Posted:
Guys, work is very busy to watch the serial and write takes every day ... But these were a few thoughts I wanted to share for a few days so typed it up in the train ride.
Before entering the post, a few definitions
Staccato is when each sound or note sharply detached or separated from the
Legato is a smooth, flowing manner, without breaks between notes.
Crescendo is a gradual increase intensity
And you may be wondering what could this possibly have to the Jodha Akbar serial.😆 By now, you have likely noticed that my focus is always on how CVs treat and craft their scenes, characters, and emotions. And today, I wanted to focus on their treatment of emotions which in many ways is like music.
Staccato : Abrupt, jumping emotions
Off late, I have found the emotions in the episodes to be staccato especially after the crescendo from Atgah Khan's death to Adham Khan's punishment (more on crescendos later) ... They are momentary glimpses that I like ... And perhaps finding they get over before I can enjoy them.
With Jodha, I have found her emotions staccato from fearing Jalal, crying for him, worried for him, loving him unconditionally, advising him, then focusing completely on Bakshi Bano, defensive of the girl child...
On the similar hand Jalal, has been jumping from angry justice, frustration, throes of depression, weakness, to sudden return of TE, then back to loving baby names. The transition back to TE, in my opinion, though welcome, was not shown convincingly.
Staccato itself is not bad ... However, at least for me, it makes me feel hard to connect with the characters. And I have heard a few others feel a disconnect from the show off late and was wondering if you related.
But, I hope they bring more tehraav or legato or at least crescendo to the emotions in the coming weeks and wanted to share beautiful examples from their own craft.
So, I thought I would do my favorite weekend past time ... Go down memory lane and highlight some of my favorite moments of legato and crescendo.
Legato: Lingering, lasting emotions that last for a while
Legato ... Is a lilting hold of a beautiful emotion ... That lingers in the air and casts a spell on it ... This was shown beautifully in the aftermath of the Ben track in the Angoori Bhaag and the following the Badal-Kajri track ...
Two people newly aware of their love ... But too awkward to admit it openly. They could not stay apart from each other ... With Jodha eagerly insisting she will come with him in Sikhri. They were caring for each other in little ways - she cooking for him, he looking after her swollen foot. There was a carefree atmosphere where both were teasing of each other, coy, and just too cute.
We all traveled with them in this emotion of newly found love ... A feel that still stays with us. For how many people is the Angoori Bhaag - Badal kajri scene the most beautiful one. That is the beauty of legato.
Crescendos : Emotions that escalate with intensity
When the CVs put their minds to it, they show crescendos beautifully ... And they have led to the most dramatic and well-executed scenes of the serial. One of my favorite crescendos is Jalal's when he finds out Maham Anga's truth in the Sujamal fiasco:
- Denial: as he raises the sword against Atgah Khan for suggesting Maham Anga's role
- Dawning reality: as he dropped the sword in shock
- Facing reality: By the time Maham Anga arrived, he was convinced and he addressed her shockingly by her name
- Continued dignity as it sinks in: He was dignified and stoic as Maham Anga ranted and raved ... He did not break down as Maham Anga was telling how she conspired against him ... He cried, but it was understated ... He did not fall to his knees. I respect him for this strength
- Final conviction and strength when he said ... You have lost your most precious thing, your son.
A more recent example of crescendo is the space between Atgah Khan's death to Adham Khan's death ...
- The peaceful sleep
- Agitatedly waking up
- Initial anger that Adham Khan coming to attack him
- Shock that Adham has killed Atgah Khan
- Shivering anger
- Angry confrontation
- Stoic punishment
Since then the world has become a bit more staccato ...
I have come to realize that the CVs are writing under immense pressure to write on a daily basis while driving TRPs ... They cannot deliver every day. It is like asking Jane Austen to write a Pride and Prejudice every day.😆 Not happening!
After the high of Adham Khan's death and Jodha Akbar reaching no. 1 in TRPs, I feel the CVs are feeling the pressure to continue to be No. 1 and so they are now trying to please all- a dose of TE, some family drama, some social issues, some sweet baby talks, some war talks ... But it is coming across as staccato. Give them some time, they will be back in balance.
Would love your likes (how could I resist 😉) and thoughts on this one ... And also what has been your favorite emotional mood in this show?
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