Jodha-Akbar is a motley of exceptional love,Terrific Action,Soulful music and splendid cinematography.It is one of the most uncommon films and a must see one if you want to witness something special.The film got combative stunts and it has everything to please everyone.But on the other side,the film is slow and lengthy.The first half of the film lasts more than 2 hrs yet the twists and turns will glue the audience to the cinema.Hrithik was awesome as Akbar and Aishwarya was majestic as Jodha.Direction was at the best.Ashutosh proved yet another blockbuster which falls in the same line of Lagaan and Swades.May be he need to concentrate on the duration of the film by chopping off few scenes.Jodha Akbar is basically a love story instead of calling it as a War based film.The film lacks pace and slow narration of few scenes and the frequent usage of Urdu language made the audience ambiguous and also boring.But at the other end,even though the film lasts for more than 3.30 min,it is gripping enough and very much bearable.The Director need to edit the film and make it as a 3 hrs film so that the audience will like this film even more.The huge star-cast of Hrithik-Ash playing as Akbar and Jodha might have evoked a lot of curiosity among the audience before the release but i must admit the film almost lived up to the expectations.The love part was dealt exceptionally well and it is the forte for the film.The film depicted the Legacy of Akbar.The film also shown that Akbar did lot good for Hindus. I don't feel,the film will hurt any religion sentiments.The director did an excellent job in maintaining the balance.A R Rahman's background score was very good and music is freshy.And adding to that,the picturisation of the songs is spectacular.Especially Azeem-O-Shaanshahensha,it is definitely one of the best ever pictured songs in the history of Indian Cinema.Overall, a film worth watching.
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akbarnali19 February 2008Ashutosh Gowariker's "Jodhaa Akbar" is the most ambitious film to emerge from Bollywood's stables in quite a while. Based on the historical alliance between India's greatest Mughal emperor and a Rajput Hindu princess, Gowariker models his film on the Shakespearean mould of palace intrigue with its collection of warring power brokers, plotting princes, distant queen mothers, bitchy but loyal eunuchs, and concubines galore. It's also something of a gamble: Gowariker has never treaded the historical epic in his earlier features, especially one about India's first attempt at religious pluralism. The results are mixed but laudable, largely because the script adheres to the golden rule about bringing historical episodes to film: know the history, but print the legend.
Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Pocahontas were all real people whose life stories have been told and retold in popular Hollywood films, each retelling adding and embellishing elements of the story which have helped the stories attain the status of pseudoreligious myth. India certainly has a rich history of quasi-historical legends: Anarkali, Heer-Ranjha, Umrao Jaan, Devdas, and now Jodhaa-Akbar.
Let there be no doubt: this is not a documentary nor do the filmmakers make any overt attempt at a documentary characterization of Akbar. History tells us that he was a unique and even megalomaniacal emperor: he had many wives and untold numbers of concubines in a harem which (depending on which account you believe) included a few male lovers, invented his own religion in which he was divine, and held court with atheists, Jews, and Jesuits, a practice which would become decidedly less common with future emperors.
Hrithik Roshan puts up what is probably his best performance as Akbar, though he is hindered by the sheer volume of activity making up the plot: an absent queen mother, sinister foster mother, devious brothers, and, above all, a reluctant wife, all demand his attention. Roshan is at his best when Akbar is wooing a banished Jodhaa and when he ventures off into his kingdom; in many ways, Akbar remains a symbol of tolerance and benign authoritarianism throughoutdespite the fact that he is the one who sets much of the narrative's action into play, surprisingly few scenes give us insight into his inner workings; the opposite is true for Jodhaa.
In the last decade since Aishwariya Rai was introduced to movie-going audiences, she has grown tremendously as an actress. "Jodhaa Akbar" is not her best work, but it offers ample evidence of her growth along the spectrum of Paro-type roles she has enacted since Bhansalli's "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" : Nandini of "HDDCS," Paro of "Devdas," the eponymous Umrao Jaan, and now Jodhaa are essentially different interpretations of the same feminine archetype: a Lady Beloved of the Legends, who, having been robbed of all agency because of her gender, comes to embody beauty, suffering, fidelity, and, of course, love.
Nandini was a flighty romantic, Umrao Jaan a forlorn romantic, and Paro a languishing fool who settled for survival when love literally slashed her away. Jodhaa is decidedly not romantic, being that she is an emblem of her family's honor. She is given away as a peace offering to an emperor who demands alliance and submission only to find that he wants to become her ally in love.
Rai plays Jodhaa as a torn victim, but she is not without her own inner steel: she sets her own conditions for marriage, challenges palace customs, and steps on more than few royal toes along the way, notably those of the unforgiving Maham Anga. She's not as wishy-washy as Paro or as flirty as Nandini, but she is undoubtedly cut from the same cloth. And speaking of cutting, she's first rate in the five-minute sword fight between Jodhaa and Akbar, a scene which goes from swordplay to foreplay.
Rai is slated to play Anarkali opposite Ben Kingsley's Shah Jahan in an upcoming film and has yet another role as the pining courtesan in Bhansalli's next, "Bajirao Mastani." Normally, I would accuse her of self-typecasting, but it seems that filmmakers themselves are unwilling or unable to see her differently. Jag Mundhara did with "Provoked," extracting an emotionally naked performance from her which is without question her finest work to date. Will others be as daring to cast her in similar light? Probably not.
