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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February 24th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Dam gud movie…!!!…..luv 2 waych it again…Hrithik Rockzz..!!!
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February 24th, 2008 at 3:29 am
This is maybe my 4th comment on Jodha Akbar, I went to cinema see it again, for 2nd time, it’s great, people must appreciate this big work ’cause when you praise a good work, as if you motivate and encourage the director to give his best in future, but when you’re not so right in your reviews and just want to critiscise a good movie badly, you just frustrate the director.
And, before watching this movie, I heard in NDTV channel that people did (HANGAMA) for non important issue e.g. Jodha was from Judpure and not Jaipure! and accused the director that he wanted to change in the history!
Whether she was from Jutpure, Jaipure or Udaipur, so what?! She was from Raajistan, from which part of Raajistan she was isn’t an important issue! the audience want to enjoy the movie and don’t care about these small details in the history.
People make a fuss out of minor things.!
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February 24th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Fathiya I realy appreciate your comment. If I were a Film star do you really think I would have invested my time to sit and comment on my colleague’s movie.. No right.. I don’t mind saying that I don’t know how to act not even 10% of what Hrithik has done and that’s the reason I am here but that doesn’t mean one shouldn’t criticize someone’s work.. I have only told you the facts. According to the trade, the feedback from the audience has not been positive and no other big film has been slated for release during the next two weeks so you guys can hope it works. Again its my view .. Hrithik’s Dialogue delivery was hilarious. Fathiya I have said Hrithik’s not yours so do not choke :-) . Peace
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February 24th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Dear snap, I saw the movie for second time last night and enjoyed it. I found Hritik is the most actor who was fit for this role, as Hritik Roshan is handsome, he’s like a prince, so just imagine that this rolls was given to Salman Khan or Amir Khan or Shahrukh, do you think, and just imagine, do you think that the director would have been right to select one of them for a King’s roll??
I don’t think so, Hritik was perfect for this roll, this is my opinion, and he did an amazing work with Ashiwariya.
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February 25th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Fathiya you feel he is suitable for the role only cuz the movie is already made and is your mind set after watching it. If they would have searched for a better actor before castign Hirthik I am sure someone would have fit the role. Just like SRK in Chak De India - He was very suitable for the role.. But If not SRK someone else would have also done the role.. but once the film is released its hard for others to imagine a different actor for that particular role. Only being handsome or dancing well is not considered acting..Hrithik lacks that maturity and for godsake what in hell was the director thinking when hiding his Extra thumb in the whole movie. I mean the whole india knows about that and its of no use hiding it all the time. Like … while holding the sword or pointing towards something etc. I am not making fun of him but just wondering what was the need for that.. ?
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February 25th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Snap, I think you’re concentrating on minor issues!! Everyone knows that Heritik’s thumb is deformed or shapeless, no one is perfect dear, are we??
And in Koye Mel Gaya, the director did show his thumb to everyone, and this meant that Heritik won’t loose his fans if one part of his body is shapeless. Do you know if all other actors are perfect in their look?? Have you ever seen them (naked)?! Please, think properly, and it’s not nice to show the audience everytime that this star lacks some beauty in his body!!
I think you don’t like him, and when we don’t like someone we always want to show his weakness to everyone!
He’s a perfect actor, excellent, yah, in the past, I didn’t like his dancing in some movies, and when he was a new comer, but he learned now, he danced well in Dhoom 2, do you think Shahruk, Amir, or Salman could dance the way he did in Dhoom2??
Everyone got his strength and charm in a different way, Shahruk’s strength is that he’s very attractive, and I’m a big..big fan of his, but I also like Herithik, I wish them all the best in their career.
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February 27th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Fathiya.. You are taking it a bit too personal. I didn’t say anyone is perfect. I am neither comparing any actor here nor degrading Hrithik.. And if you think showing a deformed thumb makes him lack his beauty then i should remind you this is not a beauty peagent contest.. And I don’t agree with you that I don’t like Hrithik.. I don’t have any personal grudge on him. I go for the actor’s performance. I am not comparing his acting skills with his thumb. All I said was there was no need to fake anything. I blamed the DIRECTOR for it in my previous post not HRITHIK. You are just comparing his dancing skills with other actors.. Lets take Amir you think Hrithik can be as natural and emotional on screen as Amir ? No right.. the same applies for Dance. I don’t want to comment on his dance cuz there is nothing wrong in it. Again I don’t entertain comparision between actors.
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February 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
A good movie indeed.But Ashutosh could have done far better if he`d have kept himself close to the facts and couldnot have tried to imagine too much in order to copy the mere scenes of hollywood pictures.Lagan and swadesh were far ahead of it because of their natural instincts.No two opinion Hritik & Aish have done a good job,Ashutosh himself with rahman has been lagging in trying too much.
