Before I get started with my review of the film ASOKA, it’s only fair that I state up front that I know nothing about Indian history. Although I have made good grades in all my prior World History courses, about all I seem to remember is the fact that King Henry VIII of England started the Anglican Church (the Episcopal Church in America) so he could divorce his wife. That’s it! Apparently, the Emperor Asoka is considered one of the most important figures in Indian history. The reason I wanted to mention these things is to cover myself if I make any ignorant and / or boneheaded remarks through the course of this review. With that being said, on with the show.

First, a summary of the plot: Young prince Asoka (Shah Rukh Khan) is pretty much an arrogant bada$$. Sensing that Asoka could realistically ascend to the throne, his brother Susima (Ajith Kumar) plots to have him killed. After easily, and quite stylishly I might add, fending off a couple of assassination attempts, Asoka is willing to fight whoever it takes to be king. Then, in concern for her son’s life, Asoka’s mom decides that she will never talk again unless he leaves town and resumes life in safety as a commoner (and I thought my mom knew how to put on a guilt trip!!!!).

While wandering the earth, and having taken on the name of his horse Pawan, he comes across a beautiful woman named Kaurwaki (Kareena Kapoor) who just happens to be singing and dancing provocatively in a beautiful stream. Thus begins a courtship between Kaurwaki (who is actually a princess in hiding after assassination attempts of her own) and Asoka / Pawan. Kaurwaki’s brother, the eight years old prince Arye, is also with them. Kaurwaki and Pawan fall in love and get married.

Just when you think life is too good, Pawan is called back home to check on his ailing mother. In a cruel twist of fate, Pawan is incorrectly told that Kaurwaki and Arye have been killed. This is where things get really rough… soon Asoka has a new wife, he’s extremely cruel towards others, and he even has some of his own family members killed. After thinking that he has lost his true love, it basically just boils down to him not giving a rip about anything. He mercilessly assumes the throne of his country, expands its territory, and kills whoever stands in his way. The movie culminates in a great battle in which Asoka tries to take over the territory of Kalinga, which happens to also be the territory that princess Kaurwaki and her brother are from. I’ll leave the rest for you to discover.

I really like ASOKA. The film is great to look at, and I’m not just talking about Kareena Kapoor’s dance sequences. I’m a fan of stylish films. That’s why directors who bring such visual style to their films, such as John Woo, Brian DePalma, and Sergio Leone are some of my favorites. Director / Cinematographer Santosh Sivan has made a very stylish film. Through his use of quick cuts, bizarre camera angles, slow motion editing, tightly choreographed action sequences, and epic battle scenes, Sivan has made a film that is extremely pleasing to the eye. This introduction to Sivan’s directorial work has stimulated my interest to explore his previous work as director and / or cinematographer. After watching this film, I noticed that he is also the cinematographer on DIL SE (1998), another beautiful movie.

In the lead role, I found myself mesmerized by the screen presence of Shah Rukh Khan. His character goes from arrogant youth, to love-struck suitor, to cruel emperor, to heartbroken victor. Although these transitions sometimes seemed somewhat abrupt, Khan’s performance was quite believable. I can see why he has been the top box office star of India over the last several decades. In the same way that a person can immediately sense the star power of Hong Kong actors like Chow Yun-fat and Lau Ching-wan, Shah Rukh Khan sticks out like a sore thumb. As Kaurwaki, Kareena Kapoor is very attractive and gives a good performance. By the way, did I mention her dance sequences (3 times at last count)? The other performance that really stood out to me was that of Danny Denzongpa. He plays a guy who seems to have more brawn than brains, is initially somewhat of an annoyance to Asoka’s character, and who eventually becomes one of his most loyal allies and friends. Their initial interactions are quite funny, and their growing friendship adds another level of emotional depth to the film.

I have one minor complaint with this film. My understanding is that after witnessing the extreme brutality and horrors of war, Emperor Asoka became a man of peace, embracing Buddhism, and spreading his beliefs across his nation. I can’t believe I’m saying this about a film that lasted close to three hours, but I wish the filmmakers would have included more about this phase of Asoka’s reign. I think this would have left a better taste in my mouth at the conclusion of the film, compared to ending the film right after the brutal battle of Kalinga.

All in all, ASOKA is a good place to spend a few hours. In the tradition of historical epics such as BRAVEHEART (1995), the experience may leave you emotionally drained, but you will not have wasted your time. 

(FYI: for those interested, the film is streaming on Netflix at the time this review is being published!)