Kisna: The Warrior Poet

<p>Lady Catherine Williams (nee Beckett), a wealthy British woman, arrives in India to donate Rs 3500 Crores to charity as part of India’s Republic Day celebrations. Before she can hand over the money, she requests a visit to , where India’s 2 rivers, and , meet to form the River. At Devprayag, Lady Catherine remembers her childhood and narrates her story to a small crowd, which includes a journalist. Catherine was born in India in 1930, to British citizens living in the country. She had a privileged and peaceful upbringing. In 1935, a young Catherine befriends Kisna, a local village boy, and the two share a joyous friendship. Upon learning of this, Catherine’s father forcefully sends her back to England. In 1947, during the Independence Struggle, Catherine comes back to India on holiday and again meets Kisna. Their childhood friendship is rekindled, and over time the feelings slowly develop into love. Their relationship is tested by the fact that they seemingly belong to opposite sides of India’s struggle for freedom. Kisna also reveals that he is engaged to be married to Lakshmi. There is growing resentment against colonialism, and Catherine finds herself targeted by an enraged mob of Indian nationalists. She is protected by Kisna, who faces backlash from his family and community, who were part of the mob. Kisna is torn between his friendship and love for Catherine, his duty to his country, and the hatred of the British Raj. Kisna takes it upon himself to escort Catherine to the British High Commission, where safe passage back to England can be arranged for her. The trip reaffirms their love for each other, but Kisna is ultimately forced to choose between his feelings for Catherine and his duty to his country. He chooses the latter, and the pair bids an emotional farewell to each other. In the present, it is revealed that Kisna married Lakshmi and fulfilled his duties to his wife and country, but always loved Catherine till his death. His last wish was for his ashes to be spread at Devprayag, the place where first love blossomed between him and Catherine. Catherine’s last wish is also for her ashes to be spread at Devprayag so that, even though they both married different people, she and Kisna can be together forever. The film was shot on sync sound under the direction of Dilip Subramaniam at on a budget of ($5.48 million). Award-winning cinematographer , action director , choreographer , and production designer/art director round out the crew. has two versions. A two-hour English version for the international market while the Hindi version will be a regular three-hour feature film with songs and dances. combined the musical talent of and to create the soundtrack. Ghai roped in his usual associate Rahman originally, but had to sign in Ismail Darbar to complete the project as Rahman was busy with the works of . Ghai says: “Rahman was my original choice because it is an international project and I wanted both the festive and soulful element of Indian music. Then I asked Ismail to do the rest because apart from Rahman he has the knowledge and ability to fuse Western and Indian classical music. The way he has used Ustad Rashid Khan’s voice in “Kahe Ujare Mori Neend” is really captivating.” Rahman returned to do the of the movie, on Ghai’s request. The soundtrack got excellent reviews and was immensely praised. The lyrics were penned by . One English song “My Wish Comes True”, was written by . According to the Indian trade website , with around 12,00,000 units sold, this film’s soundtrack album was the year’s twelfth highest-selling.</p>