Jodha Akbar Movie Review – IndiaFM
Jodha Akbar Review – Official Indicine review
Jodha Akbar directed by Oscar nominated film (Lagaan) director Ashutosh Gowarikar is a historical love story featuring superstar Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Akbar and Jodha. The movie has been in the making for the last 2 and a half years. The first release date was October 12th 2007, but soon postponed to January 25th 2008. Ashutosh suffered from a back problem and again the movie was postponed to a day after Valentines day, February 15th. The movie was also surrounded by a lot of controversy which helped build up the curiosity level. Jodha Akbar is Hrithik Roshan’s first release after Dhoom 2 (2006) and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s first release post her marriage to Abhishek Bachchan.
Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama has just published the first detailed review of the movie and rates it 4 stars on 5.
Note:- This is NOT the official Indicine Review. Check out our official review here – Jodha Akbar Review
Jodha Akbar Review
Let’s get one thing straight: You haven’t watched anything so opulent, so magnificent like this in a long, long time on the Hindi screen. It’s not just body beautiful, but there’s soul as well.
It requires courage, prowess, patience, aptitude, knowledge, passion and of course, loads of currency to attempt a movie like Jodhaa Akbar. But more than anything else, it requires your firm belief in the subject, the belief to attempt a historical when historicals are considered an absolute no-no in the industry, the belief to spend almost Rs 40 crore in a film that could go either ways.
Only when you’re convinced yourself can you convince millions of moviegoers. And convinced you are after watching Jodhaa Akbar, a film of epic proportions.
Now let’s clear a few misconceptions pertaining to the film…
It’s blasphemous to compare Mughal-E-Azam and Jodhaa Akbar. While Mughal-E-Azam was primarily about the legendary romance between Salim and Anarkali, a subject that has been attempted quite a few times on the Hindi screen before, Jodhaa Akbar is about the relationship that the young Akbar shared with Jodhaa.
A lot has been said and written about its length [3.20 hours]. Does the viewer of today have the patience to watch a really lengthy film in today’s times? But once into Jodhaa Akbar, the sequence of events, the drama, the romance, the war… every aspect keeps you mesmerized. Oh yes, the length does pinch you at one crucial point [second hour, which is relatively shorter], when a song breaks out. Otherwise, the 3 + hours are very well spent.
When you watch historicals like Mughal-E-Azam and Razia Sultan, the usage of chaste Urdu is difficult to comprehend at times. Not here! The language is simplified – Akbar speaks in Urdu, Jodhaa in Hindi – and it’s easy to decipher.
As a cinematic experience, it would be wrong to compare Jodhaa Akbar to any of Ashutosh Gowariker’s previous endeavors. Why, it would be erroneous to compare the film with any film ever made before in this genre. This one stands out and stands out the tallest.
To sum up, Jodhaa Akbar leaves you spellbound, enthralled, entranced and awestruck. Ashutosh Gowariker makes the legendary characters come alive on screen.
Set in the sixteenth century, Jodhaa Akbar is a love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a great Mughal emperor, Akbar, and a Rajput princess, Jodhaa. Little did Akbar [Hrithik Roshan] know that when he married Jodhaa [Aishwarya Rai Bachchan], he would be embarking upon a new journey — the journey of true love.
The daughter of King Bharmal of Amer [Kulbhushan Kharbanda], Jodhaa resented being reduced to a mere political pawn in this marriage of alliance, and Akbar’s biggest challenge now did not merely lie in winning battles, but in winning the love of this defiant princess.
One of the prime reasons why Jodhaa Akbar works is because the present-day viewer is unaware of the romance between Akbar and Jodhaa. Sure, we all know of Akbar as a great emperor, but the love story makes for a refreshing subject. And the execution of a number of sequences makes Jodhaa Akbar extremely special.
Some instances:
- The war sequence at the very outset. You realise the scale and magnitude of the film at the very beginning.
