Latest news with #Asoka
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Idly Kadai Movie: Showtimes, Review, Songs, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos
'Kareena Kapoor was unavailable while shooting the war in 'Asoka', people producing the film asked me why do I want to make the film where...,' says Santosh Sivan as he opens up on the Shah Rukh Khan starrer
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Kareena Kapoor was unavailable while shooting the war in 'Asoka', people producing the film asked me why do I want to make the film where...,' says Santosh Sivan as he opens up on the Shah Rukh Khan starrer
Shah Rukh Khan 's 'Asoka' was not a box office success, however over the years, the film is remembered for its iconic music and unique content. It was cinematographer Santosh Sivan 's directorial debut. While the film got its share of flak, in a recent interview, Sivan has opened up on the troubles during the making of the film. He also added that people producing it, told him why is he making such a film where nobody is winning the war. He said on a Youtube channel, 'When I was gearing up to make Asoka, I was asked by the people producing it, 'Why do you want to make a film where no one wins the war? If I am watching a war film between the Germans and the English, I would want the English to win. Someone has to be winning.' You can't make a film where no one wins, it's a draw, or there's no outcome.' He went on to say that many discouraged him from making the film, citing its lack of conventional commercial appeal. But Sivan saw something deeper in the narrative. 'I thought that the story was very interesting. I also wanted to take Asoka and split him into someone who's very romantic, especially when there's a monsoon and it's misty,' he said, painting a picture of the Emperor as both a warrior and a man of emotion. 'Kareena was not available when we were shooting the war. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo So, I had to shoot most of it in Film City. All those things happened. You have to adjust and, of course, try to work it out,' Sivan shared. In the film, Shah Rukh Khan took on the titular role of Asoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty—portrayed as a fierce warrior transformed by the horrors of war into a proponent of peace and Buddhism. Kareena Kapoor played Karuvaki, the enigmatic second queen consort of the emperor. The cast also featured a strong ensemble including Danny Denzongpa, Rahul Dev, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Gerson Da Cunha, Subhashini Ali, and Umesh Mehra. Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar made a brief but notable appearance. While the film may not have reached the monumental status some expected, its artistry—guided by Sivan's own lens—left an indelible mark. With editing by A. Sreekar Prasad, music by Anu Malik, and a haunting background score from Sandeep Chowta, Asoka remains a visual and emotional artifact from early 2000s Bollywood—bold, imperfect, and unforgettable.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Producers asked why I was making Shah Rukh Khan's Asoka where no one wins, recalls Santosh Sivan: ‘Kareena Kapoor wasn't available during war scenes'
Although the movie did not achieve massive critical or commercial success upon release, despite the presence of Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles, director Santosh Sivan's Asoka (2001) has garnered something of a cult following over the years. However, the cinematographer-turned-filmmaker recently revealed that making Asoka was not an entirely pleasant experience for him. 'When I was gearing up to make Asoka, I was asked by the people producing it, 'Why do you want to make a film where no one wins the war? If I am watching a war film between the Germans and the English, I would want the English to win. Someone has to be winning.' You can't make a film where no one wins, it's a draw, or there's no outcome.' So, a lot of people did not want me to get into it (the film) because it wasn't very commercial. But I thought that the story was very interesting. I also wanted to take Asoka and split him into someone who's very romantic, especially when there's a monsoon and it's misty,' he said during a chat with a YouTube channel. Speaking about filming the scenes depicting the Kalinga war, Santosh noted that it was particularly challenging, especially with big stars involved. 'Kareena was not available when we were shooting the war. So, I had to shoot most of it in Film City. All those things happened. You have to adjust and, of course, try to work it out,' he added. While Shah Rukh Khan depicted Asoka, the Emperor of Magadha and the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, who played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia, Kareena Kapoor portrayed Karuvaki, the 'second Queen Consort' of Asoka. The film also starred Danny Denzongpa, Rahul Dev, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Gerson Da Cunha, Subhashini Ali and Umesh Mehra in key roles, with a special appearance by Tamil star Ajith Kumar. Asoka featured cinematography by Santosh Sivan himself, editing by A Sreekar Prasad, music by Anu Malik and a background score by Sandeep Chowta.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Vishnu Manchu told Ajith Kumar he was ‘disappointed' with his side role in Asoka; here's how he reacted