The film works best when the narrative focuses on the interaction between its two leads who are more similar than they perhaps ought to be: both are icons of physical beauty, sexuality, and glamour, but thankfully this has been tampered down by Gowariker's interpretation of the characters. True, Akbar probably didn't have Roshan's sinewy physique, and Jodhaa (whose existence continues to be challenged in certain historical readings) probably couldn't write in Arabic and likely never set foot in a kitchen. But such considerations are immaterial when you're telling a love story.
The other striking thing about the film is that for non-native Hindi and Urdu speakers, the dialogue is virtually incomprehensible without the subtitles. The old fashioned Urdu recitations are especially difficult to ascertain, though sometimes the subtitles only further your confusion. One line in "In Lamhon Ke Daman Mein" which is literally translated as "Beauty is imbibed in cherished blandishments." What???
Gowariker makes a valiant attempt at a film that is war epic, love story, and costume drama all in one, but never does "Jodhaa Akbar" approach the charm or finesse of "Lagaan." The main flaw with the film is that it is overly ambitious: Akbar may have been a polymath, but there's no way a single film could encompass all of his endeavors. Gowariker's script strays into too many quarters looking for the historical Akbar and ends up offering what is an unfortunately shallow characterization. Jodhaa, conversely, has less to occupy her and is more clearly defined.
And so in the end it turns out that "Akbar the Great" is, in celluloid terms at least, "Akbar the Pretty Good." -
Period films, when well made are a visual treat. Right from the likes of Mughal-E-Azam till the recent Jodhaa Akbar, these flicks have the power to transport one back in time to relive those ages. What might disconcert many viewers of this genre is the excessive directorial license used by some movie makers to blur lines between fact and fiction. Nevertheless, I would still say that Jodha Akbar is a great effort and a well made film!
Based on the popular folklore, the story is about young Mughal Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammed (Hrithik) getting wedded to the princess of Amer Jodha (Aishwarya), a match arranged for political gain. But, little do both know that this marriage would spark off a fiery romance in the backdrop of young Jalal metamorphosing into an all powerful Emperor Akbar thwarting pressures from family,religious heads & administrative issues.
As such, the story neither has a beginning nor an end that any average moviegoer would look for. In fact, there is a little bit of everything. You can find romance, action including both human and animal duels, large scale wars, songs, great looking lead pair, and most importantly, the opulence and glorification of Akbar’s reign. But, it wouldn’t qualify as a documentary either, since the concept of Jodha in Akbar’s life is in itself fictitious.
The highlight however, is one man who stands out the most in the movie, Hrithik Roshan who has once again proved his star prowess. His talent and hard work is visible in every frame that he is in, be it romancing Jodha or on the battlefield. You would really believe him to be Shahenshah-E-Hindustan (Emperor of India). His shirtless scene with the sword and the sparring contest between the lead pair are extremely praiseworthy.
The Hrithik-Ash chemistry seen in Dhoom 2 has not just been continued here but has taken to a different level altogether. Aishwarya made a great choice to play a proud and defiant princess. The chemistry and the directorial genius can be seen in scenes where Akbar acknowledges his ignorance to read and write, his confusion when offered arati, the sparring and scenes when the couple have their private moments.
With a three and a half hour runtime and lots of sub-plots, Jodha Akbar at times, seems dragged. A tighter script chopping off at least half hour from the film could have helped. The songs, Jashn-E-Bahaara, Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah and the sufi Khwaja mere Khwaja stand out. If not a blockbuster, the movie will definitely go down in history as a well made movie. Recommended for a very patient audience only! -
mollidew20 October 2008As an American I knew little of this story or Emperor but had heard of the Moghuls. It doesn't matter if it wasn't exact because it is based on a happening. The movie is for entertainment so it doesn't have to be exactly historically correct. It was not a documentary. Both of the leads were absolutely excellent in their roles. I was very impressed and especially by Hrithik Roshon. He is an excellent actor. I know little about the Bollywood movies but this one mesmerized me once I figured out how to turn on the subtitles.
I really liked the humor that was added to this movie. The part with the sword fighting and the irony of what how she lost to Akbar was funny. The line where he reminds her he is her husband going along with the sword fight. Many eye contact gestures between the two that were so touching and at times comical.
I really loved the Sufis and their singing in the movie. It was a nice blend of action, and romance. I like the fact they kept it in good taste and did not dwell on bloody battles or steamy love scenes between the Princess and the Emperor when they finally admitted their love for each other. It got the point across very romantically but tastefully and you don't see that much anymore in most movies. Kudos to those who made this great, great movie. It is well worth anyone's time to watch. It is an opulent and very enjoyable movie. -
Pratik11219 February 2008Swades was released in December 2004 and since then, this project was said to be considered by the director, Ashutosh Gowariker. The director of movies such as "Laagan" and "Swades," has once again left no stones unturned and proved that he is also capable of directing a movie related the colossal personality - Akbar the Great, also known as "Jalaludin Mohammed Akbar." A young Akbar, sets out to conquer Kingdoms and those who don't join him, are brutally executed but after a while he begins to pardon them and that's when many of his opponents begin to realise that they had and have, misunderstood him. One particular Rajput Raja Bharmal, instead of facing the Moghul's mighty army, decides that it would be better that his daughter, Raj Kumari Jodhaa Bai, who is be throned to another Rajput Prince, marries Akbar. The couple do unite in marriage but only after Akbar agrees to the two conditions which the Rajput Princess has put forward. At the same time, he has to win her heart as well as to look after the interest of his public.