- Hrithik taming an out-of-control elephant. It’s hair-raising.
- The two pre-conditions set by Jodhaa, before her marriage to Akbar. Very interesting.
- The confrontation between Ila Arun and Ash at the kitchen, when Ash decides to make the meal herself.
- The immediate sequence, when Ash is asked to taste the food herself by Ila before she’s about to serve the food to the Emperor and his associates. Once done, Hrithik demanding that he be served the meal from the same platter that Jodhaa had used.
- The intermission point, which sows the seeds of a misunderstanding between Hrithik and Ash.
- Post-interval, Hrithik returning to Amer to get Ash back to Agra and the welcome ceremony by his mother-in-law [Suhasini Mulay].
- The sword fight the very next morning, between Hrithik and Ash.
- The Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah track, when the entire kingdom hails Hrithik.
- The fight in the climax [reminds you of the fight between Brad Pitt and Eric Bana in Troy].
Amazing moments indeed…
Ashutosh Gowariker knows that historicals have to be simplified while narrating on celluloid so that the moviegoer is able to grasp and comprehend the plotline and the sequence of events. Thankfully, Jodhaa Akbar is not in the least difficult to decipher. Gowariker’s handling of the subject deserves the highest praise, for it’s not everyday that you come across a film like Jodhaa Akbar.
A.R. Rahman’s music is not the type that you take to instantly, but yes, it gels beautifully with the mood of the film. Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah and Jashn-e-Bahara are the best tracks in terms of tune. In terms of choreography, Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah is awe-inspiring, while the execution of Khwaja Mere Khwaja is outstanding. Rahman’s background score is simply extra-ordinary.
There’s no room for dullness in Haider Ali and Gowariker’s screenplay. The writing is tight, the drama keeps you hooked and the romantic track is wonderful. The film also talks of secularism, an issue so vital in today’s times. K.P. Saxena’s dialogues are amazing. At places, soaked in acid. The writer comes up with several gems, yet again. Kiran Deohans’ cinematography matches international standards. The movement of camera at various places, especially in the battlefield, is breath-taking. Also, the D.O.P. captures the grandeur to the fullest. The production design [Nitin Chandrakant Desai] is, again, awesome. Recreating the bygone era requires not just money, but also the vision and Desai proves his supremacy yet again.
Be it the war sequences or the sword fights or general action, Ravi Dewan’s contribution to the film is incredible. Especially noteworthy is the fight between Hrithik and Nikitin Dheer in the climax. It’s simply outstanding! Editing [Ballu Saluja] is perfect, although the romantic song between Hrithik and Ash can be shortened in the second hour. The costumes [Neeta Lulla] as also the jewelry also deserve special mention.
Jodhaa Akbar also works because of the right casting. It’s difficult to imagine anyone else in the role of Emperor Akbar. Hrithik seems born to play this role and he enacts it with such precision, such flourish, such confidence that it leaves you asking for more. A mind-boggling performance without doubt!
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is superb. Oh yes, she looks ethereal — a compliment she has heard a trillion times before. What’s new in that? But watch her emote in this film. You realise the amazing talent that has hitherto not been tapped by any movie maker. A flawless performance indeed!
Jodhaa Akbar has a host of characters, but the ones whom you carry home, besides Hrithik and Ash, are Sonu Sood [excellent], Nikitin Dheer [fantastic], Ila Arun [electrifying; her finest work so far], Punam S. Sinha [graceful], Kulbhushan Kharbanda [perfect], Raza Murad [effective] and Rajesh Vivek [good]. Amitabh Bachchan’s rich barritone voice adds lustre to the magnum opus.
On the whole, Jodhaa Akbar is, without a shred of doubt, a brilliant film in all respects. This historical has all it takes to prove the first blockbuster of 2008. Very strongly recommended!
