Note : The edited version of this post appears at Planet Bollywood, here.
The Review is here.
Sometimes if you’re lucky and the stars are aligned just right, along will come a desi film which threatens to blow the competition into oblivion. A film with a great director, magnificent stars, and a script which promises to enthrall. For 2007, “Eklavya” appears to be the one. Going by Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s track record, his recent successes and his past acclaim, his upcoming epic promises to be the movie of the year. After last year’s bumper hit “Lage Raho Munnabhai” which he produced, Chopra this time weilds the director’s baton, along with writing and producing Eklavya. Chopra picks and chooses his work, but each film he is associated with, pioneers path-breaking cinema. Be it Bollywood’s first and best comedy “Jaane bhi do yaaron (1983)” for which Chopra served as Production Controller, or the first well-done who-dun-it “Khamosh(1985)”, or that impeccable desi gangster movie “Parinda (1989)” which he directed, Chopra does new and novel work. This time around Chopra directs after 7 long years, and gives us a royal tale of loyalty and devotion.
Another reason Eklavya is awaited with such anticipation is the stellar cast. This film has the best of the best : the versatile Saif Ali Khan, the graceful Sharmila Tagore, the inimitable Amitabh as Eklavya himself, and the talented Vidya Balan and Boman Irani. The story revolves around a royal family of Rajasthan on the verge of ruin, and the loyalty of their royal guard Eklavya. Eklavya’s family have been loyal servants to the Devigarh dynasty. He has only one purpose in life – to safeguard the family, their respect and their honor. His marksmanship is legendary, and his loyalty is unquestionable. When the Prince of Devigarh, Harshawardhan (Saif) returns home from London after his mother Rani Suhasinidevi’s (Tagore) death he sees his father Rana Jayawardhan (Irani) and uncle Jyotiwardhan (Shroff) ruling the land with a heavy hand. At his arrival, even though his mentally disabled sister Nandini (Raima) and his childhood sweetheart Rajeshwari (Balan) rejoice, there are others who conspire against him. When the people suffer, and death threats are unveiled against the royal family, a nonchalant police officer (Dutt) is called in to investigate, and it might be too late for old and infirm Eklavya to do his duty . . .
The storyline promises mystery and treason coupled with blue blood. Add to that betrayal, loyalty and the fight to stay true to your beliefs and you have a surefire hit. The released trailers, as precursors to the film itself, depict shades of upheaval amid the heavy sands of the desert. From the teaser, the film looks to be richly shot, and vibrantly picturised in striking hues. Much of the cast and crew of “Parineeta” return in this period film, including the music director, and many of the actors like Raima Sen, Saif Ali Khan, Balan and Dutt. Jimmy Shergill, Parikshit Sahni and Jackie Shroff are the new faces in the Chopra camp.
Originally titled “Yagna” and shot in picturesque Jaipur and Bikaner, “Eklavya’s” release date has been pushed back a couple of times. Shot with a budget of around 14 crores, with a large crew and the use of about 800 camels, this visual treat now finally releasing, is much awaited.
