Amitabh Bachchan starrer "Eklavya - The Royal Guard" hit theatres across the country on Friday, with rave reviews.

Bachchan, 64, plays a bearded royal guard in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "Eklavya," which revolves around palace intrigue.

Movie buffs appreciated the plot, which makes the movie different from other Bollywood movies. However, the initial response in terms of ticket bookings has been lukewarm.

"I have just seen the movie, it is really nice. You always expect something new from Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Amitabh is rocking in this movie. Sanjay Dutt and Vidya Balan did a good job," said Abhinav, a movie buff.

The movie revolves around Eklavya who lives in a time wrap and is ready to give his life for the dynasty which no longer rules. The guard who is getting old and blind is hiding a secret about the parenthood of the royal prince.

"We always expect something different from Vidhu Vinod Chopra, this was different. Amitabh Bachchan was awesome in the movie," said Gaurav.

The movie also stars several top Bollywood names, including Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Jacki Shroff.

A visibly elated Vidhu Vinod Chopra launched the film at a grand premier in Mumbai. The venue itself was turned into a palace to give it an ambience of the films backdrop.

"I am excited, happy and elated, climbing the Mount Everest. Now I am on top of the Mount Everest," said Chopra.

The entire star cast of the film, along with other top Bollywood actors, attended the premier.

"It felt really nice to work with all the stars. I have worked with them previously also. It was nice working with Amitji, Boman Irani, Jacki. The atmosphere was really good," said actor Sanjay Dutt.

Last week Chopra gifted Bachchan, a luxury Phantom sedan, reportedly valued at 790,000 dollars after import duty, as thanksgiving for his performance in the movie