Jodhaa Akbar, which stars Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Khulbhushan Kharbanda, Suhasini Mulay, Digvijay Purchit and Punam S. Sinha, is a romantic, biographical and historical movie, which is set in a era of revolt, conspiracies and war. It also deals with intercaste marriage, which at the time was not heard off due to the fact that when the Mughals invaded India, the Rajput Princesses and Queens became Sati when their husbands, the Kings were killed in battle so as not to be captured and, or, forced to live with the Invaders.
Hrithik Roshan, son of the director and producer, Rakesh Roshan and nephew of the music director Rajesh Roshan, was offered this role as the director, Ashutosh Gowariker, who had seen him in "Koi Mil Gaya." believed that he was capable of doing justice to this part and also because of his physique. His natural choice for the lead of "Jodhaa Bai" was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, not only just because of her beauty but talent as well. He has proved to be correct with the cast - brilliant as they have done justice to their respective parts.
This is a well written story by Haider Ali, and co written, directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, which has gone into great details with research and choosing sites for filming. The cinematography, by Kiran Deohams, is excellent and some cases breath taking. The music, by A.R. Rehman, is pleasant and suits the genre movie and the songs, though a few, are good as well and especially the wedding night song. The costumes and jewellery, which I am sure that a lot of the members of the audience, will be looking out for, designed by the famous Neeta Lulla, is elegant. The stunts and the fight sequences, which are well timed, and though they look dangerous at times, are worthwhile watching. In one scene, where Akbar is seen fighting an elephant, actor Hrithik Roshan did get injured but continued with the filming. His injuries were related to those of when he was filming for "Krissh." But really pushes the fight and stunt sequences, is the special effects by Pankaj Khandpur, which are worth to watch.
Conclusion: This movie has all the ingredients to become a classic, epic movie in the future, even though it is three and a half hours in duration. It is worth it.
For those interested in a bit of gossip. Hrithik Roshan, who has been offered to work in some Hollywood movies, may not have to go over to in at least one of them. The reason being is that actress Penelope Cruz, may be working with him in a yet untitled Bollywood movie, which is said to be directed by his father, Rakesh Roshan. Could it be that this is just the beginning of a merger between Hollywood and Bollywood? I wonder! Elsewhere, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, is soon to be working in a movie with the "Mahatama," Ben Kingsley, with whom she has worked with before, in an English version of "Taj Mahal." It seems like that she can't keep away from the family. -
harpreetc14 February 2008The movie is made on the scale of a classic, but it falls short of the mark because it needs crisper editing. On the whole, it surely leaves a mark! No doubt.
I am not a historian, so I cannot mention how accurately history was depicted in the movie; but the feel of the movie ah, the feel! is surely something that takes you to that Era. The clothes, the sets, the jewellery! Let me get rid of the flaws first: Ashutosh Gowariker is not an action director, so the battle scenes and even the action sequences lack panache when they could have been executed brilliantly especially since Hrithik Roshan can do action fabulously well. The first battle scenes are reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings, down to the swinging of the swords in linear movement, much like the Elves did when the Orcs attack. The march of the elephants is much like the Mumakil that come out to crunch the riders of Rohan in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Some of the lesser character actors have terrible dialogue delivery. And in most cases, the dialogues themselves get weighed down by verbosity and surprisingly, the characters who speak Hindi sound more uncomfortable with it then the ones who have to deal with Urdu diction.
Sonu Sood who plays Sujamal, Jodhaa's cousin, enacts his part with restraint and he kept reminding me of a young Amitabh Bachchan. Suhasini Mulay as Jodhaa's mother, Padmavati, is apt for the role, in fact, her stature was wasted in Lagaan and Ashutosh finally casts her perfectly. Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Jodhaa's father, Raja Bharmal, does what he did in Lagaan. This felt like an offshoot of the same character he played there.
Nikitin Dheer who plays Mirza Shariffuddin Hussain has done a good job for a newcomer and he suits the role of a solid warrior who thinks Akbar unfit to rule. Mrs. Punam S. Sinha, who plays Akbar's mother, surprisingly carries off the role with poise despite a strong accent in her voice that interferes with the use of the Urdu dialect. But Ila Arun performing the role of Maham Anga is someone to watch out for. Her intensity vibrates from the screen as she plays power games with the new woman in Akbar's life. The jealousy she exudes is almost tangible and the pathos of the character's end is touching indeed she truly deserves a reputable mention.
Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan is well, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan. She fits the role because she is usually stiff and aloof. If anyone was to play a queen she would be it so her role was well-cast. She has worn brown contact lenses for the role, which shows that Indian film-makers are now thinking of certain details that need to be thought about.
