Opening with an Amitabh Bachchan voiceover, we are told it is “Hindustan, 1450
AD”. The Mughal Empire is establishing its grip over India. What follows is
a three- and-a-half-hour journey back in time to a bygone era, well worth a
visit.
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AR Rahman's favourite Jodhaa Akbar tracks
The Mughals, members of the Muslim dynasty of Mongol origin founded by the
successors of Tamerlane, ruled most of India from the 16th to the 19th
century. This visually stunning film recreates the period in which Emperor
Jalal (Hrithik Roshan) dominated the country via bloody conquest of the
princely states, ruled by the Maharajas.
In order to prevent further violence, the King of Amer proposes a marriage of
convenience with his beautiful daughter Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai) to the
Emperor. He agrees in order to increase his foothold over Rajasthan and
ultimately the rest of India.
The Emperor faces his biggest battle yet: winning the heart of his proud Hindu
bride. She resents being used as a pawn in his plan to increase the size of
his kingdom. Jodhaa insists on maintaining her religion, cooking vegetarian
dishes for her man and singing bhajans (Hindu devotional songs) in her
specially constructed bedroom mandir (temple).
Her loyalty is tested when a vial of poison is discovered in her personal
belongings. Is Jodhaa a Hindu spy intent on poisoning the Emperor? He gets
increasingly suspicious of his wife’s motives Otello-style, whilst
simultaneously becoming increasingly attracted to her.
Oscar-nominated ‘Lagaan’ director Ashutosh Gowariker’s sumptuous period epic
has all the ingredients of a Cecil B DeMille entertainer. Lavish and loud
set pieces threaten to swamp the propulsive proceedings. A battle sequence
using thousands of real elephants and extras involves sword fights, the
taming of a wild elephant and a fight to the death climax. Confidently
executed with sweeping cinematography, these extravagances are ultimately
props for the love story between two beautiful strangers caught up in an
arranged marriage.
It works best when there are pauses to let the golden couple fall in love via
some melodious Sufi-infused AR Rahman rhythms. Roshan and Rai (billed in the
end credits as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) portray the legendary lovers with
conviction and credibility. Love makes the Emperor a more compassionate
ruler. Indeed, he is remembered today in the history books as ‘Akbar, the
Great’.
The film ends with a passionate plea for tolerance of all religions in India,a
resonant message for modern India.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/bollywood/article3368909.ece
