Review of Jodhaa Akbar (2008) by Zarinah H — 10 May 2009

There have been many comments about the lackluster quality of the DVD, and so my review shall focus on the movie itself [with the hope that all the flaws of the DVD shall be addressed in future DVD releases of this amazing movie].

The film "Jodhaa Akbar" is an ambitious project even by Bollywood standards, for historical and period movies are quite hard to pull off and draw the masses. However, "Jodhaa Akbar" is one of the rare exceptions - even at more than 3 hrs in length, the story unfolds in such a manner as to draw in and engage the viewer's attention, with most of the movie focusing on the evolving relationship between Emperor Akbar and his consort Jodhaa Bai. The storyline is based on a little known story in history, that of Muslim Akbar's marriage and relationship with the Hindu-born Princess Jodhaa. The time period is sometime in the 16th century, where Emperor Akbar [Hrithik Roshan] marries a Hindu Rajput princess, Jodhaa [Aishwarya Rai]in order to cement an alliance between the Muslim Mughals and the Hindus. As the daughter of King Bharmal of Amer [Kulbushan Kharbanda], the strong-willed Jodhaa refuses to go meekly to her fate, and demands that Akbar agree to two wishes before agreeing to the marriage, one that she be allowed to keep her Hindu religion and not be forced to convert [in Islam, marriage between a Muslim and non-Muslim requires the non-Muslim to convert in order for the marriage to be considered legal], and second, that she be allowed to erect a shrine in her quarters dedicated to Lord Krishna. Akbar agrees, but is later frustrated when his attempts at intimacy are rebuffed by Jodhaa, who wishes for more time to get to know her new husband.

Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai credibly portray the royal couple who try to adapt to each other's customs and give and take, even though it is Jodhaa who is most put upon, considering she has to leave her family and friends behind for a strange new life in a Mughal palace, and where she is welcomed by new friends [Akbar's birth mother] and rebuffed by foes [Akbar's wet nurse and Minister in his goverment, a bitter old woman who is very antagonistic towards Jodhaa]. Akbar, as portrayed by Hrithik Roshan, comes across as a visionary leader before his time, who sets an admirable example by marriage, in order to bridge the chasm between the Muslims and Hindus in India. His style of governance is firm, yet incredibly tolerant, and he deals with his opponents in a fair and just manner.

Aishwarya Rai's Jodhaa is luminously beautiful [and honestly, I can't imagine any other contemporary Bollywood actress portraying this role]. She comes across as fiery and gentle, a contradiction of sorts, yet her facial expressions and mannerisms effectively portray the thawing in her feelings towards her powerful and equally determined spouse. What starts off as a purely political alliance and marriage of convenience slowly evolves into a true marriage based upon love, tolerance and compromise. One of the most powerful scenes in this movie [and there are many such dramatic scenes that pack an emotional punch] is the sword duel between a thinly-disguised Jodhaa and Akbar. Their chemistry is so palpable that one ceases to remember that these are two actors playing roles in a movie.

Besides the credible acting by the two leads, there are many other strengths in this movie, most notably the beautiful cinematography and the stirring music [unlike many Bollywood productions, the songs here do not interfere with the plot]. One of my favorite song sequences in this movie is the one that has the Sufi master singing praises, complemented by a Sufi dance performance. Akbar joins in, portraying his own spiritual release and this comes across so beautifully in showing the deeply spiritual aspect of Akbar's character.

The gorgeous costumes and jewelry are additional eye candy, as are the beautiful and authentic looking sets. All in all, "Jodhaa Akbar" delivers all that one could expect from a historical period drama - the casting is excellent, and the direction assured. Highly recommended!