Rating: 
4 stars on 5
Also check out the official Indicine Review.. Go here – Jodha Akbar Review
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Comments
Naren: (February 15, 2008 at 3:30 pm)
SK: (February 15, 2008 at 4:13 pm)
the movie was wonderful.But I have to disagree about the chemistry between HRK and Ash..Hrk looked uncomfortable in the romantic song between the two of them.Seemed like it could have been avoided.
But on the whole the movie was amazing and Hrk owned it, He looked and acted like a king.There were few scenes where he acted so well without even saying anything.The other person who leaves a good impression is Ila Arun.I didn’t know she could act so well.And the narration was done by both Amithabh and Shathrugan Sinha.People are thinking it was only AB.
Azeem Iqbal: (February 15, 2008 at 5:15 pm)
Hey After reading the comments and the review I really Thank GOD for such a nice response from the people, because although Hrithik is in there but Historicalls and Movies like that do sometimes get down, but Inshallah I pray it will be a blockbuster hit……..
Very Nice Excellent Movie , Love Hrithik and Ash the best Jory I have seen till now in the Indian Cinema.
Sachin Z: (February 15, 2008 at 5:26 pm)
Feeling proud of Indian Cinema after watching JODHA AKBAR in London on thursday itself….Everyone was too fabulous. Well done Ashutosh!! This movie will take the industry to greater heights.
Sachin Z
Vinesh: (February 15, 2008 at 7:49 pm)
Wow what a movie.. I simply loved it.. Someone says its a pain to sit through.. wasted money.. But i would say just the sword scene between ash and Hrithik is worth the price of the ticket.. Such a spectacular watch.. sexual foreplay in the form of a sword fight on screen.. believe it!
Its brilliant.. didnt understand how the 3 hours+ passed by..
Jodha Akbar belongs to Akbar i.e Hrithik Roshan.. He was born to play the role and he does it with brilliance! What an amazing performance.. Deserves every best actor award! Aishwarya is also great!
Direction is flawless..
Overall – 4.5 / 5
rudra: (February 15, 2008 at 9:30 pm)
i was in premiere too in pvr bangalore on thursday..10 pm..audi 1
Jodha Akbar personal review… (4.5 / 5)
Story: a++… (History)
Direction: a+… Superb
Screenplay: a… good
Acting: A+++… hrithik best in his life, aishwarya too good
Music: a++
Over all: A+….. (****and half) stars… i.e. 4.5 out of 5
Well the film kicks off with the battle of panipat and then it never falls in its expectation…each scene, each dialougue…Each body expression is
Picturised superbly in this movie. Asutosh gowariker has finally directed an epic masterpiece for Indian cinema..
i was among the luckiest people who got to watch the premiere of jodha akbar in my city Bangalore
Well it started at around 10.50 pm and continues till 2.25 am…the time in between was a superb mythological journey for me. An epic movie and a splendid one in Indian cinema after such a long time
Well about the story it’s as simple as we all know. It’s all history with a bit of asutosh’s touch.
It flows nicely from one scene to other…the voice of amitabh helps as a narrator of this movie.
As per acting hrithik roshan after this movie will be recognized in few good actors of the world…
And aishwarya rai splendid this time…she also will gain a huge fan following after this movie…
Well this film is about 3 hrs and 15 mins but it never let u feel borred,it has all comic sense…tremendous action…stunts by hrithik..
war scenes which are surely will be copied by Hollywood now….
Thr are few scenes in movie which are worth watching million times…the panipat war…Hrithik’s action with elephant…
Aishwarya and hrithik’s dayma talking. In kitchen.
Love story of jodha and Akbar and climax fighting…
Truly a master piece
Well some actors are to be praised too…Hrithik off course…aishwarya too. Super in the movie…
Also sonu sood…Kulbhusan kharbanda, hrithik’s dayma… and last villain. Name is may be saifuddin… and rehmans sweet music makes this movie more splendid
Waiting to see that again…and for those who haven’t watched yet…go watch….
