Jodhaa Akbar – Movie Review

Glorious, extravagant and simply awesome is what you feel when you see the movie ‘Jodhaa Akbar’! It was the most fervently awaited films in 2007-08. An Ashutosh Gowariker movie that had much to say in the trailers has definitely something to show. Ashutosh Gowariker has managed pretty well to give us an imperial treat this time. He has given two more surprise packs like ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Swadesh’. He also proved his understanding of the very sensitive historical issues. He seems to not mind the rave reviews and attacks that he received on his movie, rather, he has made his point clear. History can have different faces to show, it all depends on you to like or dislike it.

Rating: 3.5/5

‘Jodhaa Akbar’ is a movie that is not only a treat in the form of an eyewash but a soul touching saga told in the best manner. Agreed that the movie is little longer than you expect (approximately 205 minutes), but do not by mistake also compare ‘Mughal-E-Azam’. It would be a big mistake to go to the theatre expecting to find something similar in these two movies. We all have read in history books on how great an emperor Akbar was and how he unified India in one string but little we know of him as a person, as a lover and husband. We have seen his majestic self in ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ but not the other side of the man behind the crown, who is as sensitive and romantic as any man would be.

‘Jodhaa Akbar’ would win your heart with its magnificent cinematography, lifelike performances and intriguing plot. You would remain struck to your seat through out the entire movie wishing to see some more of the extravaganza. However, the movie is again not for a general audience who look for some modern times fun, it is a historical movie and is treated as one. It is a movie that combines love and politics, submission and hesitation, tradition and individuality all gelled to the perfection. You may not have seen something like this in a historical movie. It puts before you the common marital issues with a pinch of stringent truths told with a background of much magnificence.

Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa

Set in the 16th century India, the plot revolves around a Muslim Emperor Akbar, played by Hrithik Roshan and his Rajput wife, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Emperor Akbar wishes to make his kingdom bigger and larger and is ready to do all he can to achieve his dreams. He is ready to go for a marriage of convenience and marry a Rajput Princess Jodha, who is not only defiant but also a strong individual, who resists being a subject or political harness. The alliance between Akbar and Jodha is as delicate as the alliance between Rajput and Muslims sought by the emperor. The Emperor has seen much bloodshed and wars from a very young age and is not aware of the intricate and subtle emotions like love; the Princess on the other hand is a very subtle person with a strong yet sensitive mind and character. The way these two characters evolve to understand each other’s follies and strengths is what the movie is all about. Only what makes it bigger than life size is that the relation between them, which is answerable to the fate of a nation. We have a whole crew of character artists in the movie like a perfect Ila Arun as Maham Anga and Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Raja Dharmal, Sonu Sood as Rajkumar Sujamal and Nikitin Dheer as Sarifuddin Husain are very life like.

Hrithik Roshan as Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa

One person who took most of the praise in the movie is Hrithik Roshan as Akbar is simply awesome. He has come a long way from his debut ‘Kaho Naa Pyar Hai’. He gets into the shoes of Akbar with ease and gives a very power-packed performance. The green-eyed tiger in the battlefield becomes a loyal lover, all in just a fleeting moment. You would simply fall in love with him for everything, be it dialogue delivery or carrying the strong character of Akbar with poise and determination. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has always looked her best in imperial attires and in this movie that demanded her to show to faces of a defiant princess to a graceful wife, she has carried her self very well. This character required much to be said in silence and Aishwarya did it with a awe-inspiring charm, that is also her strong point.

The movie’s another plus point is its colossal music. A.R.Rahman is synonymous with good music and he does stay up to the mark. Though not exactly great, the music does its best to compliment the solid plot that transits through various phases. Javed Akhtar has done his part well, though the lyrics are a tough nut here. The screen play by Haider Ali and Ashutosh Gowariker, himself have successfully recreated the epic saga and the dialogues by K.P. Saxena have combined the Emperor’s imposing Urdu with the queen’s soft Hindi in the most perfect manner.

Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai

Finally, the movie is to be watched in the theatre, if you do not want to miss the extravagant costume and cinematography have weaved a certain grandeur around the characters. You get a piece of the stupendous splendor of the Mughal Era, and time flies as you keep admiring the romantic saga told with a most admired style.

Rating: 3.5/5

— Mahua Ray for Hamara Photos