Kathmandu:

Jodhaa Akbar

Genre: Historical

Director: Ashutosh Gowarikar

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Sonu Sood, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Ila Arun

Running at theatres near you

The starting of the movie leaves you spellbound, the gigantic mass of people, the well coordinated outfits and the action totally captivates you. It gives you the first glimpse that you’re in for a treat. With a voiceover giving the history as to the happenings that have occurred in the past and the rise of Akbar, the movie gradually takes shape.

It certainly is the artistic magnificence that ornament the walls of the colossal palaces, the elaborate costumes and significant jewellery pieces, all the details that have been taken into account to give the characters and the entire movie a perfect look that dates back to the sixteenth century that is quite fascinating.

The story is based on the life of Mughal emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) and Rajput princess Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai). The marriage between a Muslim emperor and a Hindu princess, the difficulties they face not only as a couple but from insiders in the palace and the other important people, the misunderstandings that arise between them forms one part of the story. And then it is the emperor’s role in the kingdom, of those conniving against him, and the various others who are bent on taking over the kingdom.

The first half of the movie is quite interesting, be it the fast moving sequences, the scheming behind the backs or the innocent love budding between the emperor and the princess, it keeps you intrigued. However, in the second half, the movie does stretch a bit too much, it seems to leave behind the tempo it had garnered in the first half.

Hrithik Roshan looks quite convincing and apt for the role in the first half, but in some scenes especially while singing love songs, it becomes a bit difficult to relate to him with the character in the second half. Aishwarya Rai not only looks charming with minimal make up, she has also beautifully carried out her role, be it the sweet and innocent princess or the strong and confident wife. The supporting cast also have given performances that are really admirable.

AR Rahman’s music complements the scenes very well. The songs may take some time to catch on, but will surely be remembered as some of the best creations. The cinematography of Kiran Deohan is superb.

The way the war is taking place and the background on which it has been captured makes it even more captivating.

Ashutosh Gowariker has made a movie that will leave a lasting impression mainly for the opulence with which it has been made, and also for the fact that he has taken up the story of Akbar and not only focused on his greatness as an emperor but giving it a unique touch by focusing on the love between Jodhaa and Akbar.