Only the dead have seen the end of war|Sep. 13, 2001|India|155 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Bollywood;Music;Romance;War
Description: The 2001 film “Aśoka” narrates the early life of Emperor Asoka, beginning with his role as a General in Takshashila and culminating in the brutal conquest of Kalinga. Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, Asoka’s grandfather, chooses to adopt Jainism and relinquish the Maurya empire’s throne to his son Bindusara. However, young Prince Samrat Asoka seeks his grandfather’s sword, only to be told that the weapon symbolizes evil, bloodshed, and destruction.
Years later, Prince Asoka, portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, emerges as a courageous young man fighting against the rebellious Taxila chief on behalf of his father, the Emperor. Suspecting his half-brother Susima Maurya of deliberately withholding reinforcements, Asoka still secures victory. Upon returning to the capital, he confronts Susima, who later attempts to assassinate him. Their rivalry deeply troubles the Emperor, who orders Empress Dharma to discipline Asoka. She sends him away from the capital to live as an ordinary citizen, leaving the Prince disappointed but obedient.
During his travels in disguise, Asoka encounters Kaurwaki, a charming maiden played by Kareena Kapoor, and her younger brother Arya. The siblings, along with their protector Bheema, are fleeing the Kingdom of Kalinga after their parents’ assassination by the Prime Minister. Asoka, concealing his true identity as Pawan, saves their lives and forms a bond with them. Eventually, he and Kaurwaki secretly marry, intertwining their fates in the backdrop of political turmoil and personal transformation.
Cast director: Santosh Sivan
Cast actor: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Danny Denzongpa, Sooraj Balaji, Rahul Dev, Ajith Kumar, Gerson Da Cunha, Subhashini Ali, Umesh Mehra
Original name: अशोक