You won't be disappointed!

Touches You

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

From the director of 'Parinda', Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Based on a legend that is often considered a secondary tale to the grand Indian epic, 'The Mahabharata', or, in modern parlance, something I happen to agree with, a spin-off, of sorts, observing a character who could have played a major role in the epic itself, but was cut off, or not allowed in doing so, by the most revered person in society, even now - a teacher. However, other than the name, this particular tale has nothing in common with the epic spin-off, which was more about betrayal, and killing talent (imho), while this one, is about, sacrifice, something that has been highlighted in too many stories, and movies, to keep count. And yes, once again, it has been glorified. Nevertheless, it is in the telling of the tale, and drawing out effective performances, and constructing a few individual scenes, that this particular narrative succeeds. And the ensemble helps, big- time. Amitabh Bachchan. Saif Ali Khan.Both have been given enough material to showcase their respective talents, and they utilize the opportunity to the fullest extent possible. Watching them act, interact, is simply Magnificent. Sanjay Dutt - underused, and amazing at the same time. Like he's been in most movies where he's starred alongside the big B. Kaante, always comes to mind. Vidya Balan - underseen, and underused, though vital to the main plot. This was before she broke out, even though she did have the success of 'Parineeta', her debut, behind her. Parikshit Sahani - criminally underused in most of his movies, and yet, like he always does, rising to the occasion in this one, holding his own, like he's always done, opposite the big B, no mean feat that. The abruptness of the ending kind of takes away from most of the great ensemble scenes that play out before, including the twist of sorts (not really a twist in m opinion, but handled decently, almost expertly, in spite of the fact that the makers seem to think they have a bombshell, while, in reality, it does not pack as much a punch as they seemed to think it did, though, to be fair, it does not fizzle out). The scenes between Raima Sen and Saif Ali Khan are of a quality rarely seen in Hindi cinema, and it is a testament to the talent on display that I strongly feel (not just from Sen;s work here, but also in flicks like 'Honeymoon travels') that she has not yet received her due. Jackie Shroff, Jimmy Sheirgill and Boman Irani are fantastic, but once again, I strongly feel that they all could have done better with more scenes, more lines and better characterization, to their credit. Having said that, they literally come alive on the silver screen playing out what they've been given. Each and every scene they're in, quivers with amazing, resounding power. While I absolutely love the movie, and its 3rd act revelations, I strongly feel that the entire exercise is 1 wasted opportunity, for, with the talent assembled both behind and in-front-of the scenes, this could have been nothing short of an epic tale, almost with more than enough power to be comparable with the original Mahabharata. Pity. In spite of that, worth watching, even more than once. On the big screen, though unless it plays festivals or midnight showings, there's no chance nowadays. At the time it released, I felt this did not get much of a push from its distributors, or its marketing team, in spite of being made by a mainstream producer (Eros, I think). More's the pity.

The experience of watching Eklavya is akin to reading a novel - the plot unfolds with each passing page. Vidhu has done a commendable job on this front. The visuals are stunning very much Hollywood standards. The pain and anguish of Eklavya were a bit Over-the-top. Nishabd (sans voice-over) is a classic example for a true-to-life depiction of the same emotion.Couple of scenes impress and noteworthy to mention are the train sequence and the archery. However the latter appears to be force-fit into the story. Performances::¤ Amitabh:: Needs no mention as usual. Having said that, Mr. Chopra you have under-utilised the given opportunity.¤ Sharmila Tagore:: Had very limited screen time.¤ Saif:: Restrained performance doesn't suit him…. yet!¤ Vidya Balan:: Not one of those Parineeta performances and no scope in the script either.¤ Sanjay Dutt, Raima Sen, Boman Irani, Parikshit Sahani :: No great shakes – sleepwalking roles.That bring to ask, why attempt to assemble the entire star cast of VVC Camp?The movie was pushed against the wall publicity-wise hence ends up working against it. Expectations run high and the delivery fails to impress.And the climax is a major downer, very-very Bollywoodish. Definitely not expected out of talented Vidhu (Devil's advocate: maybe he is over-hyped). And spending five years to pen it is a bit too far fetched. PS: Parinda moment? Oh, just stop it and go away!

