Mohenjo Daro Review
In the opening credits it states that this film doesn’t claim to have the accurate representation of the archaeological site Mohenjo-daro. So basically what the film is trying to saying to its viewers is that you must suspend your disbelief. Well what the opening credits didn’t mention is that the viewers will be bored out of their minds after watching this 155 minute revenge saga gone wrong in director Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo Daro.
Well it didn’t take long as you suspend your disbelief from the opening sequence as we see our hero Sarman (Hrithik Roshan) wrestle and kill a crocodile. Living with his aunt and uncle, Sarman, has been seeking permission to visit the city of Mohenjo-Daro because he keeps dreaming of a unicorn. When he reaches the city with his buddy Hojo (Umang Vyas) our hero falls in love with Channi (Pooja Hegde), the daughter of a priest. Things then get messy as Sarman crosses path with the evil tyrant Maham (Kabir Bedi) and you won’t believe it but Channi is already engaged to Munja (Arunoday Singh) the son of Maham.
Debutant actress Pooja Hegde looks stunning and has a beautiful smile but there’s no chemistry in this love story between Samran and Chaani because it feels so bland. The only highlight is when Samran says ‘palat’ and Channi of course turns around as Gowariker takes the line straight from DDLJ. Only difference is that this film is set in 2016 BC!
The villains in the film, Kabir and Arunoday, have bulging eyes who takes advantage and manipulate the people in the city. The biggest threat comes from the oversized dreadlock warriors Bakar-Zokar as Samran is forced into action by Maham.
If there’s one saving grace, it’s Hrithik Roshan who tries his best to carry the film on his broad shoulders. From dancing, to fighting, Hrithik delivers a riveting performance as he puts his heart and soul into this film.
The film is beautifully shot and the music by A.R. Rahman is terrific. However, it’s a shame that everything goes to waste because of the films flat writing, and lame storytelling as Mohenjo Daro is eons behind Lagaan and Swades, Gowariker’s best work.
I’m going with two out five for Mohenjo Daro. Simply put, this film has been washed out.