Samrat Prithviraj – Worth Watching or Skipping?

“Samrat Prithviraj” is a 2022 Indian historical action drama, directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi and produced by Yash Raj Films. The movie is based on Prithviraj Raso, an ancient epic poem about the life of Prithviraj Chauhan, the legendary Rajput king of India.

The film stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role, along with Manushi Chhillar (in her Bollywood debut), Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Ashutosh Rana, and Manav Vij. Released on June 3, 2022, Samrat Prithviraj aimed to bring the bravery and sacrifice of the Rajput king to the big screen. However, despite high expectations, the movie struggled at the box office.

Plot Summary

The story follows the life of Prithviraj Chauhan (Akshay Kumar), the ruler of Ajmer, known for his courage and honor. The film showcases:

• His love story with Princess Sanyogita (Manushi Chhillar), who chooses him over her father’s wishes.
• His clashes with Muhammad Ghori (Manav Vij), the ruler of the Ghurid Empire, who repeatedly tries to invade India.
• His valor in battle and his commitment to justice and dharma.
• His final battle and tragic fate, which makes him a symbol of Rajput pride and resistance.

The movie highlights Prithviraj’s heroism, his political struggles, and his unwavering commitment to his people.

Acting Performances

Akshay Kumar as Prithviraj Chauhan

Akshay Kumar delivers a sincere performance, portraying Prithviraj as a fearless warrior and a noble king. However, some viewers felt that he looked too mature for the role of the young king.

Manushi Chhillar as Sanyogita

Manushi Chhillar makes a graceful debut as Princess Sanyogita. She brings elegance to her character but has limited screen time.

Sanjay Dutt as Kaka Kanha

Sanjay Dutt plays Prithviraj’s loyal warrior, adding humor and energy to the film. His role is entertaining but not deeply explored.

Sonu Sood as Chand Bardai

Sonu Sood plays Chand Bardai, Prithviraj’s poet and close companion. His narration helps drive the story, and his performance is impactful.

Manav Vij as Muhammad Ghori

Manav Vij portrays Ghori as a ruthless and cunning invader. His performance adds intensity to the movie, but his character lacks depth.

Direction and Screenplay

Chandraprakash Dwivedi, known for his historical storytelling, presents a grand yet straightforward narrative. While the film stays loyal to historical accounts, some sequences feel rushed, and the screenplay lacks emotional depth.

The battle scenes are impressive, but the storytelling could have been more engaging. The film sometimes focuses more on historical accuracy than strong character development.

Cinematography and Visuals

The cinematography by Manush Nandan captures the royalty, grandeur, and vast landscapes of ancient India beautifully. The war sequences are well-shot, though they lack the scale of other epic war films like Baahubali.

Music and Background Score

The music, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, blends well with the historical setting. Notable songs include:

• “Hari Har” – A powerful song that establishes Prithviraj’s bravery.
• “Makhmali” – A romantic song featuring Prithviraj and Sanyogita.
• “Yoddha” – A battle song that adds intensity to war sequences.

The background score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara helps build tension and drama but doesn’t leave a lasting impact.

Pacing and Editing

At 135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes), the film is well-paced but lacks emotional depth in key moments. The editing by Aarif Sheikh keeps the film moving, but some character arcs feel underdeveloped.

Themes and Messages

“Samrat Prithviraj” focuses on:

• Bravery and sacrifice – The Rajput king’s devotion to his land and people.
• Honor and duty – Prithviraj’s commitment to justice and righteousness.
• The clash of civilizations – The struggle between Indian kings and foreign invaders.

The movie highlights the importance of courage and patriotism, making it an inspiring historical tale.

Box Office Performance

Despite a massive budget of ₹200 crore, Samrat Prithviraj underperformed at the box office due to mixed reviews and competition from other films

Day-wise Indian Box Office Collection:

• Day 1: ₹10.70 crore
• Day 2: ₹12.60 crore
• Day 3: ₹16.10 crore
• Week 1 Total: ₹55 crore
• Final Worldwide Collection: ₹90 crore

The film failed to recover its budget and was considered a box office disappointment.

Critical Reception

Positive Reviews

Critics praised:

• The grand visuals and historical setting.
• Akshay Kumar’s effort and dedication to the role.
• The battle sequences and action choreography.

Negative Reviews

Some criticisms included:

• Akshay Kumar’s casting, as many felt a younger actor would have suited the role better.
• Lack of emotional depth and weak character development.
• A predictable storyline with little suspense.

Audience Reception

The film received a mixed response from audiences. While some appreciated its historical importance, others found it underwhelming compared to other period films like Padmaavat and Tanhaji.

Many viewers expected more epic war sequences and a deeper exploration of Prithviraj’s character, which the film didn’t fully deliver.

Verdict

“Samrat Prithviraj” is a visually stunning but emotionally lacking historical drama. While it successfully showcases the bravery and sacrifice of Prithviraj Chauhan, the film falls short in storytelling and character development.

For history lovers and fans of epic films, Samrat Prithviraj is worth watching once, but it doesn’t leave the same impact as other historical dramas.

Rating: ☆ (3/5)