Aśoka (2001)
DirectorSantosh Sivan
StarringShah Rukh Khan, Ajith Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hrishitaa Bhatt
Watch onNetflix, Sun Nxt, Plex, Plex Channel, Brew
Best for: Viewers who enjoy historical epics with action, romance, and a touch of philosophy.
Where to watch Aśoka online in India
Subscription
Netflix
Sun Nxt
BrewFree with ads
Plex
Plex ChannelRent
Apple TV Store
YouTubeBuy
Apple TV StoreYouTubeAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.
Aśoka story (no spoilers)
Prince Asoka hones his battle skills while navigating family conflict. After a struggle with a step-brother, his mother urges him to flee to survive. In exile, Asoka meets Kaurwaki and falls in love, but his warrior abilities are needed to protect her. A dangerous web of conspiracy unfolds, leading Asoka toward a Buddhist path. The film blends action, adventure, drama, history, romance, and war.
Should you watch Aśoka?
Watch it for
- Shah Rukh Khan plays Emperor Ashoka Maurya (and Pawan), with Ajith Kumar as Susima Maurya and Kareena Kapoor Khan as Kaurwaki.
- Director Santosh Sivan brings historical scale to the action, adventure, and war genres.
- The 175-minute runtime allows for a detailed historical drama with romance and conspiracy.
- The tagline 'Only the dead have seen the end of war' sets a serious, reflective tone.
Skip it if
- You prefer shorter films; at 175 minutes, it requires a long attention span.
- You want a light-hearted romance; the film deals with war, family conflict, and conspiracy.
- You dislike historical dramas that mix action with philosophical themes like Buddhism.
Aśoka cast
Shah Rukh Khanas Emperor Ashoka Maurya / Pawan
Ajith Kumaras Susima Maurya
Kareena Kapoor Khanas Kaurwaki
Hrishitaa Bhattas Devi
Danny Denzongpaas Virat
Rahul Devas Bheem
Umesh Mehraas Emperor Chandragupta Maurya
Vineet Sharmaas Sugatra
Shweta Menonas NandaneshwariAśoka movie details
| Director | Santosh Sivan |
|---|---|
| Writer | Saket Chaudhary, Santosh Sivan |
| Music | Anu Malik, Sandeep Chowta |
| Cinematography | Santosh Sivan |
| Producer | Juhi Chawla Mehta, Shah Rukh Khan |
| Release date | 13 September 2001 |
| Runtime | 2h 55m (175 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Hindi |
| Original title | अशोक |
| Certificate (India) | UA |
| Budget | $17.0 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $19.0 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Aśoka family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the UA certificate and the film's war and action genres. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Aśoka official trailer
Our verdict
Aśoka offers a grand historical spectacle with Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role and Santosh Sivan's direction. The mix of action, romance, and Buddhist philosophy gives it depth, though the 175-minute runtime may feel long. It's a solid pick for fans of epic dramas.
More movies directed by Santosh Sivan
TahaanMore Shah Rukh Khan movies
Dunki
Jawan
Pathaan
Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva
Laal Singh Chaddha
ZeroMovies like Aśoka
ChhaavaFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Aśoka online in India?
Aśoka is available for subscription streaming on Netflix, Sun Nxt, and Brew. It can also be streamed for free on Plex and Plex Channel, and rented or bought on Apple TV Store and YouTube.
What is the release date of Aśoka?
Aśoka was released on 13 September 2001, with a theatrical release in India on 26 October 2001.
Who is in the cast of Aśoka?
The cast includes Shah Rukh Khan as Emperor Ashoka Maurya / Pawan, Ajith Kumar as Susima Maurya, Kareena Kapoor Khan as Kaurwaki, Hrishitaa Bhatt as Devi, Danny Denzongpa as Virat, Sooraj Balaji as Prince Aryan, Rahul Dev as Bheem, and Gerson Da Cunha as Emperor Bindusara Maurya.
Who directed Aśoka?
Aśoka was directed by Santosh Sivan.
What is the runtime of Aśoka?
Aśoka has a runtime of 175 minutes.
Page last updated 24 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.