Though I am a fan of Hrithik Roshan, I felt that the role of Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar did not suit him to a tee like say, for instance, a Krish or an Aryan Singh. I cannot pinpoint the reason for this, maybe it was the bad moustache sitting above his lips, or maybe because I never pictured Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar to have such a beautiful body. Maybe. But I did say, 'did not suit him to a tee' which leaves me room to add further, that he tried his best and that shows in his acting. Also the director's vision was to show the Mughal Emperor as a sensitive soul and that is what Hrithik evocatively brings about either in the vulnerability he portrays, while apologising to Maham Anga, or the passion tinged with restraint he exhibits when dealing with his distant wife.
The cinematography by Kiran Deohans is fabulous. The scope of most shots is all-encompassing but somehow the feel of an epic lags behind. The feeling that one gets is something that closes inward rather than something that opens outward. And in some scenes, the lighting could have vastly been improved upon. Neeta Lulla's costumes are fabulous, too and the jewellery provided by Tanishq is awe-inspiring. They, combined, bring about the look and feel of the movie more than what actually should be created by the story, the actors and the director.
What touched me most within the entire movie was the picturisation of the song "Khwaja Mere Khwaja". It was completely surreal - the melody and rhythm in this Sufi song mixed with the pristine costumes and depiction of the scene completely enraptured me. Much like the character of Akbar, I felt like standing up and joining the singers in this moment of rhapsody! Truly a delight! Apart from this, I cannot say for certain, I liked this part of the movie or that part. They are parts which have been put into a whole and made coherent, somehow; but yet, I will go back to see this movie one more time. I feel it is a movie that needs to be viewed more than once in order to grasp the different nuances that are spread throughout. It ebbs and flows with its own life and at places, the creators of the movie themselves lost control over it, and that is noticeable. But one cannot blame them for that for that is the wont of any creative process. Although perfection comes when restraint is used over unnecessary unravelling and digression.
In a way, I am glad that the director hasn't used much restraint within the movie, because it would kill this feeling of 'je ne sais quoi' that flows through my enjoyment of this movie. -
0U21 February 2020Fantastic movie by Ashutosh Gowariker! Amazing story plot. Great cast- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Sonu Sood. Amazing music!! Definitely worth seeing. A great re-telling of story and setting for a great history. Though there's a huge controversy for the history part of the story (which the whole point of the movie really was), Jodha Akbar is an ideal, Disney-ish version of the history therefore making it an entertaining, romantic movie. I'll definitely watch it over and over again. an epic movie. A long-limbed story that is utterly simple in structure, but decorated with enough character interplay and side plots to keep the movie ticking over to a powerful finale. loved it. fantastic.
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polysuravi20 February 2008Yes honestly, i still feel that SWADES is Ashutosh's best film, Jodha Akbar does not had the soul to hold the movie till the end. the script was not as good as of Swades and Lagaan. Swades hold u till the end of the movie and Lagaan does because Cricket in Lagan was the main lifeline of the movie along-with script
Hrithik, Aishwarya acted brilliantly along-with the entire cast
Technically it is one of the best which came out of India Cinematography, definitely deserve a special mention along-with Choreography
rating 7/10 -
maheshkoneru15 February 2008There are good movies. And then there are great movies.But very few are truly epics. I can very confidently say that Jodhaa Akbar is going to be an epic.
Do not be daunted by the 195 minutes runtime of the movie. At no point in the movie will you be aware of the time. The performances put in by Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai,along with the ethereal music provided by A.R.Rahman and the stunning costumes by Neeta Lulla are going to blow your breath away.
No Indian cinema has ever evoked such a strong mixture of emotions in the audience as this one. Each and every frame of the movie is a treat to the eyes. There is richness and grandeur in every aspect of the film.
'Jashn-e-bahara' and 'Khwaja mere Khwaja' are superbly shot and executed songs. And then 'Azeem oh Shan Shahenshah' is one song that will remain etched in your memory long after you leave the theater.
The scenes where the Emperor Akbar tames the wild elephant and the sword fight between the royal couple are truly memorable. The battle sequences are captured very well.
The initial mistrust between Akbar and Jodha bai and the subsequent budding romance are handled brilliantly.
Hrithik is superb as the Emperor Akbar and I doubt if any actor of his generation could have handled this role as well. And Aishwarya Rai as usual looks stunningly beautiful.
All in all, a tremendous movie and I am going to strongly recommend this to all my friends.
Thank you Ashutosh for Jodhaa Akbar. -
Upadhyay-maulik15 February 2008(WARNING:This is my first review and my English also is not good). I saw this movie in first day morning show..and guess..it's not SO much boring as I was thinking. So what made me feel good or great in this movie 1). Great acting by Hrithik roshan as "jalal" and Beautiful gorgeous Aishwarya who played "JODHAA"..i just loved this pair..their on screen chemistry is just wow..2) The picturization of the song esp. "KHWAJA" and title song..3). There are many "paisa-wasool" moments in this movie like the romance between Jodhaa and Akbar..so..natural..4). Some of the good acting by supported star cast.. So for all these 8 out of 10. Bt there are many instance when u feel turn off. Especially very bad shooted war scene at the starting of movie..and the climax action scene between Akabar and his enemy is AVERAGE to ABOVE AVERAGE. Those who doesn't understand Urdu plz go with Urdu-Hindi dictionary otherwise u will lose the interest from movies..there are some unnecessary scenes in this movie which make this movie more than 3 hours so overall 6 out of 10 watch it out if Ur HRITHI or AISh fan..
