Samrat Prithviraj, a historical film released in 2022 by director, Chandraprakash Dwivedi, stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role as the forthright Hindu Emperor, Prithviraj Chauhan (who reigned from 1177 CE to 1192 CE). The film also stars Manushi Chhillar, Sonu Sood, and Sanjay Dutt in key roles. The movie, based on Chand Bardai’s epic poem “Prithviraj Raso” enacts the valour and heroism displayed by the Rajput King, in his fight against the brutal army of Islamic Mughal invader, Muhammad of Ghor.
On the level of visual presentation, the film does shine. The sets are large, the costumes are elaborate, and the production design on the whole manages to convey the 12th-century India environment. Perhaps more impressive are the battle scenes, which capture the importance, intensity and magnitude.
The music, composed by the legendary Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, happens to be the film’s strongest aspect. It goes very well with the narrative, and the background score only helps to fuel the emotional and dramatic scenes.
Iconic actor, Akshay Kumar as Prithviraj Chauhan received mixed reactions. He added a certain star power to the character, yet an innate lack of intensity and depth one would expect when playing such an important historical figure. Legend speaks of the Emperor as being a stoic Rajput warrior, who learned 14 languages and mastered history, mathematics, medicine, military, painting, philosophy, theology and highly proficient in archery. At times, Akshay appeared somewhat mismatched for the character of a fierce emperor.
The supporting acts of Sonu Sood as Chand Bardai, Sanjay Dutt as Kaka Kanha, and that of Manav Vij as the aggressive antagonist, Muhammad of Ghor, added much needed weight to the film. These characters balanced wisdom and determination in their respective parts, keeping the audience engaged, shocked and informed. Sonu Sood’s acting highlighted the vitally important role of Chand Bardai’s contribution, being born of a Brahmin (Priest) family, upholding conservative religious values of principle and as a fierce defender of the Rajput Royal family.
Poor pacing, mainly in the first half, is where the story lacked with any solid conviction. The screenplay doesn’t go deep into the nuances of the characters nor into the politics of that era, hence making the story somewhat superficial.
The film is adapted from a historical epic but takes strong creative liberties, which may not work in the favor of perfectionist historians. The on-screen depictions of some of the events and characters are disproportionate to the historical events that led to the beginning of brutal Islamic Mughal occupation in the Indian sub-continent. Moments of disrespect are present on the portrayal of Hindus as “lambs-to-a-slaughter” in this movie.
Samrat Prithviraj is an important contextual film, having grandeur with magnificent visuals, and an added slice of national and religious patriotism. Withstanding a lack of pacing and uneven acts, it manages to be an important hard-hitting historical presentation of a nuanced portrayal of history.
Rating: 7/10
Now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Juni Media unequivocally condemns the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, Kashmir, Pakistan and around the world. Two-facedoligarchs have overwhelming supported terrorist groups and organisations at the expense of victims, diplomacy, global safety and security.
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OPINION |
Samrat Prithviraj, a historical film released in 2022 by director, Chandraprakash Dwivedi, stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role as the forthright Hindu Emperor, Prithviraj Chauhan (who reigned from 1177 CE to 1192 CE). The film also stars Manushi Chhillar, Sonu Sood, and Sanjay Dutt in key roles. The movie, based on Chand Bardai’s epic poem “Prithviraj Raso” enacts the valour and heroism displayed by the Rajput King, in his fight against the brutal army of Islamic Mughal invader, Muhammad of Ghor.
On the level of visual presentation, the film does shine. The sets are large, the costumes are elaborate, and the production design on the whole manages to convey the 12th-century India environment. Perhaps more impressive are the battle scenes, which capture the importance, intensity and magnitude.
The music, composed by the legendary Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, happens to be the film’s strongest aspect. It goes very well with the narrative, and the background score only helps to fuel the emotional and dramatic scenes.
Iconic actor, Akshay Kumar as Prithviraj Chauhan received mixed reactions. He added a certain star power to the character, yet an innate lack of intensity and depth one would expect when playing such an important historical figure. Legend speaks of the Emperor as being a stoic Rajput warrior, who learned 14 languages and mastered history, mathematics, medicine, military, painting, philosophy, theology and highly proficient in archery. At times, Akshay appeared somewhat mismatched for the character of a fierce emperor.
The supporting acts of Sonu Sood as Chand Bardai, Sanjay Dutt as Kaka Kanha, and that of Manav Vij as the aggressive antagonist, Muhammad of Ghor, added much needed weight to the film. These characters balanced wisdom and determination in their respective parts, keeping the audience engaged, shocked and informed. Sonu Sood’s acting highlighted the vitally important role of Chand Bardai’s contribution, being born of a Brahmin (Priest) family, upholding conservative religious values of principle and as a fierce defender of the Rajput Royal family.
Poor pacing, mainly in the first half, is where the story lacked with any solid conviction. The screenplay doesn’t go deep into the nuances of the characters nor into the politics of that era, hence making the story somewhat superficial.
The film is adapted from a historical epic but takes strong creative liberties, which may not work in the favor of perfectionist historians. The on-screen depictions of some of the events and characters are disproportionate to the historical events that led to the beginning of brutal Islamic Mughal occupation in the Indian sub-continent. Moments of disrespect are present on the portrayal of Hindus as “lambs-to-a-slaughter” in this movie.
Samrat Prithviraj is an important contextual film, having grandeur with magnificent visuals, and an added slice of national and religious patriotism. Withstanding a lack of pacing and uneven acts, it manages to be an important hard-hitting historical presentation of a nuanced portrayal of history.
Rating: 7/10
Now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Juni Media unequivocally condemns the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, Kashmir, Pakistan and around the world. Two-faced oligarchs have overwhelming supported terrorist groups and organisations at the expense of victims, diplomacy, global safety and security.
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