Pointless period drama is soulless and inaccurate
THE success of Sanjay Leela Bhansali epics Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, along with the two Baahubali blockbusters, has led to a resurgence in the historical genre in Bollywood, but unfortunately none have been able to match these fine films.
The latest colourful effort attempting to find big success is this story based on 12th century ruler Prithviraj Chauhan.
Akshay Kumar takes on the title role of a ruler who fights ruthless rival Mohammed Ghori and wins, but sets him free. He then elopes with a princess and becomes enemies with her father, who enlists the help of a decidedly angry Ghori and what follows is a battle that will change everything.
Very little being factually correct about this historical turns this film into a pointless exercise and it is devalued further with 54-year older Akshay Kumar playing a ruler in his early twenties romancing a heroine who looks young enough to be his daughter. This film seems another cynical attempt to ride
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Manushi Chhillar, Sonu Sood, Sanjay Dutt, Manav Vij Director: Chandraprakash Dwivedi
the wave of extremist right wing nationalism in India by demonising Muslims. The not-so-great special effects, poor music and an unmemorable antagonist don’t help proceedings.
There is plenty of overacting from the entire cast and 25-year-old beauty queen turned actress Manushi Chhillar looks too young next to a lead man 30 years older than her. What remains is a self-indulgent film that has very little to offer the audience aside from some nice scenery, lovely costumes, and a few eye-catching battles.
The only people who will likely take anything away from this poor effort are those willing to believe Akshay Kumar is a young man in his twenties and that this film is factually correct, which it isn’t.
This is another soulless Hindi film that has taken audiences for granted and will soon be forgotten. That is why it should be avoided or watched with decidedly lowered expectations.