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ikaatar21 February 2008Greatest movie ever seen on the big screen!!The performances are nothing short of fantastic .Hrithik Roshan becomes Akbar and not once do you feel you are watching Hrithik on the screen. He is beyond brilliant and carries the film on his broad shoulders throughout. The way he emotes and delivers his lines shows that he is a super performer. This easily has to rank as the best performance of his career.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan matches Hrithik and delivers a wonderful performance as well. she looks ethereal a compliment she has heard a trillion times before. What's new in that? But watch her emote in this film. Although she does not have as many lines to deliver or have as much screen time, she still makes you sit up and take notice of her through her extremely expressive eyes. She emotes superbly with them and it only enhances her performance. This will go down as one of her career best performances. Also, the Hrithik and Aishwarya chemistry is as flawless as ever. They sizzle every scene they are in together.
My advice to the audience is to not miss Jodhaa Akbar because doing so would be a huge mistake. It is a masterpiece and a definite must see. Don't miss it! -
die_Heuchler16 February 2008Opulent, I think the critics have used the right words to describe this film. Indeed, Jodhaa Akbar is a true winner in all senses. It keeps you glued to your seats from the very first moment. And even after 3+ hours, it steel keeps you mesmerized and leaves you with going "wow!" Wow. That's how I would describe this film. The last time I watched a good film was TZP, but that was a totally different story. This time, I'm taken into a timeless classic if it's too much to tell so. Jodha Akbar is one of the classics you'd want to archive for the next say, 100 years. The last time we had a classic was Mughal e Azam, and so many years later, we have another classic that takes no less height than K Asif's old classic. The only common thing the two films share is the Akbar-Jodha plot line and grandeur and magnificence. But that would be very wrong to compare the two movies, and lets not do so.
The best part of this Ashutosh Gowariker flick is of course, the captain of the ship himself. Hritik Roshan gives his best performance so far and to all those who thought he couldn't be taken seriously, then think again. Because this actor has a lot of potential and he has finally proved that he is physically and mentally built for any challenging role like this one. Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan mesmerizes us throughout the film. I know I'm using the "mesmerize" word too much but that's the most relevant word I can find for this film.
Larger than life production design, great costumes and jewllery, the opening and final battle sequences and the Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah song choreography man, that was really something! Only that one particular song can prove director Gowariker's potential, but we know he is the man of substance and we needn't validate that.
Overall, I'd give my nod. Grab a DVD and be mesmerized for the rest of my life.
:) Overall rating 9.3/10 -
njadaun-11 March 2008In the movie Akbar is shown as a kind hearted fellow who refuses to kill the prisoners of the war. The same Akbar in around 1568 ordered the killing of around 40,000 innocent people of Chittor after the victory. This was recorded even by his courtier and one of the 'navratnas' Abul Fazal. If Ashutosh really wanted to show the character of Akbar then he should have done justice to the history.
The major goof ups is the narration telling that Mughal arrived in India about 1470's. This is grossly false as Akbar was the first Mughal to enter India and he did it in 1526 AD when he defeated the Lodhis in First Battle of Panipat. Another goof up is related to the fighting between Akbar and Rajputs. That time Rajputs were not aware of the canon and Man Singh was the first Rajput to bring Canon from Afghanistan to India in early 17th century. -
light10718 February 2008I can't digest that people would protest this amazing film. People need to respect that there are alternate versions of history, and the director states that in the credits from the beginning. If people had some sense, they would respect the integrity of a person committed to bringing history to film with utmost dignity and respect. Those people clashing an protesting the film are idiotic!
The 3 hours flew by because the story was captivating. The actors were amazing, especially Ila Arun...Sonu is also a revelation. Aishwarya was just right! A talent that needs to be recognized, Ash showed how amazing an actor she really is. Hrithik was equally amazing as Aishwarya. I don't understand why there is such sexism in Hindi cinema, the males always get their critiques or praises first and then the females. Well Aishwarya is first here! The music was simply well suited and appropriate. I want A R Rehman to continue being brilliant! That's an order! The director has proved himself yet again that he is simply the best there is in the world of cinema...HE makes South Asians Proud!
I would recommend this film to anyone. -
A timeless classic. Full marks to the director and the cast.
Hrithik is perfection personified as usual. This would be Ash's best performance till date as she does not giggle needlessly or overact at any point.
The supporting cast has done a great job too - especially Punam Sinha and Nikitin. A slight regret is that Sonu Sood should have had a stronger personality for his background, but it is does not impact the movie in any way.
The music is endearing. It will catch up on you as you listen to it a couple of times.
Avoid watching pirated online versions and go watch it in a theater. A pirated version simply cannot capture the grandeur of this movie. -
rajdoctor8 March 2008Jodha Akbar As this is a BIG movie with so much effort gone into it, I would try to write a review that is more comprehensive of everyone's expectations and how well or not well the movie is meeting them.