Directed and written by: Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Boman Irani. Enter a royal mansion of Rajasthan, India that is filled with secrets. The royal guard Eklavya (Amitabh Bachchan) is humble, sincere and ruthless. He is guarding the king Rana Jayawardhan (Boman Irani). Like one of the characters Eklavya from the epic Mahabharata, who cut his thumb off as a gesture of respect when his Archery teacher asks him to as fees for the teaching, this royal guard is also determined to protect his king so as to consider this job as his only Religion. What secrets this mansion is hiding? What happens when one tries to blow off the lid off these secrets? Will Eklavya be able to follow his religion? Well the questions are answered, except for one which you will see at the end. After giving Khamosh (1985), Parinda (1989) and 1942-A love story (1993) Vidhu Vinod Chopra comes back with his own screenplay and his own vision blended in a big screen art piece. Like those other films he still has his cutting knife as sharp as it was before. Little rugged tip though. Mr Chopra has created a dark sequence that can only be understood from voices in the background. He has created a scene where camera is panning over the entire entrance way towards the mansion that reminds Kubrick and Fincher's fluid-track camera. He has created a thrilling sequence involving a car standing close to a running train along with sprinting camels in one of the deserts of Rajasthan. He has created a dark and glooming atmosphere throughout the entire movie which will keep you glued to your seat. He has a vision and he has stick to it all the way almost till the last 10 minutes of the movie. Actually he did give a sign of a grand finale with Harshwardhan's (Saif Ali Khan) gesture which if Mr Chopra has stayed with then this tale would have made sense and fit to all of the character's intentions. But unfortunately Mr Chopra goes a little further which will steer away this car ride out on a gravel road where the scenery is hazy due to the dust. At this point perhaps he could not decide if he can still continue to be an artist or rather make money out of this? Its upto you how hard you take those 10 minutes. Personally Mr Chhopra was already impressive enough to give an exhilarating experience through his quality cinema. Mr Bachchan as the royal guard has a style and attitude that would take his character where you believe him completely. When he stands next to the bed where queen Suhasini devi (Sharmila Tagore) is lying, he has the eyes that will negate the possibilities of any words from the screenplay. The sequence of chopping off the bells tied to a flying dove's feet is at first seems little cheesy but sometime later helps you understand how unique his talent is. Though his expressions are not new but still he performs with utter honesty. Saif Ali Khan as the prince charming lights the screen with his persona. His performance is the second memorable followed by Boman Irani as the king and Vidya Balan as Harshwardhan's lover Rajjo. Jackie Shroff makes a comeback to commercial cinema after quite a while. Seems like Mr Chopra wanted to bring Shubhankar from 1942-A love story. He is little more older, tired and less believable. Sanjay Dutt and Raima Sen contribute a little to the story. Cinematography by Nataraja Subramanian is quite stunning which requires an auditorium viewing. Eklavya asks a question that how far can you go to be RELIGIOUS? This movie is a great attempt which deserves applause. My rating: 7/10.

Eklavya: The Royal Guard is certainly getting a lot of mixed reviews. Some people love it, others hate it and even more others don't know what to make of it. This is probably because the film has a lot of potential in its storyline, its cast, and its setting. My problem with it is that it doesn't live up to its entire potential.In the director's haste to make the movie short, it actually takes away from "what could have been". There is not enough background information and display of the relationships between the characters. There are also some boring scenes and some parts become annoyingly repetitive. The best part about this movie is the acting. Amitabh and Saif especially show to the world once again why they are such great actors. The cinematography is also fantastic.Again, the potential for this story is so much more than what is displayed. Nonetheless it is worth watching for some of the VERY gripping scenes. These few scenes make the movie what it is. If the whole movie was compiled with the same conviction that is in these scenes it would be good enough for an Oscar nomination! (You will know what scenes they are once you watch the film.)