Some of the reasons which make the movie different from the general lot are:

• Vidhu Vinod Chopra had done his homework well before he started with the making of the movie and it clearly shows onscreen. Every actor has been cast in roles that are a far cry from their earlier works.

• The film keeps the audience at the edge of the seat during the 100 minutes. It is an intelligently shot slick flick. The suspense in the pre-climax comes as a bolt from the blue.

• The fact is Eklavya - The Royal Guard is a difficult film to make and hats off to Chopra who made it. There are absolutely no shortcuts here.

Coming to individual performances, Amitabh Bachchan is in solid form and every emotion he displays is simply incredible. Add one more striking performance in an illustrious and enviable repertoire! Apart from him, Saif Ali Khan emotes with amazing precision and makes you realize the giant strides he has taken as an actor. If Omkara last year won him plaudits and awards, it’s time for an encore with Eklavya - The Royal Guard. If there’s one character the hardcore masses will carry home, it’s that of Sanju Baba. He is just fabulous.

There’s no stopping for the Parineeta queen Vidya Balan. Boman Irani is first-rate in a negative role. Watch him interact with Sharmila Tagore in the very first scene and with Jackie subsequently to know the range of this gifted actor.

Jimmy Shergill introduces you to a hitherto unknown facet of his talent. He excels in a negative role. Jackie Shroff gets a meaty role yet again in a Vidhu Vinod Chopra film. He’s wonderful. Raima Sen leaves a mark in a significant role. Sharmila Tagore exudes class in a cameo. Parikshit Sahni is efficient.