After a long time I watched a Bollywood movie that made me want to go right back and watch it all over again – all 210 minutes of it. I’m a romantic at heart and such a beautiful, tender and sensual portrayal of romance is rare to find on the Bollywood screen. What I liked best was that the romance never seemed too overbearing. It blossomed slowly and beautifully, but in the backdrop the politics, conspiracy and the epic scale wars unfold in a well-balanced and creative manner.  

Story/Plot – The film is a beautifully told story of the magnanimous King Akbar (Jalaluddin Mohammad) who was a great emperor and an ever greater human being. Jalaluddin Mohammad is an adolescent boy, represented by Mughal commander Bairam Khan, who makes all decisions on behalf of the kid emperor. But young Jalaluddin matures into a valiant, big hearted and compassionate ruler who slowly wins the heart of his people – one state at a time. The toughest opposition is put up by the Rajputs, who were some of the bravest warriors in Indian history. Jalaluddin slowly wins the heart of the Rajputs too through his policy of tolerance and humane behavior with his enemies. He becomes the first Mughal ruler to marry a Hindu Rajput princess, who sets conditions even before she agrees to marry him. After they tie the knot, their marriage is not consummated till King Akbar truly wins her heart. Romance, plot, action, drama and conflict - the movie delivers on all aspects. The screenplay weaves all the subplots  seamlessly against the backdrop of this beautiful love story.

Cast – Hrithik Roshan gives a brilliant performance as Emperor Akbar. His voice modulation is simply fantastic. Tight shots of his bloodshot eyes are amazing! He captures every emotion of the king – pensive, romantic, ferocious, compassion – like a consummate actor. The camera work, the lighting and all of it complements and heightens his luminous screen presence. Aishwarya exudes a lot of dignity and grace as Jodha Bai. She could have exhibited some more fire in her eyes during the sword fights, when the camera closes in on her. But overall, their on screen chemistry was magical!

Music – this is A R Rahman’s territory and yes, he captured the spirit of the era, especially in the Sufi song sung by him. The devotional song is soulful. I did miss a melodious romantic song, which would have a mass appeal – just a personal thought. The golden chance was when Jodha and Akbar finally consummate their love. But then, the Azeemo Shahenshah song more than makes up for it. Overall, the music in the film really pulls it together.

Special mention – the scene where Hrithik is practicing his sword skills – this one is for die hard Hrithik fans, the choreography in the group song, Big B’s VO and the casting of Akbar’s court members. The scene where their love consummates and sunlight fills the screen with a golden glow. The screen play – it’s smooth and devoid of the typical melodrama.

Aesthetics – the cinematography and camerawork are A class! The opening war sequence is simply mind-blowing! Look out for the shot where the camera pulls back on a dolly and the two opposing teams collide. Mughal art and architecture, the set designs and the exquisite costumes and jewelry recreate the era in all its splendor. To the western audience, this is what makes the movie worth every penny, aside from the historical significance of it. At the same time, the aesthetics never overpower the story.  

Things that could have been different – I wasn’t quite sure of the wipes used between sequences. They were more of a distraction and made the transition appear a little abrupt. Some of the editing did seem a little choppy or out of line. For instance, howcome King Akbar dismisses his court after listening to Jodha’s devotional song, all of a sudden? The devotional song kind of builds up but ends abruptly. But these are mostly minor things that can be overlooked, considering that it’s a 3 1/2 hr movie that pretty much holds the attention of the viewers till the end.

My two cents - It is a refreshingly told period movie about the love story of Jodha Bai and Akbar – a story that was almost lost in the pages of history. The movie captures all aspects of Akbar – spiritual, romantic, brave, shrewd politician without making him seem like a super human or perfect for that matter. It’s the imperfections and how he gets over them that make him seem so real. I’m almost ready for a sequel with Akbar and his nine gems. Jodha Akbar is every bit a nod to great cinema in the genre of Lord of the Kings or Braveheart and a testament to the fact that Ashutosh Gowariker is a master storyteller. Watch it with your better half or your family. Either way, it’ll be a 3 1/2 hrs well spent.

For a slightly different take, read the following review

http://www.apunkachoice.com/movies/mov650/jodhaa_akbar-review.html 

Rating: ****