Samrat Ashoka is a 1992 Indian Telugu-language historical drama film written, produced and directed by N. T. Rama Rao under his Ramakrishna Horticultural Cine Studios banner.

[3][4] The film stars Rama Rao in the title role, alongside Vani Viswanath, Mohan Babu, Gummadi, Satyanarayana, and Ranganath.

It begins in Ujjain, ruled by King Rayani Rachamallu, who unwillingly performs his daughter Tishya Raksha's nuptial.

Once on his hunt, Emperor Bindusara spots & wedlocks Sage Kaushila's daughter Subhadrangi / Dharma and is blessed with Ashoka.

Here, the aura of fear-defying scholar Chanakya guides her, stating Ashoka was born to succeed in his aim to unite the country under a reign.

Parallelly, an infuriated Rachamallu conspires with Raja Anantha Padmanabha, the Emperor of Kalinga, and fans the flames against Ashoka.

En route, Buddhist monks oppose Ashoka about his sanguinary, which he deaf ears and moves on by butchering them.

At last, Ashoka throws the sword after soul-searching and enlightens by embracing Buddhism with a proclamation that Non-Violence is the Supreme Piety.