emote so well? She is extremely good as Saif’s mentally challenged sister, and how her presence in the movie alters the sequence of events in the movie is amazing. She has been well woven into the script, and stands out as an asset rather than a jarring flaw.
All in all, watch this gripping tw hour drama who’s real hero is the script and direction. Also, its more like an ode to the still-in-his-prime Amitabh, who dazzles with his energy and expressiveness. Thumbs up for sure. Only one song means that there is no unnecessary naach-gaana to distract the viewer. May Shakespeare rest in peace.......his brand of drama is in safe hands!