Movie Review: Jodhaa Akbar, a masterpiece
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Publication Date 14/2/2008 7:21:44 PM(IST)
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya
Rai, Sonu Sood and Ila Arun
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Photo: A scene from Jodhaa Akbar
Youngmoghul emperor Jalaluddin (Hrithik) sets out to bring the entire
Indiaunder his flagship and deploys orders to the neighbouring states toeither
accept his honour or face his wrath. This sets a wave of panicamongst the
Rajputana states. While a few decide to accept itunconditionally, others start
aligning to set up a front against him.Amongst them is also, Amer''s Raja
Bharmal (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) whooffers his acceptance with a condition that
Jalaluddin will marry hisonly daughter Jodhaa (Aishwarya) in return. But just
before theirwedding, the fiery Rajput princess Jodhaa also sets her two clauses
infront of Jalal, that he will not change her religion and allow her asmall
temple space within his fort. Jalal agrees and thus a marriage ofalliance
between two varied cultures and religions takes place forpolitical gain.
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Photo: Ascene from Jodhaa Akbar
Withhis marriage starts Jalal's journey of winning the love of his wife -who
feels she has been used as a pawn in the game of politics - andfighting hidden
enemies within and outside his trusted circle andeventually becoming Akbar the
great.
Actors:From a young novice king with all his vulnerabilities to a lover
whoconstantly strives to strengthen his relation with his wife and a nononsense
ruler who wins the hearts of his masses and enemies alike,Hrithik is nothing
short of marvelous. Ladies are definitely going toswoon at his bare-chested
sword practicing sequence. Aishwarya Rai notonly looks her best ever on screen
but delivers an astonishingperformance and conveys a lot through her eyes. Sonu
Sood playingSujamal, her unfortunate brother makes a good impact whereas
newcomerNikitan Dheer as Akbar's scheming brother in law impresses with
hiselectrifying screen presence. Poonam Sinha exudes grace while Ila
Arunplaying Hrithik's wily foster mother cum advisor is just perfect.
Direction:Ashutosh's labour of love is visible in every single frame of
themovie. Having made one of the most opulent films in Indian Cinema,Gowariker
deserves a bow for his vision and successful handling of theepic love story. He
superbly merges two different tracks – the unusualromance between the royal
couple and political intrigues. The wonderfulsongs are aptly placed moving the
story ahead and their picturisationbefitting. His casting is just perfect too.
But at times you do keepfeeling that the editing could have been tighter. But
nevertheless, hisis a splendid effort with great aid from Nitin Desai's awe
inspiringproduction design, Kiran Deohans' outstanding cinematography and
RaviDewan's edge of the seat action sequences.
Script:Gowariker and Haider Ali's script manages to cover a gamut of issuesbut
at the same time tends to lengthen the running time (3 hr. 33mins). But, they
have succeeded in packing it up with some remarkablesequences, notably –
Hrithik's taming of an errant elephant, Aish andIla Arun's confrontation in the
royal kitchen and the scene followingit where Hrithik eats from the same
platter which Aish was forced toeat it first, Hrithik confronting Aish after a
misunderstanding overher character, Aish and Hrithik's sword fight, Hrithik
expressing hislove to Aish during sunset and the final one on one combat
betweenHrithik and Nikitan that reminds you of Brad Pitt – Eric Bana fight from
Troy. The script is replete with many more such gems that make JA a great
watch. s
Music: Apartfrom his music (that gradually grows on you), Rahman also makes
anamazing impact with his background score. The Khwaja Mere Khwaja numbertakes
you in a trance, the Azeem-o-shaan Shahenshah song leaves youspell bound by its
picturisation while Jashne Bahara has a mesmerizingeffect.
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