ASOKA

Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rahul Dev & Hrishitaa Bhatt
Director: Santosh Sivan
Producers: Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla

PREDICTED RATING: 10/10

Synopsis: The film deals with the life and times of the famed Mauryan emperor Asoka who ruled India for several years. He loves Karubaki (similar sounding name for Kareena Kapoor), the princess of Kalinga. But she loves the commander-in-chief of Ashoka's forces (Rahul Dev).

So, Ashoka attacks Kalinga. Several bodies lie uncounted as death dances its way to glory. The gory deaths change Asoka. He puts down his weapons, stops eating non-vegetarian food and turns Buddhist. Thus he adopts peace.

Trivia: The film does not have great costumes. It is a very simple look. But those who have seen the rushes swear by Santosh Sivan's abilities.

The script of Asoka was narrated to Shah Rukh Khan by Sivan when he was shooting the Chaiyya Chaiyya song atop the train as a cinematographer of Dil Se.

The film is worth Rs 10 crore.

Historian M N Das has challenged the story stating that Karubaki never loved someone, but was a Buddhist monk who put Asoka on the right path of non-violence.

The title of the film was changed from Ashoka to Asoka. The film may even be called Asoka the Great. There is still a dispute about the title.

SCHEDULED RELEASE DATE: September 2001

PREVIEWED BY ANUSHA SAMIR GILL