Asoka

Brash, lengthy but ultimately enjoyable historical 'Bollywood' epic where the life and legacy of Asoka is examined - from his renouncement of a royal life of privilege to his conversion of Buddhism and his complicated love for the beautiful Princess Kaurwaki (Kapoor). Directed by Santosh Sivan (responsible for the superb The Terrorist), Asoka looks fantastic, and is a worthy alternative to the glamorization of historical figures by Hollywood. Rising Bollywood star, Khan excels in the central of Asoka, - as does Kapoor - but the movie really belongs to the director. Sivan cleverly uses traditional Bollywood techniques and his own innovative, yet subtle visual sensibilities to great effect. There's some great dance sequences, too.