[Review] 'Jodhaa Akbar'

[Apurbo]

Movie Review : 'Jodhaa Akbar'


This is one review I always wanted to write. One review I always dreamed of writing. One such review I never want to end. Here I present the review of one of THE BEST Indian films EVER…. Jodhaa Akbar.

This film is set in the age of the mighty Mughals. It is about a 14 year old king Jalaluddin Mohammad, played by Hritik Roshan. It is about a young Princess, Jodhaa Bai of Rajputana, played by Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan who is forcefully allied with this Muslim kingon matrimonial lines.

To begin with, Jodhaa Akbar has all the elements of a fantastic and memorable film. A TOP CLASS script, equally good screenplay and a jaw dropping level of cinematography. I think Ashutosh Gowarikar is the best film maker in India, thanks to Jodhaa Akbar. His consistencyis something you should appreciate. Back to back hits- Lagaan, Swades and now Jodhaa Akbar.The biggest similarity in all these films is that they were not clichés. They did not reinforce stereotypes and more than that, they had some appeal for everyone. The same can be said for Jodhaa Akbar. Some say that the film is too long, 3 hours and 20 minutes long.But if you can watch ABSOLUTE THIRD CLASS films like “RGV ki Aag”,and of course, the film which crosses all levels of being third class,“Aap Ka Suroor” which were a modest 2 and a half odd hours long, I surely believe that you can spare just 1 and a half hour more for this filming spectacle. The length of a film does not decide how good it is. “GONE WITH THE WIND” was still longer, about four hours. But who complains? It is worth a watch and it deserved the Oscars everyday. Jodhaa Akbar is something, to be very frank, the classes would love better. This film is made for them. This is not the normal bollywood flick which has all the “masala” stuff. This film is not for those who whistle in the theatres and multiplexes on seeing their idols. This is not for those who don’t understand the basic elements of filmmaking. If someone says that he/she watches films just for the sake of time pass, not respecting the labor and the brains involved in the process, I seriously advise you to just stop watching films and stop humiliating all those hardcore professionals involved in this business. Go watch Sivaji or RGV Ki Aag or OSO. You deserve no place here.




To be on the safer side say that this film is 300 times better than “300” and totally comparable to “Troy”. Not disrespecting “Troy”, which was a true period saga, fantastic to watch, my only logic behind comparing this film with “Troy” is the sheer difficulty the director might have faced while making this film. He had to please the great Indian audience, one of the most versatile and knowledgeable audience (except some morons, of course). He had to make an Indian film. And an Indian film essentially consists of all things starting from the selection of the leads, their dialogues to their costumes. From the songs and dances to the colors of Indian culture (Includes exceptions, of course. Black did not contain any. It was an act of a genius but an inconsistent and overconfident director and one of the best actors in this world). But it is sad to say that Ahsutosh Gowarikar has not done enough research to prove that it was Jodhaa who was the wife of Akbar which looks wrong because its banning in Rajasthan is not a small thing. As far as my knowledge of history goes, it was Jodhaa who married Akbar (Reference - Mughal-e-Aazam (K.Asif)). At the same time, an inscription in Red Fort claims that she was married to Shahjahan. So making a comment on this topic is far away from my reach as my study of history is dismal to say the least.

Coming back to the topic in which I am well versed and knowledgeable enough to make a comment, there was an essence of expectation from this film to be a biography of JalaluddinMohammad concerning his might and power. But it wasn’t just that. It was a highly matured comment on the relationship of the Rajput princess and the Mughal King. It was a comment onthe conscious and genuine approach of Jalaluddin Mohammad towards the people of India andhis way towards integrating the nation which was divided on the basis of religion.



To start off, the film has all correct elements in the exact place. Its jaw dropping cinematography is never ever seen in any Indian film. The cinematographer is not an Indian.He, as far as I remember, was the same for Troy too. One of the main things you would wantto watch in period sagas is the Art because the film travels back in time. The art directorhas to replicate all the artifacts of that age and present it in a totally legible and acceptable manner. I have to accept that the Americans are a master at this. This film makes you feel that you are in the 1500’s. One more very basic and important element is the music (as, of course, it is an Indian film). The music also has to travel back to the tabla and veena oriented time. And if you have some one with the name A.R.Rahman as yourmusic director, you can relax in the beaches of Goa leaving all the responsibility on the shoulders of this musical genius and a legend in every sense. The background score will remain in your minds forever. The songs in this film, especially “Khwaja Mere Khwaja”, which happens to be my favorite, is the one song I would rate five out of five for its top class music and of course the immensely popular and incomparable baritone of Rahman sir. “Jashn-e-bahaara” is one song you would cherish for its hidden romance and “In Lamhon Ke Daaman Main” for its totally explicit expression of romantic love. The lyrics are one of the best Javed Saahab has ever written.

