The royal look behind Eklavya

Courtesy: IndiaFM
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Eklavya, the much awaited multi-starrer is framed in the imperial era of Rajasthan. Written and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the movie bears an intense tagline - "the fire that heals".

The movie depicts the life of the royal guard, Eklavya (played by Amitabh Bachchan) and how he trains from sunrise to sunset to protect the Kings of Devigarh. The sets of the movie comprise vast deserts and ageless citadels, gold- gilded interiors and finely crafted furniture.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra inevitably has paid keen attention to detail. Observe the fine paintings and carved walls in the interiors of the palace, as well as the dinner table adorned with royal orchids. Every frame in the movie looks like a piece of art. To live up to the majestic look of the film, all the actors have worked on their packaging. Amitabh Bachchan looks as enigmatic as a real-life guard with his red turban and husky gear. Sanjay Dutt's moustache and hairdo renders an unfinished brawny look, and is strikingly reminiscent of Saif Ali Khan's character in Omkara. It fits the bill for his character of a police inspector in the movie. Saif, who plays the role of Prince Harshwardhan, looks as charming and noble. Jackie Shroff and Jimmy Shergill, who play the inspector's brother and son respectively, have attired themselves in jackets and stubbles.

The movie stars Vidya Balan and Raima Sen as the leading ladies. Chopra's last directorial venture was Mission Kashmir, released way back in 2000. He is back on the director's seat, this time with a period film which is lined up for a February release next year.