I wanted to watch it twice before giving my review, and now that I have, I realize I have a lot to say. đ Sorry for the exceedingly long review, but I hope it inspires people to go out and watch it. SPOILER WARNING! (They're not too bad though)...
Review: Jodhaa Akbar
by Rabia
Magnificent, spectacular, superb, mindblowing!!! Ok, I better stop before I start sounding like Himesh Reshammiya on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007. In all seriousness, Jodhaa Akbar is a beautifully made film that deserves all the praise it has been receiving from critics and audiences alike. Ashutosh Gowarikar has scored once again, as have both of the lead actors and their chemistry with each other. Does this mean that Jodhaa Akbar is flawless? Of course not. I have yet to watch a film that is truly flawless. Does it mean I'll become an unpaid advertiser encouraging friends and relatives to head to the theater immediately to watch the film? I've already started!
The story of Jodhaa Akbar is difficult to describe in brief because it involves three or four subplots interwoven to portray the legacy of a Mughal King's rule. The overlying storyline revolves around Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar's marriage to Jodhaa Bai, the princess of Amer. He accepts her hand solely for the purpose of strengthening his alliance with Amer and expanding his kingdom, but ultimately must embark on a new journey to win her love. As the couple becomes acquainted with one another, Akbar must also learn to doubt the intentions of those he believed to be loyal, discover the difference between conquering and ruling, and develop into a noble king who can reign over the united country while maintaining the admiration of its citizens.
Obviously, Jodhaa Akbar is not intended to be a documentary. It is a fictional portrayal that can be viewed as one explanation as to how Jalaluddin Mohammad became "Akbar." That being said, the presentation of film is such that it entertains while also effectively presenting viewers with its message. Yes, the length is an incredible three and half hours and since so much happens in this time, I can't say that it didn't feel long. However, I honestly didn't mind. There wasn't a dull or boring moment for me throughout the entire film. In fact, I can't think of anything, barring a couple scenes of inconsequential length, that I would cut from the film. The sequence of events is close to perfect as it is.
Though the movie was full of picture perfect moments and moving dialogues, there were specific scenes that especially stood out in my mind. A few instances:
* The two battle sequences early in the film. The camera work was exquisite and the violence was just enough to get my adrenaline going but not overdone. Well, maybe I shouldn't speak for everyone since my friend who was watching the film with me was cringing every time someone was stabbed. Maybe I'm just unusual for a girl. Anyway, I think these battle scenes were also essential to depict Akbar's merciful and compassionate nature, which was evident even in his childhood.
* Jodhaa's meeting with her cousin Sujamal after her father does not select him as the prince. Sujamal's frustration and Jodhaa's helplessness are clear, as is the premonition that this will lead to future problems.
* Akbar's public declaration and acceptance of Jodhaa's conditions for marriage. His respect for her honesty and courage sets the foundation of their relationship and gives the audience insight into how honorable both characters are.
* The whirling sequence at the end of Khwaja Mere Khwaja when Akbar joins the Sufi group. Beautifully picturized!
* The confrontation of Jodhaa and Maham Anga in the bawarchi khana, and the subsequent feast where Akbar asks to be served Jodhaa's platter, much to Jodhaa's delight and Maham Anga's dismay.
* Events pre- and post-interval scenes presenting the misunderstanding between Jodhaa and Akbar.
* Akbar's visit to Amer to bring his wife back. Jodhaa's statement that Akbar knows only how to conquer and not how to rule influences him to go out in public to find out what the public opinion is. The sword fight between Jodhaa and Akbar is also well-directed.
* Most of the Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah sequence (there is once weakness, but I'll get to that later). This ceremony in which the kingdom hails Akbar is a delightful watch!
* Akbar's speech at the end calling for religious freedom.
Now for the flaws. I know, I knowâŚI'm just being nitpicky, but if there are aspects that can be improved, the blame does fall on someone, doesn't it? Anyway, just a few minor things:
* Although I didn't have a problem keeping track of the many characters, there were some that weren't developed completely. For example, although I knew Atka Khan was an important advisor of Akbar's, there didn't seem to be any evidence to suggest any emotional relationship between them until Akbar tells Adham Khan that he thought of Atka Khan as a father figure. If the relationship were established early on, Adham Khan's atrocity would be even more hard-hitting.
* The depiction of villagers singing lines of Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah seemed a little silly. Most of the song is in difficult Urdu, and it seems like one of those traditional poems written in the praise of a King. I think it would have been more realistic if there were singers and musicians in the background who were providing the music and the visitors just came to perform dances and catch of glimpse of the Shahenshah.
* In Lamhon Ke Daman Mein was very tastefully and beautifully picturized, but personally I wish it had stayed in the background. Jodhaa and Akbar singing changed the mood of the scene and made it a little less magical in my opinion.
* The hand-to-hand combat was thrilling no doubt, but hard to digest. The two men involved were literally slamming metal shields into each other's faces (the sound of which was cringe-inducing by the way) and yet there was minimal blood. They didn't even pause enough to react to the pain.
Performances were the highlight of the film, which rested primarily on Hrithik Roshan's shoulders. I don't believe there could have been a better choice. Hrithik exuded confidence and dignity, completely immersing himself in the character of a Mughal Emperor. His dialogue delivery was powerful and effective, and on the most part, his pronounciation of Urdu words was great. Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa complemented him well and played her part convincingly. I'm not a big fan, but under Gowarikar's guidance, she was really able to shine. Her expressive eyes conveyed Jodhaa's emotions impeccably. Another performance that stood out was that of Ila Arun. The strength and sincerity with which she enacted the role of the vile Maham Anga is commendable. Her voice and pronounciation really impressed me. Sonu Sood was wonderful as the frustrated and rebellious Sujamal. The actors who played Adham Khan and Sharifuddin Hussein were brilliant. All other supporting actors were effective in their roles.
Dialogues, direction, costumes, sets...everything was perfect. I don't even know what else to say about them. The music is great though I think it falls short of Lagaan and Swades. Still AR Rehman gives us a treat in the form of Jashn-e-Baharaa, Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah, and Khwaja Mere Khwaja. The other songs are also nice to listen to. Javed Akhtar's lyrics are beautiful as usual and perfect for the historical context. The picturization of the songs is one of my favorite aspects of the film.
All in all, Jodhaa Akbar is another feather in the cap of Ashutosh Gowarikar and Hrithik Roshan. It is an exceptional film in every respect, and I expect it to have to long and successful run and win many awards. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 8.5/10
Edited by SuhanaSafar - 17 years ago
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