Rating: 2.5/5 Star
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Manushi Chhillar, Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Sakshi Tanwar
Director: Chandraprakash Dwivedi
In one of the scenes in Samrat Prithviraj, a character laments how he failed to comprehend the value of a ‘heera’ like Prithviraj Chauhan, which even a brutal ruler like Sultan Mohammad Ghori could comprehend.
It’s ironic how this scene also mirrors how the makers of Akshay Kumar’s latest outing fall short of delivering an intriguing, high on emotions spectacle despite having an interesting premise from the history book in their hands.
Story
In a gladiator-like environment in Ghazi, Afghanistan, a feeble, blinded Samrat Prithviraj (Akshay Kumar) is seen displaying his valour as he locks horns with ferocious lions. A large crowd of onlookers, including Sultan Mohammad Ghori (Manav Vij), hold their breath as they watch this exhibition of sheer machismo and bravado.
The period drama then goes back in time and takes us through some of Samrat Prithviraj’s life experiences. From the First Battle Of Tarrain, where he had his enemy Mohammad Ghori at his feet, to how this ‘last Hindu monarch’ had to face defeat and then death due to a treachery.
In between, the makers also squeeze in how Prithviraj has to deal with his future father-in-law Jaychand (Ashutosh Rana) in order to marry his daughter Sanyogita (Manushi Chhillar), who is head over heels in love with him.
Direction
Dr. Chakraprakash Dwivedi’s film, Samrat Prithviraj, is based on components from the Braj epic poem ‘Prithviraj Raso’ and other literary accounts. Despite having an intriguing plot, the film’s director, who is also its writer, fails to structure it in such a way that it has the correct balance of drama and action.
The characters speak in epithets at first, which might be distracting. There are a few points where the tale feels rushed. The war sequences are technically excellent, yet they lack the exhilaration. A major sequence involving Manushi Chhillar’s character Sanyogita gives you a Padmaavat deja vu. Dr Dwivedi made sure to include some lessons on women empowerment in a story that is heavily peppered with discussions about ‘yudh’ and ‘dharm.’
Performances
As heavy as it may sound, Akshay Kumar as Samrat Prithviraj is a miscast. With the exception of battle scenes, where the superstar’s physique and flexibility come into play, he absolutely fails to perform nuanced emotions on screen. Kumar should have paid more attention to his body language and speech modulation.
Manushi Chhillar, the debutante, has a radiant appearance and is a skilled dancer. However, when it comes to expressing strong emotions, the actress has a long way to go. Sanjay Dutt is excellent as Samrat Prithviraj’s counsel Kaka Kanha, although he is let down by some vapid dialogues. Sonu Sood’s portrayal of court poet Chand Bardai, who also serves as an astrologer, is sincere.
Manav Vij delivers what’s written for him, but fails to send shivers down the spine. Ashutosh Rana and Sakshi Tanwar do an excellent job in their parts.
Technical Aspects
Samrat Prithviraj compensates for its inadequacies by providing you with a visual delight recorded on film by Manush Nandan. Every frame oozes with richness, whether it’s the rich ‘pink’ hues of gulaal in the air, the’saffron’ in the regal turbans, or the yellow of the barren war-field. On the editing table, Aarif Sheikh does a decent job.
Music
The background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara is lackluster. The songs of Samrat Prithviraj are visually appealing, yet they barely register on your lips.
Verdict
“Ek rajkumari ne ek rakumar ki veerta ki kahaaniya sun sun kar sapne bun liye thhe, ki ek din woh rajkumar aayega aur usse ghode pe le jayega,” goes a dialogue in Samrat Prithviraj.
While Akshay Kumar’s warrior king makes a dramatic entrance, he fails to transport you to a realm where there is a lot of blood flowing. Despite all of the splendour, his historical film leaves you feeling underwhelmed.
