Eklavya
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff, Jimmy Shergil, Sanjay Dutt, Sharmila Tagore phew… Direction: Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra has this amazing ability. It streams from his confidence and at times borders on the edge of overconfidence. ‘This is Amitabh’s best performance till date’ and ‘Eklavya is bigger than Munnabhai’ are few of his statements. Remember he had also said – “1942 is like Titanic”.
He has this habit of promising so much and delivering well short of it. Take a look at the promos of 1942, Kareeb and even Mission Kashmir. Awesome promises but nowhere close on delivery. He should be a politician by now.
And now lets come back to Eklavya – The Royal Guard. Eklavya is a Royal Guard who lives by his duty – Protection of his Ranaji (King) – Boman Irani. As with any Royal story, ego, betrayal and greed are the strongest characters and each of them draws Royal blood. And this brings Eklavya to a crossroad – What’s bigger for him? Duty beyond everything or his own blood?
VVC: The movie has it all – Period costumes, deceit, Royal family drama, Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, impressive starcast – what else could you want?
Audience: Sir, a tight script would be in order. A very interesting subject has been let down by not working hard on audience expectations. Mr. Chopra, when an audience watches a movie, it expects in addition to an interesting subject, a story, a tight script and screenplay. You cannot just say ‘Well begun is half done’ and leave it at that. The movie tediously treads along and despite being only a little less than 2 hours, appears slow and long and doesn’t ever step up the tempo.
And now to respond to VVC’s statements, This is definitely not Amitabh Bachchan’s best performance to date and it’s not even close to Munnabhai. I’ve somewhere in my earlier review mentioned Amitabh is suffering from Over-exposure. This movie reiterates the fact. I’ve got so used to his acting that every expression on his face now seems ordinary and seen before. I’ve no complains with his performance but I wouldn’t term it extra ordinary either. At least he provides the best scene in the movie where he is torn apart between his duty and his son. The agonising deliberation that goes through Eklavya’s mind is nicely depicted through Amitabh’s face and VVC for once gets something right.
As for being bigger than Munnabhai, lets not even go there.
Saif Ali Khan is a commited actor and he depicts the Prince with flair. After all, it runs in his blood. Boman Irani, for once, is seen hamming. Jackie Shroff is also ordinary. DSP Pannalal Chohar portrayed by Sanjay Dutt is the live wire and could’ve provided life to the movie. He’s sadly wasted as he’s got just 3 scenes.
With such an impressive star cast, VVC has done the improbable – He’s failed to entertain. He’s told a grim story in a grim fashion. I could classify this as an Art movie but these days, there is no such distinction as audiences have matured. Eklavya will definitely find its audience. It’s in no way a bomb but could’ve been lot better. Didn’t work for me.
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