Sanchita
Samrat Prithviraj is not a bad watch, just very mediocre for the grand scale that it was pitched at. Also, it feels like Akshay Kumar walked in straight from the Housefull 4 set as Bala!
Read Full Samrat Prithviraj Movie Review –
Director: Chandraprakash Dwivedi
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Manushi Chhillar
Rating: 2.5/5
Runtime: 2h 25m
Storyline:
Akshay plays the titular role of Samrat Prithviraj – a fierce warrior who can take down 3 lions even after being blinded.
The plot mainly revolves around – Sanyogita (Manushi) and Prithviraj’s love story, two powerful face-offs with Muhammad Ghori (Manav Vij) and the internal conflict among the Rajputs that ultimately leads to chaos and betrayal.
(Also Read: Akshay Kumar’s Fee For Prithviraj Movie – 12 TIMES More Than Sanjay Dutt; XX CRORES!)
When Sanyogita elopes from her Swayamvar with Prithviraj, her father Jayachandra (Ashutosh Rana) is enraged as he considers Prithviraj to be his rival. To bring down the mighty king, Jayachandra allies with Muhammad Ghori…which leads to devastating consequences.
Sonu Sood plays Chand Bardai, the court poet who wrote Prithviraj Raso (on which the movie is based). While Sanjay Dutt is seen as Prithviraj’s trusted soldier Kaka Kanha.
What Do We Think:
One thing that really struck me as dissatisfying while watching Samrat Prithviraj was the lack of memorable songs. Barring the fierce Hari Har song, all other tracks are extremely forgettable.
Immersive, enthralling songs that accurately resonate with whatever is happening in the movie – they are a make-it or break-it for a period actioner. This soundtrack doesn’t get on that level. (Remember Azeem-O-Shan Shahenshah from Jodha Akbar, Deewani Mastani from Bajirao Mastani, Binte Dil from Padmaavat? They elevate the movie to another level!)
Also, Akshay Kumar really does not do justice to the role, he doesn’t emanate the charismatic, powerful presence of the legendary Rajput warrior. Rather his acting in the 1st half is reminiscent of his role as Bala from Housefull 4. (Same to same mucche!)
Also Read: (Manushi Chhillar DEBUT Movie Samrat Prithviraj FEE: ‘X’ CRORE!)
Can’t help but feel as if Akshay looks like the villain instead of the hero – in some scenes.
He appears to be a total miscast; a younger, more energetic actor would have suited the role better. That being said, his rugged appearance in the 2nd half does look better and the thrilling action climax is the saving grace of the film.
Manushi Chillar looks pretty in her debut as Sanyogita but lacks the regal aura and strong conviction in the emotional scenes. Plus, gotta say – the age gap with Akki is WEIRD and it shows clearly on the screen – in the lack of their chemistry together.
Sonu Sood has a meaty role and he does a decent job as do Ashutosh Rana and Manav Vij. Sanjay Dutt is alright but his act in KGF 2 had more energy.
Samrat Prithviraj is technically sound in the action scenes. A better soundtrack, a more spicy 1st half and a younger actor in Prithviraj’s role would’ve done justice to the grand vision we were promised.
Hit Or Miss:
If you’re craving some of that period Dramarama, hit the theatres to see Samrat Prithviraj. It’s not bad, but quite an average one for Akki.