The story is about one of the greatest Mughal rulers of India Jallaluddin Mohammed Akbar (Hritik Roshan) and his fictional love affair with a Hindu Rajput princess Jodha bai (Aishwariya Rai). The matrimony between them is fixed more as a political checkmate between king of Amer (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) and Akbar, but once Jodha and Akbar meet the real love story evolves fascinatingly. The respectful and tolerant Akbar is shown giving enough leeway to listen to what Jodha has to communicate to him verbally and non-verbally. This changes Akbar in the way he looks at his kingdom and subjects. There are a few sub-plots; one, the conflict between Jodha and her mother-in-law (Ila Arun), the treachery of Akbar's brother-in-law to topple him and rule India and the terrorist attack on Akbar.
Ashutosh Gowarikar's attempt to be among big wigs like K.Asif and Kamal Amrohi who made beautiful period films is clearly seen in Jodha Akbar. Ashutosh has tried to include enough of commercial masala into the movie enough fight sequences, action sequences, songs and dance, great visuals, music, cinematography to present a painted canvass for Indian audience. He has also gelled well the contemporary political topics that bother India the dominant of it was about Hindu and Muslim unity.
Hritik Roshan has tried his best to portray Akbar in his best possible way. Except his slim body looks he fits well into the role and renders it with acumen. Aishwariya Rai is picture perfect throughout and acts with amazing grace.
There are several moments in the film worth remembering. A few I can mention are: the initial war sequences, Hritik fighting and taming an elephant, the Ajmer wale Khwaja song and Hritik's trance dance, the bare body Hritik adored by Aish, the bitter sequence between Aishwariya and Ila Arun, the final Troy style fight scene, the sword fight scene between Hritik and Aishwariya, the tender song picturisation in the second half between Hritik and Aishwariya, and all great long shots of Palaces and Rajasthan landscape. There are ample number of scenes that would have been hard to visualize let alone picturize! Kudos to Ashutosh.
The music reminds us of Lagaan hangover and the in-between beats also remiscents of Lagaan songs (especially Zam chananana, Zam chananana ), but A.R.Rahman has given soul rendering music and Sonu Nigam has sung the songs superbly.
The style of Ashutosh is slow and time consuming. Definitely he could have edited some scenes during scripting itself.
Apart from Jodha and Akbar, and mother in law Ila Arun strangely all the characters are under developed. This tore my heart, because in Lagaan and Swades each character was given enough glory to be on its own. This leaves Jodha Akbar lacking in some ways and not totally fulfilling experience.
There would be obvious comparisons with Mughale Azam and Lagaan. Let me tell you that Jodha Akbar is no way any close to the greatness of Mughale Azam or Lagaan, but it will be well remembered as a good well made movie.
Regarding the controversy around Jodha being Akbar's wife or daughter in law how do I care? I have gone to see a good story and a good movie and Jodha Akbar delivers that. What more we want in name of entertainment? I would leave the controversy to desperate zealouts.
Most of the movie is shot in Rajasthan and North India, and it shows various birds besides queen Jodha. Knowing that Rajasthan is full of peacocks not a single peacock is shown in the movie. There are a few peacock feathers on the tables, and a few background score of peacock's cry but not a single visual of a peacock! What a pity? Ashutosh how can you miss that!!! (Stars 7.5 out of 10) -
disizzgsk30 October 2018Ashutosh Gowariker what he thoughts in his mind and explore that all on screen more than imagination. Jodhaa-Akar, Aishwarya-Hirthik best suitable characters, Even we dont want to imagine others. Nobody can remake this movie and Ashutosh ideology presentation. Im still in shock really did akbar had a such love story with his wife. when you look at Ash-Hritik wow what a fantastic couple and their conversations, their silent love, performance. I must appreciate to all team not one individual. AR Rahman sir you can't tell him how to create epic movies historical movies music and background score. AR Rahman perception superb workout till date today even last moive Mohenjodaro. A great grip on historical stories also how to create music magic on screen, this why AR Rahman Mozart of Madras, He is the only person 21st century best musician in indian cinema. I don't want to give that name to others. When u listen the beautiful music mesmerizing all time, all of tracks are super hit. Ash Hritik jodi wow what a costume designed only for them, Especially Aishwarya Roy i love it madly, As a King we know how is that picture, but when thinking about KIng's Wife she is more than beautiful. I love thier acting both mind blowing cant you look down entire movie, they are amazing couple in bollywood. Director Ashutosh pick them very brilliant idea, and he imagined characters already before make a film. So Hritik Ash came this project. I appreciate also lyricist , dialouge writer.
I watched only so peaceful Calm Silent a Wonderful Love Story of Jodhaa-Akbar while running movie till the end.Nothing in my mind just Two Characters and Their Conversations, Love. It inside so peaks happiness unspoken words -
This epic is nearly four hours long but doesn't fully justify its length. Both Hrithik and Aishwarya are good in the title roles, but the film's pacing drags. There isn't enough dramatic tension in the simplistic plot so the directer invents a fictional character played (well) by Ila Arun. This results in a long segment that feels lifted out of a Balaji television soap. The music by AR Rehman is good with a few melodious tracks. There's an obligatory villain and a climactic fight scene but it's only moderately exciting. Watch at home on television or DVD.
Overall 6/10 -
singh-amrit22 February 2008Jodha Akbar, probably the most awaited film of recent times. The film, which was supposed to be the modern day answer to Mughal-e-Azam. Though it's unfair to compare anything to Mughal-e-Azam. Jodha Akbar is not Mughal-e-Azam. But the comparisons are somehow inevitable.