HISTORY IS CREATED IN INDIA
Ekant: (February 16, 2008 at 12:48 am)
Hi guys………….went for the premier show of jodha akbar n trust me feeling so glad that i went. It is very refreshing to see atleast one historical movie which actualy pleases u in every aspect of it. Many people got irritated cz of its length but the movie is made on such a splendid scale that u would spend those 3 n half hours in awe of the grandness of the movie.
Ashutosh has pulled it off in the best possible manner. Though it gets a little slow n boring in between in patches but when u come out of the hall u have the satisfaction of getting ur money’s worth. The main highlight besides the grandness of the movie is HRITHIK ROSHAN. He has given a performance of a lifetime. i was very sceptical about how hrithik is gonna portray akbar but trust me……… no one would have played Akabr better than him. It appeared that he was tailore made for this. U won’t see him dancing in his skin fitted t-shirts and making those magical moves, but u will see an actor who has put his heart and soul into playing something as big as Akbar and has done it with utmost ease and elan.
Music, cinematography,co-actors have all contributed in every way they could to come up with such a splendid movie.
Guys its a must watch. If not for the grandness, atleast for the pure art of splendid cinema.
lorna greenwood: (February 16, 2008 at 1:33 am)
its a must see for anyone, i saw it earlier today with my mother who is not used too seeing bollywood movies in cinemas and who falls asleep half way through most english films that last 1 and a half hours.
so at first i did think that i was expecting too much asking her too sit through a 3 hour 20 minute subtitled movie! but we got there and the very second JODHA AKBAR started she sat there gripped the screen.
i would say this movie is on the verge of perfection, there is everything a viewer needs, some of the scenes are magical while others are simply spectacular, Hrithik and Ash are phenomenal together, ofcourse their chemistry in dhoom 2 was first discovered but in this movie it makes you feel their love for eachother, their acting is just so amazing.
i dont think this movie will get enough credit but its the best movie i have seen in a long time!!! the scenery and costumes are also perfect,and when the song Khawaja Mere Khawaja is being played in the first half i had shivers down my spine, the music/singing is just out of this world, and yet everything fits. there are scenes where, ash fights hrithik, hrithik tames an elephant, 1 scene where the sun comes up and shines into the room is so beautiful it amazes me on how talented this director is, also the big b’s naration is also very satisfying, particularly the end, the 3 hours and 20 minutes went by so quickly, both my mother and i didnt want the film to end and when it did it left us with thoughts over what we had just seen!
i could go on and on about this film because its gives you so much to thinks about. overall i think this film is close too perfection!i would recommend it too everyone!!! hrithik plays the role of akbar with conviction and ash plays jodha beautifully too!!!its dramatic with twists and romantic with emotions and certain scenes will make you feel part of what they feel for eachother!!! please everybody just give yourselves an opportunity to be spellbound and whitness this magical, excellent movie!!!
islam: (February 16, 2008 at 1:35 am)
just one word, brilliant!i just love it!those complaining have a concentration span of a two year old.give credit where its due.man, it rocked big time!my favourite actor,hrithik was amazing! aishwarya surprised me with a flawless performance.the supporting cast was great n da pace of da film was outstanding, didnt feel like 3 hours at all.final praise is to ashutoshi this great story.take a bow!jodha akbar
Fathiya: (February 16, 2008 at 1:40 am)
Hello everyone, I came from the theatre just now, watched the movie, it’s great, very nice, not boring at all. So, please everyone, turn your back to bad reviews and bad criticisum, some people have bad intentions to write bad reviews about some good films in order to ruin them or the career of good directors. So please never let these bad reviews have an influence on you, go watch the movie and judge it yourself, this is one of Ashutosh Ghawariker’s best, maybe it’s also better than Lagaan.
It’s good that he chopped the film and made it shorter, 3 and 1/2hr length is fine, but audience can’t sit on their seat for longer.
