The Indian film, `Eklavya: The Royal Guard` is directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and this film marks as the director`s return after seven years. This movie was choosen as India`s official entry to the Oscars to be considered for nomination in the Best Foreign Film Category for the year 2007. the movie stars Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan in its pivotal roles. The movie is set at the backdrop of contemporaneous India, where a majestic fort is there. A king is there but without a kingdom.

The primary location for shooting was in Rajasthan. Shooting also took place in Devigarh and Jaipur and also inside the living quarters of the Jaipur Royal Family. Prince Raghavendra Rathore and Subarna Rai Chaudhari designed the costumes for the film. The action sequences were to take place in Egypt but the sequences took place near Bikaner where 600 camels were involved in the shoot.

Synopsis of the Indian movie `Eklavya: The Royal Guard`
The story of Indian movie `Eklavya: The Royal Guard` is set at the backdrop of contemporary India. A majestic fort is there which implies a royal dynasty that no longer rules. As a matter of fact a king without a kingdom is portrayed. Yet Eklavya played by Amitabh Bachchan is their royal guard who lives in a time warp. He lives only to protect the fort, the dynasty, and the king. For nine generations Eklavya`s family has protected Devigarh, a centuries old citadel in Rajasthan. His marksmanship is stuff of legends. His unintimidated loyalty inspires ballads. Eklavya has spent his entire life serving the royals and closely guarding their secrets but now he`s getting old and increasingly blind. Unable to cope with the suffocating customs of his land, the heir, Prince Harshwardhan played by Saif Ali Khan, has stayed away in London. But the sudden demise of the queen, Rani Suhasinidevi played by Sharmila Tagore, forces the Prince back to the kingdom he had left behind.

The Prince`s return brings a rush of joy into the moribund fort. All becomes happy with the news of returning their hero. His mentally challenged twin sister, Princess Nandini played by Raima Sen and his childhood love Rajjo played by Vidya Balan are delighted to see him. But the joy of reunion is short-lived.

There is unrest in the kingdom. Many things are happening that should not happen. Farmers are being stripped of their lands. The king, Rana Jaywardhan played by Boman Irani is influenced by his brother Rana Jyotiwardhan played by Jackie Shroff. He supports the barbarousnesses of being forced upon the helpless peasants. The king receives a death threat over the phone. An irreverent police officer, Pannalal Chohar played by Sanjay Dutt, is called in to investigate. But he might be too late. The delicate peace of the land is suddenly shattered by a barrage of bullets. And amidst the violent and needless disturbance the safely guarded secrets of the fort are unveiled.

What follows is a contemporary, edge-of-the-seat dramatic action thriller with a stellar ensemble cast - Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Jimmy Sheirgill, Raima Sen and Sharmila Tagore. The film marks the return of Vidhu Vinod Chopra who directs after a hiatus of seven years

Cast and crew of `Eklavya: The Royal Guard`
The star cast of the film includes Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff, Jimmy Shergill, Boman Irani, Raima Sen, Sharmila Tagore, and Parikshat Sahni. The movie is directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra while it is produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vir Chopra and Anil Davda. Music is given by Shantanu Moitra while Nataraja Subramanium did the cinematography.

Awards for `Eklavya: The Royal Guard`
This movie was choosen as India`s official entry to the Oscars to be considered for nomination in the Best Foreign Film Category for the year 2007.