Movie Review: Mohenjo Daro

Release Date:  August 12, 2016
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Kabir Bedi, Arunoday Singh, Suhasini Mulay, Nitish Bharadwaj, Sharad Kelkar
Director: Ashutosh Gowarikar
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Duration: 2 hour 35 minutes

Although a period film, Mohenjo Daro highlights problems that are still relevant in the country such as difficulties faced by farmers, autocratic system of governance, and a society motivated by greed. The movie takes you way back in 2016 BC, to the bustling city of Mohenjo Daro, providing you a glimpse of life and society in those ancient times.

Sarman (Hrithik) is depicted as a young, athletic, and courageous village lad, who nurtures a dream to visit the grand city of Mohenjo Daro. However, he is not aware that his coming to Mohenjo Daro will change the course of history and his personal life too, as he finds love in gorgeous Chaani (Pooja Hegde), the daughter of the city’s priest. Sarman is hooked to the city as soon as he notices Chaani, but there’s a problem because Chaani is being forced to marry Munja (Arunoday Singh), son of the city’s autocratic leader Maham (Kabir Bedi). In his quest to find love, Sarman comes to know surprising facts about his father’s life, which pushes him to fight back and start a revolution.

The sets are grand, as could be expected from a period film made by renowned director Ashutosh Gowarikar. A lot of research has been done to ensure that the lifestyle, markets, clothing and culture are as close as the reality of that era. Such depiction may not be verifiable, but it does appear quite convincing on the big screen. Special effects have also been used brilliantly for various scenes such as Sarman’s fight with the cannibals and the devastating flood. Hrithik has delivered a good performance. He appears to be fighting fit and carries the immense strength of a leader, as required for his role in the movie. Pooja Hegde looks stupendous and adds glamour to the frames.

The movie is fast-paced, and it gets really exciting in the second half. It’s one of those movies that you can enjoy with your family, especially kids, so go for it.