Eklavya is India's official entry to Oscars | Review

OSCAR DREAMS: Eklavya is a violent family saga starring Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan.

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Keywords: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Eklavya

New Delhi: Vidhu Vinod Chopra's violent family saga Eklavya - The Royal Guard has been nominated as India’s official entry to the to the Oscars.

The film, which marked Chopra's return to direction after Mission Kashmir seven years ago, had a power cast of Amitabh Bachchan - playing the title role - Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Jimmy Shergill, Raima Sen and Sharmila Tagore.

This is the third time Chopra will be going to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

His short non-fiction film, An Encounter with Faces was one of the first Indian films to be nominated for an Oscar in 1980. In 1989, Parinda was sent to the Oscars as India’s official entry.

“I’m elated by the news. But this was only the first battle. The real one is still ahead. I’m leaving for the US on 2nd October and will start my groundwork there. I’m banking on my previous experiences at the Academy and the overwhelming support the film has received in the West. I hope to make India proud,” Chopra was quoted as saying in an official release.

Eklavya’s music is composed by Shantanu Moitra, who provided an eclectic score after the resounding success of Parineeta and Lage Raho Munnabhai

A contemporary action thriller, the film revolves around Eklavya (Amitabh), the loyal guardian of a royal dynasty whose duty is to protect the erstwhile royal family in Devigarh, Rajasthan.

What follows is a story of deceit, revenge, drama and action.

Set in contemporary India, the film has a special resonance for today's world, beleaguered by hate and violence borne of fanatic belief.