******JODHAA AKBAR******

Originally Posted by Aravind Mohan Krishnan

Jodhaa Akbar is a real treat for the senses. Visually grand, yet packed with little minute details, Gowariker has left the viewers spellbound in this film.

His greatest triumph is showing how a 3h20 minute film can be enjoyable even with 2 major fights and little comedy, by packing in a lot in that duration. To be frank, I only looked at my watch once during those 3h20 minutes, and that was 15 minutes before the film was about to end! That is a testimony of the director's skill in absorbing and engaging with the audience through the film.

Apart from possibly the last 15-20 minutes, the film does not drag. Yes, a few scenes here and there could have been cut from the editing table. But for the most part, Gowariker takes the viewers along a leisurely journey of 16th century Rajasthan with enough realism and attention to detail that engage viewers with the era. The first 20 minutes set the scene for the events effectively, the majority of the film is appropriate with few scenes inappropriate for the context.

Both Gowariker and Haider Ali must be credited for presenting the story in an accessible form for today's audiences. Gowariker himself directs the film with real grandness and yet recreates an authencity of a historical through little things such as the plates people eat, the swords, the cups people drink etc. The battle scenes are absolutely superb, illustrating a vast scale and yet at the same time providing close shots of the warriors fighting with direction that is inventive. The presentation of such a royal visual experience is achieved in part through the aesthetic and natural cinematography of Kiiran Deohans, as well as production designer Nitin Chandrakant Desai who produces elaborate setpieces like the fort. Costume designer Neetu Lulla has done a wonderful job of presenting some colourful dresses which suit the lead actors brilliantly, and the beauty of the costumes also works effectively in Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah. The use of cultural events such as Rajput folk dances and a tradition where women cover their veils and the husband has to find his wife, all add reality to proceedings and make us feel in touch with the era.

The film is also so entertaining and royal because of AR Rahman. He seems to know exactly when to place the right sort of music for the right scene, and that is as much due to his musical ability as well as Gowariker's skill as a a director. The sounds are so rich, so beautiful and so royal presented in such a diverse arrangement that a CD of the Background Music would be worth releasing. This is easily the best ARR background music I have listened into in a film, as the composer stamps his authority in an innovative way yet faithful to the era. The picturisation of songs, however, are a mixed bag. Khwaja Mere Khwaja was shot well although the poker faces of the musicians seemed oddly funny. In Lamhon Ke Daman Mein is sensitively picturised and yet considering how dramatic the song was, I was expecting a little bit extra. Jashn-e-Bahara and Mann Mohana are used effectively to narrate events. Jashn-e-Bahara itself seems so much more meaningful when seen on screen (the advantage of English subtitles) and Mann Mohana comes along at a crucial juncture in the film.

I can go on and on about Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah. Few directors in India, and probably no director in Kerala would have translated ARR's stunning composition so stunningly onto screen. Some of the sequences left me astonished. The song is not only grand, it is so colourful with different groups and the direction is so brilliant that I felt like taking a photograph of some scenes. Considering the difficulty in getting so many dancers to perform rhythmically on screen, Gowariker, the cinematographer, the choreographers and all the dancers should take a bow for probably the best visual Hindi song I have seen in recent times.

The film mainly concentrates on Jodhaa and Akbar, and Gowariker has not used all his supporting cast effectively. Of the supporting cast
Sonu Sood is decent and Ila Arun is superb as the scheming manipulator. She really carries the role off with menace and authority. Hrithik Roshan lives the role of Akbar. Looking kingly and handsome and showing the grace of a true emperor, Hrithik has to be commended for showing Akbar in the complex light in which he is portrayed. Hrithik has portayed such diverse emotions as anger, love, sadness, joy and innocence with aplomb. His dialogue delivery is slightly weak initially, yet by the end of the film his voice powerfully booms off the surround speakers of the theater. He is comfortable both on and off the battlefield, and carries off the role with effortlessness and determination. Aishwarya Rai looks gorgeous and has used her emotions and body language really effectively as Jodhaabhai. She is a good fighter too, and the duel between her and Hrithik show just how hard they trained for their respective roles.

The Aish-Hrithik chemistry is so natural and shows how words and actions are not necessary to convey love. Each and every scene they are involved in can be seen as highlights for the film, be it the scene where Akbar listens to Jodhaa's demands, where he tastes her food from the plate she eats, the elongated sword fight (inspired from Mask of Zorro) or their scenes in the royal chambers.

So why does Jodhaa Akbar not seem boring despite its length? The answer lies in the fact that there are so many scenes that the viewer will remember. Here are just some of them.

The opening scene where the 13 year old Akbar is commanded to behead one of the enemy
The opening battle
The scene where Akbar listens to Jodhaa's demands
The Aish-Hrithik scene on their wedding night
The chilling confrontation between Maham Anga and Jodhaa in the kitchen
The dramatic intermission sequence, with terrific BGM by ARR
The sequences after the intermission
The scene where Akbar tames the elephant
One scene where Akbar is not acting as a king
Final battle, again superb ARR BGM

It is such attention to frames and scenes, that separates a brilliant filmmaker of Gowariker's calibre from lesser mortals like Karan Johar and Co.

Jodhaa Akbar works because of its message of religious peace and harmony which is portayed subtly throughout the film, and is brought to attention in the final moments of the film. Gowariker's message that it is possible for people of different religions to mingle together is apt for these troubled times. Sometimes to solve the future's problems, we have to look to what our ancestors did in the past.

Superb lead performances, great music, excellent production values, effective direction, superb choreography, stunning cinematography, colourful costumes and an accessible and simple story with a message, these are only some of the reasons why Jodhaa Akbar is a must watch.

My Verdict: Royal Masterpiece

My Rating: 8.5/10

Originally Posted by Vinu

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Ennittishtappettoda

Originally Posted by FRIEND

Originally Posted by FRIEND

Originally Posted by Balram

ennodano

engil ente utharam eshtapettu

Originally Posted by Vinu

Originally Posted by Balram

oh edhu ee nootandil enganum kaanumo