The lyrics should turn you on. And talking about turning you on, the way “In Lamhon Ke Daaman Main” is shot, it should get even the dullest romantics excited and will reciprocate, if they have someone(in which I am totally unlucky and people who have someone to do so, watch Troy, which has nothing but a top naked lady jumping on her bed. Well, the former leads to the later, but I somehow advocate the idea of turning things on first. You should make things exciting, shouldn’t you? “YEH KHEL DIL JEETNE KA HAI”.). “Khwaja Mere Khwaja” is spiritually engaging and so well shot that even you would want to stand up and dance like Hritik does. And if you want to know why Rahman Sir is the best, “Azeem-o-shaan shehenshah” is the perfect lesson for you. Listen to the music in your music players and no doubt you will discover that it is nothing less than a privilege to have such a master around you. HATS OFF RAHMAN SIR!!!




Jalaluddin Mohammad was just a kid of 12 years when he was forced to participate in the battle of Panipat. He was under the guidance and the leadership of a very capable general of the Mughal army fighting against the only Indian king who had ever defeated the Mughals,Hemu. This scene, of course inspired by Troy, is shot with utmost class and precision. The maturity with which the whole scene is handled by the director is totally appreciable. The cinematography deserves the credit for this particular war scene, just top class. I think if I go on like this, I would not be exhausted to thoroughly examine each and every scene of the film and explain how the director completed the scene because every scene and every dialogue in this film is something never seen in Indian films before. It was unique. It was simply the BEST. I felt that utmost sense of satisfaction and happiness to have such a film maker in my nation.

Starting from the adamancy of Jodhaa to get her wish fulfilled before the marriage to the extravagant sword fight between the pair which was sprinkled with sexual “provocation”, every part of the film carried originality and innocence. I don’t think mentioning anything about the plot of the film would be justified because the whole film unfolds like a self sustained drama, like a narrative which needs no preview.



Among the actors, Hrithik stands out as a fantastic actor. In his style, his dialogue delivery and his expressions, you can foresee an acting phenomenon yet to be unleashed. This is definitely his career best performance.He is truly the emperor of bollywood .Just Mindblowing acting.Aishwarya Rai Bachchan delivers the role of her life. I always think she can give her career best if she is in good hands, such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali (HDCCS,Devdas),Rituporno Ghosh (Chokher Bali,Raincoat) Mani Ratnam (Guru) and Ashutosh Gowarikar (Jodhaa Akbar). We should look forward to see her in many roles in future. She is proving that she is not like any other actresses. She possesses utmost versatility which was hidden. Jodhaa Akbar has the momentum which she carried from films like HDDCS,Devdas,Guru. Her acting was just fantastic.The chemistry between Hrithik-Ash was out of the world.I have never seen such sizzling chemistry on screen .


This story unfolds at its own pace. This will never bother good viewers. This, as I said, is a cinematic spectacle. 'Jodhaa Akbar' has already emerged BLOCKBUSTER status. So gear up. Get all your wits and intelligence packed with full efficiency to watch this film. You will not be disappointed. Thank you, Ashutosh Gowarikar, for Jodhaa Akbar. Keep making such films. Hollywood is not far away!

RATING- 4.8/5

[Nuha]

u r ryt.......i hv watched this movie.....
it's a joss movie.....
Ais.......looks so cool as a princess........

thnx 4 d post Apurba........

[SonarChele]

Its a good movie. i saw it whn it came out. i loved it.

[tok_jhal_mishti]

the making was awsom................i loved the movie
Indians are really on fire to prove them selves

[HypnotizeD]

beshi lomba movie

[alana]

boring movie n not evn comparable with troy or 300!

[.HellzPori.]

alana -- Troy or 300 er sathe compare korar ki holo ? they are totally different movies even though they are historic and moreover, i think it is unfair to be comparing an Indian movie to an American one. in my opinion, this movie was put together well and it brought out the essence of Mughal culture very colourfully. my dad who never watches historic movies loved it too. anyway, but that's just my opinion.

beautiful movie is all i gotta say.
for the first time in my life, i really liked Ash and Hrithik's performances! i am also happy that Bollywood finally took a step to break out of its usual routine (plagiarizing Hollywood).

hats off!

p.s. that song is too cool! Jashn-E-Bahaara. onek addictive!