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A sixteenth century love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a great Mughal emperor, Akbar, and a Rajput princess, Jodha.
Hrithik Roshan: Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar
Aishwarya Rai: Jodhaa Bai
Ashutosh Gowariker's majestic magnificent Jodhaa Akbar(2008), is an extremely intricately created period epic romance drama.
Unquestionably one of the finest song and dance sequence ever shot in Indian cinema that I have witnessed. Costumes, songs, locations, props are all inspiring and dazzling to witness.
Ashutosh Gowariker proves himself once again by attempting a unique idea on screen.
Gowariker is a master storyteller without a doubt, he has lived up to the expectations with his artful colour laden Jodhaa Akbar.
When it comes to performances, Hrithik Roshan is unbeatable. As Akbar, Roshan excels and breathes life into the role with his charisma and vitality.
His body language and dialogue are unsurpassed; You will be convinced that no other actor could have pulled off the role of Akbar with such flair.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Jodhaa does not disappoint either. She utilizes the role with grace and emotes effortlessly where needed.
The supporting cast is a mixed palette of palpatation regarding acting. Sonu Sood as Sujamal results in perhaps a 2D character in terms of expressing emotion. Some of the finer performances are by Illa Arun as Maham Manga, Kulbhushan Kharbandha as Raja Bharmal and Punam Sinha as Hamida Nabu. Illa Arun is devilishly cunning as the evil Maham Manga. Nikitin Dheer does well as Sharifuddin Hussain, considering this is his debut film as an actor.
Cinematography by Kiran Deohans is perfection quite literally on a plate. Sixteenth century is beautifully captured and the war scenes successfully add action to the drama and songs.
Costumes by Neeta Lulla are wondrously alive and radiant rainbow assorted greatness. Never over the top, Neeta Lulla does a fine job with Akbar's costumes and the entire cast including extras and the marvelous weaponry, furniture and intricate accessories on display. Editing (Balu Saluja) is sometimes minimal; Every detail is kept for vibrant and consistency for detail. It is obvious that Gowariker did not want any particular scenes to be edited. Dialogues are note worthy and well delivered. Production values are of top quality. Special mention must be made of the publicity designers for the superb posters and the theatrical trailer which were of international standards.
A R Rahman's brilliant score along with the visuals brings to life the story and draws us into this intriguing world of wonder. Songs which truly stand out in the film are Khwaja Mere Khwaja and Azeem-o-shaan Shehenshah, both of which are choreographed superbly. The choreography of the Khwaja track is one of the finest you will ever come across in Indian cinema. Background score by Rahman is also successfully delivered.
Overall, Jodhaa Akbar results in being an artful insight into the past. While opting for more musical and art forms upon execution it succeeds even if parts are not historically accurate. The useful mixing of drama, battles, story, romance and mystery all dismiss any prior grievances. This is an epic journey of storytelling and wondrous characterizations laced with visuals mixed with musical poignancy. A musical artistic marvel to be watched on numerous occasions.
''Why seek paradise? When it is before me now.''
10/10
