Jodha-Akbar

I watched the movie like 2 weeks ago and I know I am late in writing a review-but life was just too busy these last couple of weeks. So here goes-

I was waiting to watch this Gowariker movie since I heard about it first. I really liked the last two movies of Gowariker and wanted to check out whether he was really a good film-maker or just a flash in the pan. Hrithik Roshan being in the movie was a huge plus – needless to say am a big Hrithik fan. The movie released, the reviews were encouraging. But the duration of the movie was a daunting 3hrs 40mins, I was very dubious and I thought that Hrithik does not have the flair in him to carry off a strong historical figure like Akbar. I went to watch the movie with zero expectations, I was sure I would fall asleep half through the movie.

Well, I am glad to say that I enjoyed the movie every bit. The 3hrs 40mins did not seem too long at all and all the praise should go to Ashutosh Gowariker as a film maker. Also, I loved Hrithik Roshan in the movie. He delivered. He was brilliant as Akbar and gave a stellar performance. He looked like a Greek God. The cinematography was laudable; the sets were rich, extravagant and extremely beautiful. The battle scenes as well as the most tender of the scenes are shot with equal aplomb and detail. The battle scenes though lifted from “Troy” were magnificent. Aishwarya Rai was surprisingly good as Jodha. She looked beautiful as a Rajput princess – and managed to give a decent enough performance.

Rehman’s music and background score as usual are impeccable. Though music is not the main focus of the movie, the background score was an integral part. Only 5 songs – but all the songs were important. Azeem-o-shah was picturised very well. In lamhon ke daaman – has become my favorite now.

The real star of the movie was undoubtedly Gowariker. His sincerity and hard work shows in the movie. It is by no measure a flawless movie, but definitely a laudable effort to capture the magnificence of the Mughal empire. The sets were huge, the jewelry opulent – but never does the focus shift from the intent of the movie. It is not a historical movie – it’s a love story set in the Mughal era. I think it’s all the more hard to depict – because it’s a story between historical characters that was never documented, maybe never even existed. The love story between them is built very delicately. The scenes between them, how their love blossoms, and how they start respecting each other – I found it really cute without being over the top and cheesy! The way it was shown was very fresh, delicate and nuanced and definitely makes you smile. It’s a totally feel-good movie.

All in all, I enjoyed the movie and Gowariker seems to be a very down-to-earth, sincere film maker. I have new found respect for Hrithik Roshan who has the range to play a super hero, a retarted adult, and also Akbar with the same conviction. Kudos!!

-Moi