Kisna: The Warrior Poet

Kisna: The Warrior Poet
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Subhash Ghai
Produced by	Subhash Ghai
Written by	Subhash Ghai (Story & Dialogue)
Screenplay by	Subhash Ghai Sachin Bhowmick Farrukh Dhondy
Starring	Vivek Oberoi Antonia Bernath Isha Sharvani Amrish Puri
Music by	Songs:- A.R. Rahman Ismail Darbar Background Score:- A.R. Rahman
Cinematography	Ashok Mehta
Edited by	Subhash Ghai
Production company	Mukta Arts Pvt.Ltd
Distributed by	Mukta Arts Pvt.Ltd
Release date	21 January 2005
Running time	171 mins
Country	India
Language	Hindi English
Budget	₹ 250 Millions
Box office	₹ 9.2 Millions

Kisna: The Warrior Poet is a Hindi film written, edited, produced and directed by Subhash Ghai and starring Vivek Oberoi (who plays the title role), Antonia Bernath, and Isha Sharvani. The musical film is set in the British India of the tumultuous 1940s when Indian nationalists fighting for the country's independence rose up as one, urging the British Raj to leave. It is a love story about two people who are torn between Karma (the noble deed) and Dharma (the duty). The film has two veteran composers, A. R. Rahman and Ismail Darbar; the lyrics were written by Javed Akhtar. This film also marks Amrish Puri's final performance. The film, however, did not perform well at the box office. The film was premiered in the Marché du Film section of the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.

Lady Catherine, 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 Devprayag, where India's 2 great rivers Bhagirithi and Alaknanda meet to form the mighty Ganges River. At Devprayag, Lady Catherine remembers her childhood and narrates her story to the 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 holidays 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 the opposite sides of India's struggle for freedom. Kisna also reveals that he is engaged to be married to Lakshmi.