Samrat Prithviraj

In 1192 CE in Ghazni, Afghanistan, Prithviraj Chauhan (Akshay Kumar) finds himself in a perilous situation after being captured by Muhammad Ghori (Manav Vij). To prove his might, Ghori compels Prithviraj to battle three ferocious lions. Despite being blinded by weakness, Prithviraj displays unparalleled courage and manages to slay the lions, but he ultimately collapses.

The narrative then takes us back a few years earlier to Kannauj, where Sanyogita (Manushi Chhillar), the daughter of Jayachandra (Ashutosh Rana), falls deeply in love with Prithviraj, who at that time reigns over Ajmer. In Ajmer, Prithviraj is approached by Mir Hossain, Ghori’s estranged brother. Their rift stems from Hossain’s love for Chitralekha, a dancer from Ghori’s realm. Angered by Ghori’s disrespectful act of desecrating a Shiva temple, Prithviraj vows to help Hossain and brings him into his kingdom, much to Ghori’s fury, who subsequently threatens war unless Hossain is returned.

In retaliation, Qutb Al-Din Aibak is dispatched to demand compliance. Prithviraj’s refusal to submit sparks the First Battle of Tarain, where, alongside Kaka Kanha (Sanjay Dutt), Chand Bardai (Sonu Sood), and his loyal warriors, Prithviraj secures a victory. However, the cost is high as Mir Hossain meets his demise during the conflict. Ghori finds himself at Prithviraj’s mercy but is released after a tense standoff, a decision born of Prithviraj’s pride.

Following these events, Prithviraj is proclaimed the ruler of Delhi, a choice that incites Jayachandra’s jealousy. In a bid to expand his influence, Jayachandra organizes a Svayamvara for Sanyogita, with an ulterior motive of inviting Prithviraj to a Rajasuya Yagya, a proposal Prithviraj formally declines. In a symbolic act, Jayachandra erects a statue of Prithviraj, intending it to represent the king’s absence due to his rejection.

As the ceremony unfolds, Sanyogita chooses to honor Prithviraj by placing the Varmala upon his statue, infuriating her father. Determined to punish her, Jayachandra’s plan is thwarted when Prithviraj arrives with his troops to claim her as his bride. Following their marriage, tensions escalate as Jayachandra’s forces attack Prithviraj’s strongholds. In one such skirmish, Gaudpur Fort is captured, prompting Kaka Kanha and Prithviraj’s army to retake the fort. The battle proves fatal for Kaka Kanha and several of Prithviraj’s men.

Driven by vengeance, Prithviraj contemplates retaliating against Jayachandra but ultimately remembers Kaka Kanha’s dying wish for forgiveness. In a notable gesture of equality, he appoints Sanyogita to a position of influence within his Court, defying the traditional norms, an act met with trepidation from the court members, yet eventually earns their acceptance.

Meanwhile, Jayachandra conspires with Ghori, offering assistance in capturing Prithviraj. Ghori sends Aibak to deliver an ultimatum—either Prithviraj submits or war looms. Rejecting subjugation, Prithviraj prepares for the Second Battle of Tarain. As the clash rages on, Ghori’s forces launch a night attack, resulting in a devastating defeat for Prithviraj. Captured and taken back to Ghazni, Prithviraj learns of Sanyogita and the Rajput women’s tragic act of Jauhar, cementing their plight.

Under Ghori’s cruel command, Prithviraj is blinded, subjected to a grim fight against lions, yet he emerges victorious once again despite his tragic circumstances. He engages Ghori in a fierce duel, demanding that only one arrow be used against him. With the assistance of his devoted bard Chand Bardai, who recites an inspiring poem, Prithviraj triumphs by delivering a deadly arrow to Ghori’s neck. This moment of victory is bittersweet, as both Prithviraj and Bardai ultimately succumb to Ghori’s men.

As the film draws to a close, it emphasizes that Prithviraj Chauhan was the last Hindu monarch to rule over Delhi prior to the Islamic Conquest of Hindustan. The legacy of his valor remains enshrined in history, particularly as India gained independence in 1947, signifying a bittersweet closure to his valiant life and battles.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 09:09