Vishnu Manchu is basking in the positive response for his latest release Kannappa. The actor was recently asked whether he has any plans to act in a Bollywood film, to which he said he would do so, given the part is good. Vishnu also shared that he was disappointed with the role that was given to Ajith Kumar in the 2001 movie Asoka, which was directed by Santosh Sivan. (Also read: Frustrated Prabhas fan wants to sue Vishnu Manchu after watching Kannappa: 'Where is Shiva, why are you showing heroism') Vishnu Manchu talked about his opinion on Ajith Kumar's part in Asoka. During an interaction with India Today, Vishnu said he is waiting for the right opportunity in Hindi cinema. He added, 'A long time ago, I was approached, but the roles didn't excite me much. See, we all aspire to be top actors - respected actors. And whatever following or fan base I have, I've built it with a lot of love. I have to respect that. I can't take my fans for granted. For example, Mr Ajith (Kumar), one of the biggest superstars in India, did a role in 'Asoka' with Shah Rukh Khan. I had the opportunity to talk to him. In fact, I told him in the early stages, 'Anna' (which means elder brother), 'I was disappointed you did such a small role.' He just smiled and stayed quiet.' He went on to add, 'I can't just come and do a random character. It has to be something that really excites me. I can't be selfish and say, 'I'll do what I want, whether they like it or not.'' In Asoka, Ajith played the role of Sushima, which was a special appearance in the film. The film, which was based on the early life of emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire, also starred Kareena Kapoor, Danny Denzongpa, and Rahul Dev.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vishnu Manchu was disappointed with Ajith Kumar for doing 'Asoka' with Shah Rukh Khan: 'Can't just come and do a random character'
Tollywood actor Vishnu Manchu recently shared his views on entering Hindi cinema and revealed why he turned down some offers in the past. The actor cited Ajith Kumar 's role in Shah Rukh Khan 's 'Asoka' to illustrate how such a small role by one of the biggest stars from the South made him feel disappointed. Vishnu Manchu about his Bollywood entry During a conversation with India Today, Vishnu was asked if he has plans to work in a full-length Hindi film. Vishnu shared that he would love to do a film in Bollywood if they give him a good opportunity. Kannappa - Official Hindi Teaser Vishnu clarified why he had to turn down some of the Bollywood movies he was offered in the past. The roles did not excite him. 'We all aspire to be top actors – respected actors. And whatever following or fan base I have, I've built it with a lot of love. I have to respect that. I can't take my fans for granted,' he shared. Vishnu Manchu was disappointed when Ajith Kumar did Asoka with SRK He elaborated on his statement by referencing Kollywood star Ajith Kumar's small role in Shah Rukh's Asoka. 'For example, Mr Ajith (Kumar), one of the biggest superstars in India, did a role in Asoka with Shah Rukh Khan. I had the opportunity to talk to him. In fact, I told him in the early stages, 'Anna' (brother), 'I was disappointed you did such a small role.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo He just smiled and stayed quiet.' Vishnu Manchu about his love and gratitude towards fans According to Vishnu, such characters will not satisfy a large number of fans, and their feelings should be respected. 'I can't just come and do a random character. It has to be something that really excites me. I can't be selfish and say, 'I'll do what I want, whether they like it or not.' I'm here today because of my fans and the people who watch my films,' he added. He believes that he should do movies that reciprocate the pride his fans feel. Vishnu also expressed his interest in remaking his father Mohan Babu 's movie Assembly Rowdy. He acknowledged that the Hindi version of the movie did not do well. Vishnu's work front On the work front, Vishnu was last seen in Kannappa, which hit theatres on June 27. The film featured Akshay Kumar, Prabhas, Mohanlal, Mohan Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, and many more in significant roles.
