Film: Samrat Prithviraj 

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Manushi Chhillar, Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Ashutosh Rana, Sakshi Tanwar, Manav Vij

Director: Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi 

Rating: 4 Moons

Chand Bardai, a renowned poet, had written a couplet in honour of his hukum, Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan. The words go, “Char Bans Chaubi Gaj, ungal asat parman; Ta upar sultan hai, mat chuke Chauhan.” No words, no dialogues and no book can do complete justice to the valour, bravery and brilliance of one of Bharat’s greatest and last Hindu Kings. While he was known for his battle tactics and brilliance, Samrat was a pioneer of women empowerment and started a new wave by breaking royal norms and giving equal rights to his queen Rajnandini Sanyogita. 

Generally, youth are not pretty much interested in revisiting history, especially after rattofying chapters after chapters in school for exams. When Samrat Prithviraj was announced, I was curious but equally worried that the film would take the routine route. So I was surprisingly delighted that Samrat Prithviraj isn’t like any other film we have seen. It is bright, colourful, poetic and strikes the right balance between the warrior king and the warrior princess’ love story that changed the course of history. 

The 2 hours 15 minutes long film begins with Dr. Chandraprakash taking us straight into a battlefield where Samrat Prithviraj has to fight mighty lions single-handedly. This spectacular scene, only and only to be experienced on the big screen, sets the tone for the rest of the film. What could have never been visually imagined before, Akshay and Manushi present in a jaw-dropping gorgeous way. 

Samrat Prithviraj and Rajnandini Sanyogita’s love story was divine intervention. It had the power to change history. After Sanyogita’s swayamwar, the main incidents and important events occur. The film sheds light on the importance of Chand Bardai (Sonu Sood) and Kaka Kanha (Sanjay Dutt). How I wish I could get into the details but I really want the audience to watch this spectacle on the big screen. 

Dr. Chandraprakash, who is known for his daily soap Chanakya, weaves poetries of praise for Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan. He transports us back to the time when princesses ruled their palaces with their beauty, grace, battle skills and strong-headedness. His 18-years-long research on the subject is reflected in every frame.

Akshay who is the heart and soul of Samrat Prithviraj, gives it his all and that can be seen. The superstar doesn’t just get the mannerisms right but convinces that he was the right choice for the role. As always, Akshay is a master in action sequences and with Samrat Prithviraj, he takes it a level higher. It is hard to believe that Manushi Chhillar is a debutante. As Sanyogita, she is confident. A special round of applause for her dialogue delivery and the gut-wrenching Jauhar scene. 

Sanjay Dutt nails it as Kaka Kanha with his hilarious one-liners. Baba is certainly my favourite. It is so good to see Sonu Sood back in form as Chand Bardai. 

Samrat Prithviraj isn’t your regular historical film where the audience is served a platter full of information. Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi weaves a beautiful love story without compromising on highlighting Samrat’s battle prowess and bravery. A special mention to the production design; it is breathtakingly beautiful.  

Samrat Prithviraj is a film to be watched only and only in theatres. That’s the best and only way to salute and pay a tribute to the greatest warrior king’s legacy.

PeepingMoon gives Samrat Prithviraj 4 Moons