Mohenjo Daro starring Hrithik Roshan and newbie Pooja Hegde is the next big release of the week. Ashutosh Gowarikar has come up with few nice movies in the past including Oscar-nominated Lagaan, and has a knack for historical presentations viz. Jodha Akbar and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se etc.

Sarman (Hrithik Roshan) is an indigo farmer who always fantasizes about going to Mohenjo Daro which is always opposed by his uncle and aunt. Somehow he convinces his guardians and goes to Mohenjo Daro which gives him a feel of familiarity. After experiencing the ill-treatment given to farmers by Maham (Kabir Bedi) the head of Mohenjo Daro and his equally cruel son Moonja (Arunoday Singh), Sarman decides to leave the town. However, a chance encounter with Chaani (Pooja Hegde) the daughter of the head priest of Mohenjo Daro promised in marriage with Moonja, changes his mind. Will Sarman take on Mooja and Maham to win his love? Also, what connection does he have to Mohenjo Daro is what lies ahead.

The story has a lot of similarities with the play Mohenjo Daro written by Akashaditya Lama (who has been screaming his throat dry with the plagiarism charges on Ashutosh Gowarikar). The screenplay is a big letdown. There are many dejavu moments borrowed from other movies from Bahubali to DDLJ. The dialogues are nothing to write about. The VFX is bad. The editing by Sandeep Francis is average, a lot could have been trimmed in the second half which goes on forever.

Performances are pretty average. Hrithik is in his usual self while Pooja Hegde shows some promise. Kabir Bedi gives an okay performance while Arunoday Singh is bad. In the supporting cast Manish Chaudhary as Chaani’s father does a good job while Suhasini Mulay, Nitesh Bharadwaj and Kishori Shahane are effective.

Music by A R Rahman is strictly average, infact, I would say this is one of his poor compositions except Tu Hai which is quite hummable.  The background score is again average. Cinematography by C K Muraleedharan is above average. The costumes by Neeta Lulla is quite exotic and good to look at.

On the whole, this could be one movie that can be easily avoided.

My Verdict: *