Set in the 16th century and based on true stories of Moghul rule, Jodhaa Akbar traces the rise of Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, generally thought of as the greatest Emperor in Moghul history. It focuses on a political marriage of alliance between Akbar and his Hindu Rajput wife Jodhaa and the political issues such a high-profile, cross-cultural and interfaith marriage raise. From a young 13-year old in the battlefield to his romance with Jodhaa and conquests which titled him Akbar the great, Jodhaa Akbar follows their romance and the rise of his reign.
The story is structured simply and a bit long-winded at times, clocking in at just over 3.5 hours, but the lavish sets, costuming, dancing and music set on a colossal scale more than make up for the length. Epic in scale, the film used more than 100 horses, 55 camels and 80 elephants for the film, with one of the songs using more than a thousand dancers on screen. Reportedly, the film cost over Rs/- 370 million (more than $9 million Canadian) and used over 400 kg of gold jewellery.
A.R. Rahman’s rhythmic score sets the tone for the display of intimate character interplay. There is always something to look at on-screen even when there is little going on by way of plot. The chemistry between Hrithik Roshan (Akbar) and Aishwarya Rai (Jodhaa) is red-hot, and they sparkle in their silks, pearls and gems. Ila Arun (Maham Anga) and Sonu Sood (Rajkumar Sujamal) also deliver memorable performances. Roshan surprises in his role as Akbar with his vocal authority and strong physical and emotional presence - a far cry from his usual action-oriented Bollywood hunk fare - and Rai, no stranger to such roles, handles her role with ease and grace.
There is considerable controversy today regarding the details of Akbar and Jodhaa’s marriage and their relationship. The film was greeted with such strong complaints in Rajasthan that its been banned in many theatres, although it has enjoyed a huge release in the overseas market. Historical controversies aside, Writer-Director Ashutosh Gowariker (who also directed Oscar-nominee Lagaan in 2001) doesn’t disappoint. This is Bollywood at its near-best, a heady mix of colour, romance, intrigue, danger and betrayal.
Jodhaa Akbar is currently playing at Raja Cinema on Kingsway and Strawberry Hill Grande Cinemas in Surrey.
image credit: here
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This entry was posted on Monday, February 25th, 2008 at 11:46 am and is filed under Arts, Culture, Dance, Film, Media, Music, Review, Theatre. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
A splendid review for a brilliant film — I’m so talking to the owner of that theatre for a contra w/ the magazine. We’ll HAVE to see everything there darlin’. I love that movie. and I’m staring at the poster right now — you remember our free poster right? Muah
Hooray! It’s a deal…show him the review and request that the two of us cover the films, or we get writer+guest. If you want need me to do some desi schmoozing and sweet-talk in Hindi let me know. I love that we got posters!