For me it works big time, mainly because of the beautiful portrayal of the romance between Akbar and Jodha. I am a bit puzzled as to why the chemistry between these two (Hrithik-Ash ) hasn't been taken seriously in the past. The way they both emote is very soulful and real. The romance in the story is so beautiful and is in no way a comparison to the recent cheap stuff we get in Indian cinema. If this film doesn't work in the box office, I would be seriously concerned about the mentality of Indian movie goers! Yes it's a bit too long but it's one of those movies you wish you could see more and more of. A few points
[SOME SPOILERS BELOW] 1) The sets are lovely and more importantly the costumes look so very grand and beautiful. The jewellery too!Not only Ash's but even Hrithik's. 2) Her two conditions before marriage : was a bit puzzled as to why she put them across to him. Was it because she was hoping that he'd reject the marriage? But then in the previous scene she seems to suggest to her mother that the wedding needs to go ahead by acknowledging the fact that it will be in the best interest of her ppl and that it's worth the 'sacrifice'. 3) Khwaja mere Khwaja is a song based entirely (or at least 90%) on the Sufi singers (focussing many a times on their faces). It is a spiritual song where towards the end, the sufi singers get into a (spiritual) trans and are joined in the same by Akbar. Interestingly, the sufi singers consisted of at least 3 pairs of twins! Is that part of the culture or was it just part of Gowarikar's creativity? It was an emotional journey, this song, especially the end. 4)Mann mohana: another spiritual song pictured mainly on Ash. It again comes in two parts and is not a 5min chunk. When Akbar is defending his move after marrying Jodha to his ministers in the courtyard, this chant is heard and he is mesmerized immediately. He loses himself to the chant and unknowingly walks towards the source of the chant mesmerized by it, forgetting that he was in the middle of addressing his court. this scene goes hand in hand with the scene at the end of the sufi song, giving us Akbar's spiritual dimension. 5) Jasn-e-bahaara : came in parts. It wasn't a 5 min chunk. It was split (in RangDeB style) but nevertheless so very apt. showing how the relationship between jodha and akbar grows (just like in the promos). Loved it!This is my fav tune in the sound track and still is after watching the picturisation. 6)Azeem o shan- it was very grand. Looks like a lot of effort went into the song. Again, this song comes with some dialogues. 7) in lam ho ke damon: this song came after my fav scene in the movie. The bit where Jodha writes Akabar's full name as part of her first calligraphy lesson and asks Akbar to read it. His reply to her and her reaction (in a split second )- a mixture of disappointment and deep affection) to his confession. Superb! This is followed by a scene where they both confess their feelings to each other and breaks into In lam ho ke damon. Another very emotional and beautiful song portraying the feelings between the emperor and his empress. Just lovely. My second pick of the album! 8) lot has been a written already abt the kitchen scene so I won't dwell into it- but again one of my fav scenes in the movie. if i remember well, i think it ended with a jashn -e-bahaara bgm. 9) the sword fight between jodha and akbar had quite a nice bgm (minus the sword clashing sounds) 10) to be honest, I am going to watch it again .this time try and focus on the bgms in the movie. I hope at least this time, the movie won't distract me from trying to engross in the music! ;) There were so many great scenes in the movie. Another example is the one before the interval with Akbar confronting Jodha and asking her to leave but I won't get into them as this is not a review. Just my personal opinion of the movie and i felt i needed to share it with you guys. All in all, it's a LOVELY movie with some really great performances from the lead artists and the supporting cast.I never liked Hrithik's emotional scenes in any of his previous movies. thought he used to overact by trying to bring in some sort of shuddering-shivering effect (!) but as Akbar he's just PERFECT! I can't think of anyone else who could play Akbar with such confidence, charm and power. Aishwarya emotes so very well with her eyes in this movie more than in any of her previous movies (with Iruvar coming a close second). Very graceful, with the right emotions in the right scenes. Supporting cast is just as good. Sujamal, Maham Anga are my pick. I loved every song in the movie. No disappointment at all as to how they were portrayed. One has to remember that the music was made truly for the movie. All those guys who bashed the music when it released, failed to realise that you can't always have an RDB or a Rangeela or even a Taal or something that rahman did in the 90s. We have to bear in mind the kind of movie the music is being made for and after watching the movie, i love the soundtrack even more. Beautiful -that's one word I'll use to sum this piece of work from the makers of JA. Go watch it in the CINEMA- it's truly made for the big screen. It's def worth your money. I hope I don't have to wait 1.5 years to see another Ashutosh Gowarikar-Rahman combo on screen. P.S: almost forgot to mention the scene where Jodha checks out Akbar from behind a curtain whilst he is exercising his sword fighting skills! Akbar noticing this and amplifying his movements with the sword and then the look on Jodha's face when he turns around to give her the 'i-know-you-are-checking-me-out' look! funny and cute!