Ashiwariya in some scenes is beautiful, but in some others looks a bit older than her age, I assume it’s the way she did her makeup.
Congratulations Mr. Ghowarikar, please do more historical movies, we got borred of watching some typical Hindi movies and want always to see different ones, such as this movie.
kauthar: (February 16, 2008 at 1:51 am)
the best movie i hv seen in a long time.seriously people, this was da ultimate cinematic experience ever!probably hrithik’s best performance ever n aishwarya still got her acting edge intact.damn she looks stunning than ever before! the movie was kinda long but the events kept me glued to ma seat. the director has proven once again how incredible he can be!the chemistry between ash n hrithik is greater than dhoom 2’s. a huge 2 thumbs up!a must watch to all!a grand story with heart!
Ram: (February 16, 2008 at 1:51 am)
This is one of the best best best movies I have seen. It is so amazing to see nice picturization, and the acting of both hrithik and aiswariya. I think its the high time now that Hrithink Should act in one big Hollywood movie. He has everything to make a good movie in Hollywood and can get a good name to our country as Well.
Hail Hrithik
Sonu: (February 16, 2008 at 1:54 am)
OMG—- Hrithink is on song, giving the hits like krish,Dhoom2 and now the block buster Jodha Akbar. He is the outstanding actor in bollywood who comes with a complete package. No other actor can come close to him either bolly or holly.
Swetha: (February 16, 2008 at 1:59 am)
Yes I do agree with above comments. As of today, I think Hrithik is the one who can give a message to the world about his talent and indian cinema. Initially I used see some khans movies but they are really bored they do the routine. But Hrithik challenges different roles. For example in krish like a super man. In Dhoom 2 excellent robber and finally in JA like a king. He justifies all the roles.
kate: (February 16, 2008 at 2:14 am)
too good!spread the word!jodha akbar is a great movie! it was a sensational that i didnt want it to end.stunning peformances from hrithik and aishwarya.my no. 1 jodi in bollywood.aishwarya was just natural n she glowed all through the movie.ashutoshu, i give props .just amazing!da cinema hall was just transfixed on da screen!incredible !!!
danny: (February 16, 2008 at 2:27 am)
first ,great movie!hrithik was spellbounding!aishwarya took my breath away every time she came to da frame.favourite scene when she stood up n triwled for akbar when they accepted each other!simply breath taking! hrithik was great,he had da posture n strengh of akbar.i enjoyed it immensely!i’ll go see it again!great message too of peace n respect of different religions!a must watch!A+
pradeep: (February 16, 2008 at 2:31 am)
a classic in recent times!mind blowing performances from hrithik and aishwarya rai.A REALLY SOLID FILM!
Deepak: (February 16, 2008 at 2:38 am)
One word! OUTSTANDING!!!
A great great great great movie.. Deserves every award.. Best actor, Best actress, Best director, Best movie!
This movie is a classic!
Go watch it in theatre not on DVD.. its a Theatre experience!
5 / 5
sunny: (February 16, 2008 at 2:39 am)
AWESOME!
lorna greenwood: (February 16, 2008 at 5:23 am)
i really hope nobody listens to critics and pays attention to the time. if you can spare it it will be worth it for you. its gripping, dramatic, romantic, beautiful and so much more , its borderlne perfection! its at the top of my favourite movies ever list!!! hrithik roshan is spectacular as akbar and ash is brilliant as jodha, these two together are like fire! the battles are terrific, i was afraid too look away incase i missed anything. this film is the best of the best, and its a real cinematic experience!!! i agree with the other post on here, all awards should be given too this film, best actor, best actress, best director etc. plus the music is so magical its exquisite!!
It’s an excellent movie with nice scenes betwen ash and hrithik….!!
what an excellent music esp. sufi song was amazing ….it can create wonderful joy around you….!!
It’s an spectalular watch…!!IT’S A MUST WATCH….!!