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February 27th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Ok Snap, let’s cut it out, we’ve had enough discussion on this subject, as I said in my earlier comment( and as you confirmed it) that everyone has got his own strength and in a different way, Herithik in his great look and amazing dancing as well as acting, Aamir in his acting and emotional scens, Shahruk’s charisma and his sence of humour and the great Amitab Pachan who is the best actor in Bollywood and no one would compete him in sad and emontional scenes. Who can act like Amitab Pachan?? No one, even Aamir, he’s good but I didn’t like his acting in the last quarter of his movie “Range De Basanti”
Snap, if you didn’t watch Amitab’s movie “Sharabi” get it and watch his acting when the old guy “omprakash” dies and Amitab cries for losing him, no one performs like Amitab does.
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February 28th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Haha.. Fathiya.. Now I am seriously wondering Where Did Amitabh Bachan come in between all this… You seem to be far away from the Subject.. Or I should say distracted. I gave Amir’s example just to let you know dancing is not all that requires to be a good actor. Again I DO NOT ENTERTAIN COMPARISION BETWEEN ACTORS… cuz its not fair for the new actors. And I stand to what I’v told you. Hrithik is not suitable for this role and atleast he should have done some Homework before performing this role. I am a theater Critic.. I watch Live actors perform and comment. At the same time I Love commercial Films… As far as performances are concerned I am just posting my pont of view.
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February 28th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Snap, I don’t think that Hrithik did any dancing scenes in the movie except on his wedding day, in the song (Kyawaja) you found that hilarious?! That was - and I think I’m not sure - a twirling soofi dance, so he joined the team and danced with them the same way - it’s a Turkish dancing”
Snap.. Snap.. please let’s cut it. we’ve had enought discussion on this issue. I find Herithik is the best one who fitted in this role, and if I was the director of the movie and wanted to assign a newcomer, probably I would have selected Neil Mukesh for this role, he’s a good looking guy for a King’s roll and he performs well. That’s my opinion Snap, but yours is different.
Remember one thing, people’s opinion and characters are different, just like colours, I love white, other people love red, green, blue, etc. e.g. if you love red, you can’t convince me that red colour is very beautiful ’cause I don’t like it and vice versa. So let’s stop this discussion.
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February 28th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
SNap, Shut up…
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February 28th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I am a theater Critic??? is that so snap …i guess most critics only know to be a critic only…if u are so dissatisfied with what jodha akbar is….why not come and make a movie of jodha akbar with all ur suggested fine actors and lets see how it comes out??? any 1..can comment anything saying that actor or actress isnt or like that! ….bottomline is dont! either show another version with a remake and communicate what u had to say…or move ahead with ur life and do something useful first for urself or first try this…criticize urself!
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February 29th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Guys take it easy.. Especially Fathiya… As i Told you.. You are distracted.. First understand what exactly the topic is. I have not even mentioned anything about the dance sequences in JA neither in this post nor in my previous one’s. I didn’t comment on his dancing skills. I’v told earlier also he is gud at dance so there is nothing to comment on that.. What ever you say and or Wish the fact will be that he wasn’t suitable. As far as convincing you is concerned I didn’t even give it a try and when I say ” ITS MY POINT OF VIEW” I guess you are smart enough to know what it means. I am not stopping anyone from watching this movie, if that were the case I wouldn’t have watched it myself in the first place. And this is to My Friend kapil sreedhar. Its good that you liked the movie.. watch it few more times and yes please post sensible comments not some crap.
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February 29th, 2008 at 9:34 am
you dont see thing sensible as ur just here to show ur some intelligent guy …with ur opinions !!! life isnt just about ur own opinions snap! may be when ur old u will understand it! when people say and challenge you u run of …with ur smart comments saying what not!!! well just wanna say that its atleast a spinoff from normal bollywood movies with masala….try 2 appreciate that than brooding over what ashu did with movie!!! hav a great time snap!!!
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February 29th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Guys, please forget the subject, if you love discussion, let me know your opinion on some other comments which I’ve written on some other movies in this site, e.g. Jab We Met, Aja Nachle, Welcome, etc.
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February 29th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
what a start of the year with another pathetic movie from bollywood. could have been better without Aishwarya ( I don’t even consider Aysh as an actress). Amir khan or salman khan could have done way better then Hrithik. and yes the ranking, 1/5 and 1 is just for direction. FLOP movie !!!
Most important point, Jodha’s story has no relevance in history. Jodha never played any important role in history. she was just another wife of Akbar.
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February 29th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
i dont know what film you watched but its cant have been jodhaa akbar, hrithik was phenomenal ash was brilliant the movie is a huge success!
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February 29th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
lorna its a waste of ur time to keep commenting to people who simply doesnt know anything about deep passion …committment and romance! they are here for 2hours of masala bollywood movies and some boob press in the dark in theater!!! any 1 who loves everything in life and is analytical would surely understand that its a hard work by every1 in the team to bring out such a lovely story! i am stopping my comments this very moment! no more of ma time…i am completely satisfied with the outcome of the movie and i told to all my friends to go see it and every1 loved it…and thats tat! all of u wonderful ppl……….hav a great time and enjoy diis wonderful life! c u …byssssss
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March 1st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
damnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn good movie …. a must c
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March 1st, 2008 at 9:05 pm
its one of the most appealing and memorable artistic movies ever made..
watch it without any prejudice about the cast or thousands of questions about history…just watch it with involvement you “cannot” miss the beautiful soul rendering moments. i feel sorry for those who watch with preoccupied mind concepts they can never enjoy subtle beauty the movies brings..its like soaking in the “beauty of feelings , emotions and soul level music”…….a visual treat… after watching the movie at least for a day or two u will still be wanting to stay with the characters of that era……its like a painting..not so easy to forget.
