Eklavya has several big stars like Saif Ali Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt etc, but the film belongs to a different and unique genre. It is a film that deals with a deteriorating palace and its subjects, the king and his family. There are several dark and mysterious secrets that are hidden within these palace walls. And Eklavya-the royal guard is the protector of these secrets.The story is unusual and will have its share of admirers.However the script and screenplay has an extremely complicated plot with various twists and turns. Though at times the proceddings are captivating, at times they also tend to leave the viewer confused about what is actually happening.The film has a good visual appeal with the intricacies of the palace, the old era where horses and camels are shown definitely have a classy appeal. But at the same time there are also visually dark scenes which gel in with the sombre and serious mood of the film.The script is innovative but at the same time takes a lot of concentration to comprehend, it is more of an intellect film with various shades. However due to its slightly complicated storyline and screenplay, it turns out to be an above average film. Vidhu Vinod Chopra has chosen a complex theme but one that may not appeal to all audiences.Nonetheless it is gripping during certain parts.
Eklavya-the royal guard has been directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopa and stars Amitabh Bachchan,Saif Ali Khan,Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani,Jackie Shroff,Jimmy Shergill,Sharmila Tagore,Raima Sen and Vidya Balan.The film has been set in Rajasthan during the post independance period where there were many kings and kingdoms but they ruled only in name. The film begins with Amitabh narrating the story of Eklavya.King Rana Jaywardhan (Boman Irani) and Rani Suhasinidevi (Sharmila) are the king and queen of Devigarh fort, but only in name. Eklavya (Amitabh) is their loyal guard and his family has been serving royalty for the past nine generations and he is entrusted with several secrets regarding the royal family.When the queen suddenly dies, her son Prince Harshvardhan (Saif) is called back from London. When he arrives back home to his kingdom and people, he gets to know of various secrets regarding his family and their kingdom. Harsh is very close to his sister Princess Nanadini (Raima) who is a bit mentally challenged. On his return his chidhood sweetheart Rajjo (Vidya balan) is very happy.
But at the same time,Rana Jyotiwardhan (Jackie Shroff), the king's brother and his son Udaywardhan (Jimmy Shergill) are plotting and planning for their own success. King Jaywardhan is receiving death threats and Inspector Pannalal Chohar (Sanjay Dutt) is called in to investigate the mattter. But unfortunately he is unable to prevent the death of the King and Rana Jayawardhan is murdered in a gruesome manner. Harshvardhan vows revenge but is taken aback when certain truths come to light. Eklavya-the royal guard who reveals many of these secrets also considers it his duty to avenge the king's death. Eklavya is gifted with special powers and has never failed his master so far, will he be able to avenge the death of his king in spite of his failing eyesight? Will he do his duty and take revenge?
Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra manages to portray the past era extremely well with the dilapidated palace, the camels,deserts, sets and even costumes.Chopra has attempted to charter into new and unexplored territory with his theme and its portrayal onscreen. The film also explores an epic mythological aspect of duty and conscience which was predominant in the earlier times.Unfortunately the script has not been explored in depth and often it seems complicated in its approach.The screenplay has some interesting sequences but overall has a dark and brooding approach. Nonetheless the film manages to impress with certain sequences, like the one where Amitabh darkens an entire room and the screen in the theater goes pitch black except for the monologue, several fight and action sequences have been done excellently. However the various secrets that tumble out after the death of the queen at times don't seem logical and are a bit over stretched. The separate plots of each of the characters don't gel very well with the larger picture but in fact seem to be separate tracks. Overall Chopra's effort in trying out a novel theme clearly comes across and does have its intriguing moments.
The first half of the film begins with zest and manages to create suspense with the various secrets tumbling out but after a while the pace in the second half deteriorates rapidly and even the drama created lacks punch.Various emotions like jealosy, revenge,shock and anger are depicted well by the characters.Unfortunately at times the film tends to get preachy about duty and responsibility, rather than portraying all this. One expects a shocking climax but it turns out to be disappointing in its impact. The performances are extremely noteworthy,the script is interesting but the screenplay tends to get a bit abstract and vague very often. However the look of the film is rich, cinematography by Subramaniam is awesome, the haunting background music matches the mood and feel of the film and the action sequences by Tinu Varma are done amazingly.Performances by some high profile actors are in keeping with their characters.
Amitabh Bachchan as Eklavya the royal guard definitely gives a strong performance in the film, his eyes,posture and even costume enhance his character greatly. He gives his character a touch of royalty and immense dignity in spite of his handicaps in the film.A bravura performance by Amitabh. Saif Ali Khan too gives an extremely good and controlled performance, Boman Irani is brilliant and once again displays his immense talent to portray various unique characters.Jackie shroff manages to give an average performance and Jimmy Shergill gives a commendable performance. Sanjay Dutt may not have a meaty role but makes a strong and affable impact whenever onscreen. Sharmila Tagore has a small cameo, Raima Sen is average in her limited role and Vidya too is average.
Overall though the visual experience is appealing, the script and screenplay lack a certain punch and could have been better etched out. Also the film is not exactly commercial cinema and hence will not appeal to a large number of audiences. Eklavya is an above average film which is intriguing in parts. At the box office it may have an above average phase due to its starcast.
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| Reviewed By: Rachel Fernandes |
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