Watching ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ is an opportunity for Indians to celebrate the valour and experience the glorious retelling of the last Hindu King, Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan’s life and daredevilry. Akshay Kumar plays the legendary warrior Prithviraj, who fought valiantly to protect India’s freedom from Muhammad of Ghor (Manav Vij) in this visual spectacle. Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan’s valour against merciless invaders and plunderers of India, has been part of India’s folklore and ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ truly salutes the spirit of the King in the most glorious way. It is not only a story of an unparalleled warrior who fought bravely for the motherland, but also reflects the greatness of our culture, of respecting and empowering women. The makers have tried to narrate India an epic saga of sacrifice that everyone must know and value.
Samrat Prithviraj begins with the ‘climax’ that takes you back to Prithviraj’s childhood and youth. Prithviraj is the Samrat of Ajmer who is now coronated as the King of Dilli (Delhi). This makes the ruler of Kannauj Jayachandra (Ashutosh Rana) unhappy. He chalks out a plan to belittle Prithviraj. His daughter Samyogita (Manushi Chhillar) wants to marry Prithviraj but with the turn of events becomes a bait instead. To Jayachandra’s surprise, Prithviraj comes to Kannauj only to return with Samyogita in tow. Prithviraj marries Samyogita which makes Jayachandra feel frustrated and helpless. This time he draws yet another plot to take revenge with Prithviraj and win Dilli too. His plan involves the Muhammad of Ghor, who has already been defeated by Prithviraj. Muhammad agrees to Jayachandra’s plot but deceives Jayachandra after capturing Prithviraj.
How and why Prithviraj is coronated as the King of Dilli, what events lead Samyogita to leave her parents and go with Prithviraj and the events during the rivalry between Prithviraj, Muhammad of Ghor and the ruler of Kannauj Jayachandra form the narrative of Samrat Prithviraj.
As mentioned above, watching Samrat Prithviraj will leave you with a sense of pride for various reasons and the most important would be the scenes depicting respect and empowerment of women. Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi has written some very invigorating dialogues to celebrate womenhood.
There are very interesting and noteworthy dialogues in the narrative that one would keep in mind and resonate with them. The most interesting is the one when Muhammad of Ghor reasons his Senapati why Indians cannot be defeated (easily). The other is when Jayachandra realises his folly of not valuing the worth of Prithviraj when even the nations enemy Muhammad does. Also the sequence of Samyogita attending the court for the first time is noteworthy.
Akshay Kumar is playing a historical protagonist for the first time in his career and has put his efforts to justify the role. It is Sonu Sood and Sanjay Dutt who light up the screen with their presence and with their serious and humourous conversations.
Though both Sonu Sood and Sanjay Dutt are not positioned as the lead characters, the narrative has given them meaty roles and will take away praises for their performances.
Debutant Manushi Chhillar has got a dream role, not limited to romancing the hero, sing and dance but also mouth some very pertinent lines and make an impact too.
Manav Vij as Muhammad of Ghor looks very much the part and will be remembered for his role. Ashutosh Rana as Jayachandra and Sakshi Tanwar as his wife and Samyogita’s parents get limited role, but they do complete justice in the run time.
All in all, Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s ‘Samrat Prithviraj’, with great cast and impactful writing is a celebration of valour and a must watch
Movie: Samrat Prithviraj
Director: Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Manushi Chhillar, Asuosh Rana,
Duration: 139:35
