Asoka
Indian emperor's journey from ruthless to peaceful
About Asoka
Released: 2001
Platform: Netflix
Rating: R
Run time: 2h 48m
Cast
Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Danny Denzongpa, Rahul Dev, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Gerson Da Cunha, Subhashini Ali, Umesh Mehra, Sooraj Balaji
About Asoka
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About
Released in 2001, "Asoka" is an Indian historical drama film directed by Santosh Sivan. The movie portrays the life of the legendary Indian emperor, Ashoka the Great, who ruled the Maurya Dynasty in ancient India. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role, Kareena Kapoor as his love interest, and Danny Denzongpa as his advisor.
The story revolves around the early life of Asoka, his transformation from a warrior prince to a ruler known for his benevolence and support of Buddhism. The film explores the internal and external conflicts Asoka faces and his relentless pursuit of peace.
The movie beautifully captures the grandeur of ancient India through its lavish sets, costumes, and scenic locations. The epic tale of love, war, and redemption combined with breathtaking visuals make "Asoka" a memorable film in the historical drama genre.
Making / Production
The making of "Asoka" involved meticulous research to recreate the ancient Mauryan era. Director Santosh Sivan worked closely with production designers, costume designers, and historians to ensure historical accuracy. The film was shot in various locations across India, including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
The battle sequences in the movie were choreographed by Allan Amin, known for his expertise in action direction. The film also required extensive visual effects to recreate the historical setting. Renowned composer Anu Malik created a powerful background score to complement the visuals and enhance the storytelling.
Actors
- Shah Rukh Khan as Asoka - Khan delivers a remarkable performance, portraying Asoka's journey from a fierce warrior to a compassionate ruler.
- Kareena Kapoor as Kaurwaki - Kapoor's portrayal of Kaurwaki, Asoka's love interest, adds depth and emotion to the film.
- Danny Denzongpa as Virat - Denzongpa excels in his role as Virat, Asoka's trusted advisor, offering wise counsel throughout the film.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The film marks Shah Rukh Khan's first historical role.
- Many of the battle sequences were inspired by ancient Indian texts and legends.
- "Asoka" was the most expensive Bollywood film at the time of its release.
- The film was released in many international markets, gaining recognition for Indian cinema worldwide.
Awards
"Asoka" received several nominations and awards, including Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction at the Filmfare Awards.
Quotes
- "I will not kill my brothers. I will not kill anyone anymore."
- "I have known fear, and it is fear that will make men kill."
- "In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you."
Music
The music of "Asoka" was composed by Anu Malik. The soundtrack features a mix of traditional and contemporary songs, capturing the essence of the film's era while maintaining a modern appeal. The album includes soulful tracks like "Raat Ka Nasha" and energetic numbers like "O Re Kanchi."
Soundtrack
- "Raat Ka Nasha" - Sung by Chithra and composed by Anu Malik
- "O Re Kanchi" - Sung by Shaan and Alka Yagnik; composed by Anu Malik
- "Roshini Se" - Sung by Abhijeet Bhattacharya and composed by Anu Malik
- "San Sanana" - Sung by Alka Yagnik and composed by Anu Malik
About Asoka
Asoka is an Indian epic film portraying the life and transformation of Emperor Asoka, who turned from a vicious ruler to a devout Buddhist.