Eklavya: The Royal Guard

Well.. I am a big movie freak..and when a movie has Amitabh, Vidya Balan & Sanju baba then how can I stop myself writting about it??

What is Eklavya: The Royal Guard?
Eklavya: The Royal Guard is a Bollywood film directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra which was released in India, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom on 16 February 2007.

The film marks Vidhu Vinod Chopra's return to directing after seven years. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Raima Sen, Jackie Shroff, Jimmy Shergill and Boman Irani.

Some Facts:
1. Eklavya: The Royal Guard was originally titled Yagna
2. Production began in early 2005.
3. The primary location for shooting was in Rajasthan. Shooting also took place in Devigarh and Jaipur.
4. According to the official website, shooting took place inside the living quarters of the Jaipur Royal Family. Prince Raghavendra Rathore and Subarna Rai Chaudhari designed the costumes for the film
5. Eklavya's cottage was built from scratch.
6. The action sequences were to take place in Egypt but the sequences took place near Bikaner.
7. The release date was to be 15 December 2006 but this was pushed back to January 2007 and finally February 2007
8. Guess what?? Expressing gratitude to Amitabh Bachchan for his "stunning" performance in the movie, the film's director Vidhu Vinod Chopra has gifted the actor a Rolls Royce Phantom worth Rs 3.5 crore.
9. Shantanu Moitra who was the music director of Parineeta (2005) composed the music for the film

Story line:
The film is set in contemporary India. For nine generations Eklavya's (Amitabh Bachchan) family has guarded the Kings of Devigarh. He has only one purpose: to protect the Devigarh dynasty, the fort and the king. Eklavya has vowed to himself that whatever secrets he knows of the family will die with him on his funeral pyre. Having served the royal family all his life, he is getting old and blind. The heir of the throne, Prince Harshwardhan (Saif Ali Khan) tired of the unfair customs ruling the land escaped to London but reluctantly returns for the funeral of his mother Queen Suhasinidevi (Sharmila Tagore). The kingdom is overjoyed with his return as is his mentally challenged twin sister, Princess Nandini (Raima Sen) and his childhood sweetheart Rajjo (Vidya Balan). Well.. check on the big screen for what happens next :)

Reviews?
The first reviews of the film have been positive. The lead cast have been given good reviews. Taran Adarsh said Every actor in Eklavya: The Royal Guard stands out for terrific portrayal. Bachchan and Khan have especially been applauded for their performances.

Interesting business news about the movie !!
Thursday night saw a glittering premiere of Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Eklavya at Imax, Wadala. While the film saw a galaxy of stars ranging from Rekha to Aishwarya Rai, the surprise guests of the evening were Mukesh and Neeta Ambani. And the shocking absentees, Anil and Tina Ambani, close friends of the Bachchan parivaar.

When it was asked to Vidhu vinod Chopra "Why did you take seven years to make Eklavya?" He answered : It took me five years to write the script.

So it must be a good film to watch on the big screens. I am looking forward to it. How about you guys?

- Mumbaikar