The film tries to put aside all the controversies in the beginning itself by declaring that the name of Akbar's wife is debatable, and Jodha is most common name referring to her. Amitabh Bachchan lends his voice for strong opening narration, and film opens on promising note with a decently (not grand) pasteurized war sequence. The film tightens the grip by the end of first half and leaves you expecting a better half to come. But the second half fails to fulfill the promise with a rather slow and lackluster end. Film could do with some crops in the reel. The narration slackens, especially in the second half it's dragging at places.
Performances of almost all actors are high grade. Surprisingly biggest disappointment is Hrithik Roshan. He tries hard but could not deliver the commanding performance that one expects from Akbar's character. The sharp build, short hair, thin mustache and a very modern accent naah not the Akbar material you were looking for. Longer hair, denser mustache and deeper voice could have made things better. Aishwarya as Jodha is immaculate. She has never looked and acted better. One good thing is every character has a clear Hindi pronunciation and neat Urdu diction. Almost everyone dots their I and crosses the T clearly.
The biggest draw of the film is the grandeur and the majestic art direction. Art Director Nitin Desai almost rebuilds the Mughal monuments with élan. The palaces and forts have the royal feel that was needed. Art direction though astounding overall is tacky at places with some details. Costumes also reflect the riches of the time. Music is a major let down. Khwaja and Merhabaa are ill choreographed. Khwaja is almost comic.
Direction of Ashutosh Gowarikar lacks the finer details and impeccable grip shown in his earlier ventures. Though overall direction is impressive. Story has nothing special in it about Jodha and Akbar. It's just a simple love story of a man (incidentally named Akbar) and a woman (coincidentally named Jodha).
Final verdict: A genuine attempt but Mughal-e-Azam still remains unanswered. -
ssra_2511 January 2019This film is surprisingly good. I used the term "surprisingly" because I generally do not like Indian movies. I love Aishwarya Rai, but usually not when I see her in Indian movies.
Well, this one was an exception. It's historical (more or less :d ), it's romantic, sufficiently cheesy, it has action and Aishwarya Rai is absolutely gorgeous.
Sure, some fighting scenes could have used a slightly better choreography, but other than that, I don't have anything else bad to say about it. I'm only sorry I saw it 10 years after its release.
All-in-all, I enjoyed every minuted of it. -
bollywoodplusplus25 February 2008It almost felt like sitting for an extremely long history lecture, a boring one, that is. And to many it also doesn't make historical sense. Well, since I am no expert on the history, I cannot comment on that! But if it didn't make historical sense, at lease make it histrionically appealing! But what a disappointment! The movie marks coming together of two of the hottest favs of current bollywood (and somewhat Hollywood too, no wonder it released here in bay area, California in an American theater as well). But they were far from recreating even a fraction of magic of Dhoom2 (I am not trying to compare the movie with D2, mind it!).
And one of the sensible directors, Ashutosh, who gave us Swadesh (read my review of Swadesh if you are interested) and Lagaan, two classics that will go into the history of Indian cinema! Its always a huge challenge to recreate the history on celluloid, the cost to recreate the looks, sets, every minute details become prohibitively expensive! And sure AG's effort in shooting the movie in grand palaces was noteworthy. But the look of the movie didn't have depth. The shallow art direction, off color, and not so great costumes, made the 4hr history lesson even more boring. As a contrast 2 movies come to my mind in terms of art direction ++ (Khoya Khoya Chand by Sudhir Mishra, look for the recreation of 60's), and art direction -- (Umrao Jaan a royal movie made with not-so-royal budget, hence "LOOKs" awful)! A note about the background score: Awful. At times, it felt like I am watching a TV serial, where most of the bground music are not well thought of, just any canned music, and sounds out of place.
Music: Nothing noteworthy, really!
Script and Narration: Its a collage of several events, put together to make an extremely long movie. Can be cut into 3/4th may be. Some scenes do not contribute to the movie as a whole. The movie is awfully ended, almost like "oh, has it already crossed 3 hrs? let's end it!" It has almost no narration that ties you. There is no plot. The numerous characters name pops up, after a while you cannot keep track of, but still feel scared of facing a pop-quiz at the end of the show!!!
Never in recent times, I walked out of the theater so many times, and didn't feel like I am missing much. Thanks to extreme long movie, the theaters are at least making some $$ out of popcorn & soda sales! -
chingle_the_darling19 April 2012a mughal emperor discovers his love in rajput princess to whom he married just as result of an alliance. usually directors loose plot when they make a historic film in India but here ashutosh holds his point.the film although chooses a historical backdrop but main theme is to show that love exists beyond barriers and religions.so pin-pointing out historical inaccuracies in a movie like this will be unfair.
however, script had to be more strong.the convas is beautiful considering it's budget.And the more we talk about performances the less will it be because the performances are superb.HRITHIK ROSHAN is an actor with infinite expressions , especially in this movie his eyes speak more than his dialogues and most importantly it's not that easy to speak urdu with that emphasis.
overall if you plan to watch a movie with family it's a worth watch.it's perfect for your DVD collection. -
prakash_sj4 March 2008Going back in time and making a period movie has been an obsession for many in the film industry. Be it K Asif's 'Mughal-e-Azam', or Shah Rukh Khan's 'Asoka', the challenges faced by an actor, director or producer to recreate a bygone, powerful era seem to draw the film industry to period themes time and again. This time, it's Ashutosh Gowariker. The director attempts to bring alive Akbar's love for his wife Jodhaa Bai on celluloid with 'Jodhaa Akbar' (JA).
