There is a famous quote from the Mahabharata: “Dharmah Matibhyah Utghratah” - dharma is that which is born from reason (as opposed to blind conformity with other people or with traditions). This film continually recited this quote, contrasting it with the attitude of unthinking and sheepishly following what other people have told you is right.
Those of you who are not too out of touch with Hindu lore will remember Eklavya of the Mahabharata. He was a young forest dwelling boy who excelled at archery. Dronacharya didn’t want Eklavya to be better than the Pandava and Kaurava princes who he was teaching, in particular Arjuna. He asked for Eklavya’s thumb as ‘Guru Dakshina’ (teachers fee). Eklavya smilingly cut his thumb of and presented it to Drona, even though it meant that his skill as an archer would be diminished.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ‘Eklavya: the Royal Guard’ is set in modern day India, not ancient times. But it continually draws parallel’s to and from the Mahabharata. It is based in Rajasthan, in one of the former princely states. The Maharaja, Rana Jaywardhan (Boman Irani), is no longer anything but a ‘paper raja’, but in practice still wields a great deal of influence…
CLCIK HERE TO READ REST OF REVIEW