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March 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
A very boring and goodie goodie review of the movie by the author (i honestly felt like sleeping in the middle of reading this review. [yawn] ).
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March 3rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I watched the movie once again and it’s fantastic. For god’s sake forget about the bad press and prejudices and go watch it with an open mind. I promise you, you’ll LOVE it! Hrithik is phenomenal in this movie. He’s expressed himself SO well in this movie and I’m not even talking about his words…his looks speak volumes. His expressions are mindblowing. You’ll fall in love with him!! It’s the best love story that I’ve watched in ages…
Just go and watch the movie and judge for yourself. I’m sure you’ll lose yourself in the world of Akbar and Jodha.
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March 7th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
no words for the excellence of the movie ,,HEADS OFF TO ASHUTOSH GAWAREKAR who made the film a masterpiece,,thanks ashutosh ,HRIYHIK once again prooved that HE CAN DON ANY ROLE BEYOND THE EXCELLENce,,Ashwarya was looking stunning
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March 12th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
A hopeless movie. Complete waste of time!!!! It would have been worth all our precious time if it entirely depicted the true history.
The one who would enjoy are the fans of Aishwarya or Hrithik.
Hrithik looked out of place for his role. He acted more like a 21st century action “MACHO MAN” .
cinematography is appreciable.Now that the Indian audience are moving to substance movie these kind of films might not suceed down the lane.
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March 12th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Some people who commented on this movie lately don’t deserve good movies! If Jodha Akbar wasn’t a good one, then please.. please. give is some examples of some movie which you liked, to see if you really have a good taste in movies and if you really appreciate good works.
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March 14th, 2008 at 12:37 am
oh! my god the movie was the sest . i have never saw such a movie in home house like of pase 19 years . it was so great ash and hritik were looking great i thing this movie should win one of the best award title . movie was fab . i saw it more than 3 times . i just loved this movie . and i dont care if it was 3 hr long . it could even see this 4hr straight .
i just loved it
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April 2nd, 2008 at 7:03 am
I grew up in a family whos passion for Indan movies have no limits. We watche nearlly every movie made till the 80s. My family, especially my mother, still watches, but I havnt seen an indian movie for over 10 years. I think most of you know why, cause I lost intrest.
When I heard about this movie, whiout any other thoughts, I said this is what I have been missing. I have to see this movie. You might not belive me if I say tha I watch the movie 2 -3 times a day…adictive?…YES…Hooked to it..YES.
I am so happy that there are still movie makers in India who can make such a high standard high class movie as good as the old days. Something which attracts you and stays in the mind for years and years. This movies has everything to keep some1 astonished by the it was made. I couldnt move during the movie, in case I missed someting. I was also amazed by the way the dialogue and the language (Urdu and Hindi) was used. Very simple, nice and slow so that some1 like me (whos mother language is neither) can understand.
Despit of all complains and noises made, this movie is and shall remain, a classic masterpiece that I shall remembere for a long long long time. Congradulations to the Indian movie makers, the Indian pepole and all who participated and contributed to this movies, and thank you fopr bringing back our trust in the and love for your films.
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April 5th, 2008 at 2:26 am
I had so much expectation from this movie, had a hard time waiting to watch it. As I have been missing sitting back and watching a movie like Devdas and feel good about the three hours spent.
Jhoda Akbar is simply a disaster. Hritheck is good with action and dancing and he should stick there. Playing the role of a great king is simply out of his imagination. He was far far away from even a glimpse of a King. His acting his appearance his looks his voice nothing was that of a King. Ash and AR Rehman and the castles were the only good things about the movie. It is a great story and it could make a perfect blockbuster movie that could remain in everyone’s mind for a long time. I am just disappointed of the waste, I heard it is the most expensive bollywood movie.
A different director a great story writer and either Abheshek or Shah Rukh as the actor would have made this movie the best.
It is going to take me literally one more day to get over this disappointment. I really was expecting a lot more.
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April 24th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
This is a superb movie which we watched just yeaterday and i honestly wish that it gets
all the awards this year and also it should make it to oscars and i am very proud to say that
Mr. Ashutosh has established himself as excellent director of all times he has proved that classics
are made even today hats off to Hrithik and Ash for their splendid performance .
I wish that many many more people will watch this movie by going to theatres as this movie is made for
big screen once again i congratulate all the people connected in making this a great movie
very good team work keep it up .
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May 30th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Its a fantastic movie done by Hrithik…..
Hrithik dne it very nicely
Nobody can do like this………
Looks like a hollywood movie.. We hav to appreciate Hrithik…
May come more films by HRITHIK ROSHAN
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June 23rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
this movie was just great……
nothing else could b said
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August 21st, 2008 at 11:18 pm
fabulous
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