History has always been ambiguous, not to mention controversial. JA is no exception. A lot has been said about the ambiguity of the name Jodhaa Bhai, thanks to the controversy surrounding it. The director too has wisely added a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie regarding the ambiguous nature of the name of Akbar's Hindu wife. Some Historians refer to her as Hira Kunwari, others as Mariam-uz-Zamani, and few others as Jodhaa Bai. So let's leave that topic at peace and assume that Jodhaa Bai was the real name of Akbar's Hindu wife.
Nonetheless, was Jodhaa Bai the only wife of Emperor Akbar? No. And there is absolutely no ambiguity on that part. Why then does the director choose to glorify the love of Akbar for his wife Jodhaa Bhai only? And that too in typical Bollywood fashion. As is known, the Moghuls, and of course Akbar, married many Hindu princesses to enter into pacts with Hindu Rajput rulers and expand the Moghul empire. The motive was clear - expanding one's empire skillfully, without war or bloodshed. Definitely a noteworthy strategy and a humanist approach. But with so many wives did Akbar really devote exclusive time to only one of his wives, to the extent that he croons around with her. Possible, yes. But by not mentioning any of Akbar's other wives the director lends a very unbelievable feel to the entire story, typical of every Bollywood story. But then, this is Bollywood and maybe the director consciously intends to tell a love legend and not history.
JA is not the story of Jallaluddin Muhammad Akbar, or Akbar as he is popularly known. It is a saga of an Emperor who falls deeply in love with his Hindu wife and the circumstances surrounding this immortal love. A kind of post arranged-marriage love story. Interesting indeed, especially considering that not too many movies dwell on this subject.
Akbar is not only a lover but also an Emperor and JA goes beyond just narrating a love story and tries (well, almost) to delve into the virtues and vices Akbar was popular for. How Jallaluddin shoulders the responsibility of the Moghul Empire and strategically expands it, in the process winning over the love of his countrymen forms the rest of the story.
Unfortunately, such a story telling does little to keep the audiences' interest intact. Depicting the life and times of Akbar does not qualify for interesting storytelling for the simple reason that Akbar was an able and efficient Administrator who skillfully expanded the Moghul Empire, often with little or no conflict. And a script without much conflict fails to keep restless audiences glued to their seats.
However, JA is not completely devoid of conflict and the usual twists-in-the-tale. But these are trivial to qualify as interesting or unpredictable. No wonder the director chooses to concentrate on the love-angle between Akbar and Jodhaa instead. A laudable aspect of the movie is that the script does try to suffuse the tale with many aspects about Jallaluddin. Be his liberal outlook on religion, his interest in mysticism or his prowess in warfare. Yet, the movie moves at a very languid pace concentrating heavily on the equally heavy costumes, and jewellery of that era.
The art direction too is magnificent and transports one to the Moghul and Rajput era. Music is yet another area where A R Rahman breaks new ground and instills the tale with his masterpieces which are as beautifully fused as the love between Akbar and Jodhaa. The track 'Khwaja Mere Khwaja' is sure to teleport you to another world, the picturisation beautifully depicting Akbar's interest in Sufism.
Casting is more or less perfect. Hrithik is one hero who has proved himself capable of going beyond superhero roles. His body-language, the gait with which he carries himself and the ease with which his eyes express love for his beloved will make women go weak in their knees. Although Aishwarya fails to convincingly portray herself as a Rajput warrior princess (her poor stance and weak gait while clasping the sword), she more than makes up for it as Mallika-e-Hindustan (Queen of Hindustan).
Albeit miserably failing in a crisp and interesting script, JA excels in technical aspects, art direction, music, and other creative and technical areas. Commercially its fate depends on audience sensibilities. If mundane jewellery and splendour is what they are expecting, which I fear many do, then JA will spell success for Ashutosh. If a historically well told tale, with an interesting storyline is what audiences prefer then JA will fail to get the cash registers ticking. -
vitthalmisal14 November 2021Worst movie of Bollywood Bollywood will keep it's worst movies making skill would not watch such terrible thing again.
Please read history books and gain some historical knowledge. -
nishantraval1 January 2016As i say about Ashutosh Gowariker he is the very perfectionist director in India. He has a very good point of view in direction. I have seen many makings of his film and i see he is very clear about that what exactly he want to do. Jodhaa Akbar is very very good Indian epic historical drama film. Hritik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai and all other actors did great job. If i would say about film in one line i will say it's a great hard work of all crew member and those people who worked in Jodhaa Akbar. Haidar Ali writes good story. Screenplay is good, Dialogue is good, Music is very good, Cinematography well and you will see very superb work of production design and costume design. Nitin Chandrakant Desai did very well job in movie. The Film's set is very large and It's looking like actual Mughal's building. you can't find any difference between film set and original building. Detailing, Color tone, atmosphere and fillings of scene everything is perfect in this movie.