It was a very interesting episode, my dear. much more so that all the dramatics of the one before it. I see it as a study in varying shades of love or caring. It was fascinating. Maybe I will do a post on it tomorrow morning. I have not felt like writing anything for over a week now, but this episode was special.
When you watch it, what will hit you is the difference between Jalal and Jodha in terms of both complexity and depth of character. Jodha is like a shallow stream flowing over a bed of pebbles, the water is clear and you can see right thru to the bottom. What you see is what you get. There are no treacherous eddies, no underwater currents to drag you in. But there is also much less gravitas, less depth, less subtlety. It babbles on, this brook, unconscious and uncomprehending of any world but its own simple, and simplistic one.
Jalal is like the ocean, where the tides rise and fall, and storms whip up savage waves, or even a tsunami. There is almost unlimited power, both to hurt and to heal, but there are also unplumbed depths - depths of feeling, of heartache,of an ever present loneliness that hurts the soul. There is no comparison between the two at all.
This came thru with startling clarity in their scene together. Jodha is concerned only with herself, and her undoubtedly heartfelt regret is again only related to what
she did wrong, in so gravely misjudging him when he was doing so much to protect her reputation and secure justice for her, whereas she was busy maligning him more harshly than ever before.
She has
no notion of what Jalal is going thru, of how his innermost feelings are being put thru a wringer. She cannot feel his anguish and the horrendous dilemma he is facing. She cannot understand how it feels to be betrayed by a dearly loved sister, the terrible sense of alienation that it creates; she sees it simplistically, as a case to be solved by magnanimous forgiveness. And even here, she has no idea of the implications of a pardon in terms of the precedent it will set, and its implications for imperial governance.
Rajat's Jalal was mindblowing today. In the scene with Mahaam earlier, when the two are literally symbiotic in their emotions, he turns you inside out with the depth of his pain and sense of abandonment and betrayal. His last sentence, that whether the brother in him wins out or the Shahenshah,
shikast to hamari hi hogi , as he weeps on his Badiammi's shoulder, cuts one to the quick. She is every bit as effective, and together, they just blow you away. The special quality of their relationship comes thru very clearly.
As for the beautifully written scene with Jodha, Jalal walks off with it effortlessly. The tired, detached look on his face as she comes in, the candour and directness, devoid of any sentimental overtones or undertones, with which he explains why he, who trusts no one, yet trusts her. The matter of fact generosity with which he brushes aside her apology as unnecessary.
The deliberate assertion that he did all this not out of love for her but in order to demonstrate that no one can malign a begum of the Shahenshah and get away with it. He might very well be sincere in this statement, or then again he might not - his face, after Jodha has left, betrays nothing and there is no revealing soliloquy - but he clearly intends to put her at ease and prevent any awkwardness in her future interactions with him. The relief in her face, and the cheerful smile with which she receives this assertion are proof that he has achieved what he set out to do.
But it is clear that in the whole of this scene, not even half his mind is on Jodha. The rest is preoccupied with the one gnawing question that continues to torment him: What should he do about Bakshi Banu?
Bakshi Banu was a revelation today, and her character took a giant leap in terms of complexity and hitherto unsuspected facets. It is very late and I have to get to bed, but more on this tomorrow. Shew was the real surprise package, and I was fascinated with her. Not that I had any sympathy for her, but I can see where she is coming from.
Shyamala Aunty
Originally posted by: Ariel
Hi Aunty ! I just read the review . I have a long day ahead of me so at least another 10 hours before I can watch it. Thanks for update !
If bb said that then I take back what I said . If she is willing to remain blind to her husbands greed and follies then I can only hope that one day she will fall out "love" with him. What a disappointment !
About the episode itself , I have mixed feelings . But holding off on saying anything till I watch it. Please post your thoughts on the episode !
Edited by sashashyam - 11 years ago
Shiv Shakti
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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