The last legion

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This film was in the news sometime ago because it was one amongst many of Ms Aishwariya Rai Bachchan’s famed international projects. But, the film was finally released quietly and bombed at the box office, without creating much of a flutter.

I was still curious about the film though. After all, I am a great fan of the traditional Greco-Roman epic film. From an Indian perspective, it was also interesting to see how the cast of Ben Kingsley, Colin Firth and Aishwariya Rai came together for the telling of this story.

Now, having watched the film last week, I must acknowledge that the tradition of the Hollywood Greco-Roman epic film has truly lost its way.

What ever happened to the element of brilliant spectacle and editing that keeps you at the edge of your seat? Or what about mighty dialogues reminiscent of the tradition of honour of yore? Finally, what happened to larger than life stars who could carry a film on their own shoulders?

Ben Kingsley is a remarkable actor. Yet, he does not at any point give Charlton Heston a run for his money – at least not in this particular film.

The film is also notable for the complete absence of chemistry between Colin Firth and Aishwariya Rai. Passion that broke across the boundaries of ancient cultures never left you so completely unignited.

Also, how does Aishwariya Rai do it every time? She must hold the award for converting the maximum number of international cinematic dream projects into box office duds.

As has been correctly observed in the past, the problem begins when she opens her mouth Our most international looking heroine, with the most rudimentary of acting skills – and the cliched Bollywood traditional sati savitri style at that, rendered in Greco-Roman style costumes. It needs to be seen to be believed

My favourite Bollywood moment in the film was when Aishwariya introduces herself as a kalari pattu practitioner from Kerala, in an affected “convent school” English accent. I didn’t know whether it was appropriate to laugh or cry

Watch The last legion to add a new dimension to the word ridiculous. You could also watch it to find out how a Greco-Roman epic film is not made.

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