Jodhaa Akbar Movie review by Taran Adarsh

February 12th, 2008Related|Filed Under

A first good review , a good omen let us see how this plays out.

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By Taran Adarsh, February 13, 2008 - 11:24 IST

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 crores in a film that could go either ways.

Write your own movie review of Jodhaa Akbar
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, JODHA 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 JODHA 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. Take a bow, Ashu!

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 JODHA 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 realize 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, JODHA 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 realize 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!

There Are 37 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by Tango on 12 February 2008:

    You leave your on Ravi bhai I’ll delete mine. But do add aproper link to Bollywood Hungama.

  2. Comment by Sid on 12 February 2008:

    Wow looks like a winner !!

  3. Comment by Sid on 12 February 2008:

    Very short on the performances - thats a bit surprising I think.

  4. Comment by flora on 12 February 2008:

    Taran is now regularly giving reviews few days before release,looks good for JA

  5. Comment by Jesse on 12 February 2008:

    Given that’s it’s Taran, you never know if this means that the actual movie is good or not. But one things for sure: If Taran likes it, this should click at the BO.

  6. Comment by flora on 12 February 2008:

    exactly,it is very rare that taran has given a movie 4 stars and it flops.And if he didnt mind the length(which is the biggest concern) then JA should do well.

  7. Comment by shetty on 12 February 2008:

    “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!”

    Nuff said

  8. Comment by sheeru on 12 February 2008:

    Whenever Taran gets invited to a early primiere or something he tends to really love the film…big names…big ratings…I just wish Taran is right about the film…Im only gonna go see this film if it gets awesome reviews.

  9. Comment by Ach on 12 February 2008:

    The phenomena begins!

    bhaijaan - order the drinks … the bill is mine ;)

  10. Comment by shetty on 13 February 2008:

    “bhaijaan - order the drinks … the bill is mine ”

    Lol. I will send the bill to UTV

  11. Comment by jayshah on 13 February 2008:

    Hope he is right too sheeru…good start!

  12. Comment by Paddy on 13 February 2008:

    Wow! great review. Hope others follow suit.

    Also has Komal Nahata seen it? What are his views?

  13. Comment by beldevere on 13 February 2008:

    ach/shetty - looks like the movie will work big time. wanted to write a mock review but kambakth time nahin mila!

    40+cr opening very likely IMO. btw have heard lot of people raving about the Hrithik-Ash combo. hrithik ne thodi jaldi kar di shaadi karne mein ;-)

    i think after SRK-Kajol - this is the new ‘in’ pair.

    as and when the prediction thread opens - here are mine - 42cr opening - 80-85cr total

  14. Comment by shetty on 13 February 2008:

    Beld,

    http://www.naachgaana.com/2008/02/06/jodha-akbar-prediction-thread/

    Kaise ho Maamu?

  15. Comment by beldevere on 13 February 2008:

    hey shet
    teek taak aur aap?
    wont be in bangalore for a month to meet the shahs. will try and see the axis of evil in new york though ;-) - bole kya ILG/satyam/Q ?

  16. Comment by shetty on 13 February 2008:

    “hrithik ne thodi jaldi kar di shaadi karne mein ”

    True. lol

  17. Comment by shetty on 13 February 2008:

    “will try and see the axis of evil in new york though - bole kya ILG/satyam/Q ? ”

    Bachke rehna re baba bachke rehna re

  18. Comment by Ach on 13 February 2008:

    Beld - 40+ opening wud take this one past the 100 crore mark (NG prophecy by Ravi bhai, shetty bhai, som darling n me) … no FDFS for u ? ;)

  19. Comment by Ach on 13 February 2008:

    “i think after SRK-Kajol - this is the new ‘in’ pair.”

    yeah it is .. btw, dont talk abt marraiges here! …. shhhhhhhhh

  20. Comment by beldevere on 13 February 2008:

    som kab se darling ban gaya!!

    first weekend but not FDFS - too many things happening this weekend. 100cr would be a stretch i feel - dekhte hain - agar welcome ko 75+cr mila tho JA ko 100 is not that far a stretch..

  21. Comment by Ach on 13 February 2008:

    oye - the old jingo trio of shet ach n beld is back n kickassing! :D

  22. Comment by beldevere on 13 February 2008:

    SRK-Kajol ke pairing ko dekhke, Ajay ne banayi film- ‘U, me aur Hum’

    Hrithik-Ash ke pairing ko dekhke, AB jr banayega film - ‘Pati, patni aur woh’

    SRK-Gauri ke pairing ko dekhke, KJo banayega film - ‘Kootchie, Kootchie hota hai’

  23. Comment by Nitesh on 13 February 2008:

    “the old jingo trio of shet ach n beld is back n kickassing! ”
    I hope you don’t go in hibernation again from April…:))

    Good review by Taran….will wait for more reviews…but one things is certain…Ashutosh as always looks set to be on the right side of critics.

    Getting this review from a massy reviewer, is huge…way to go!!!

  24. Comment by beldevere on 13 February 2008:

    actually nitesh - i think there is more to it. if you go back and look at Swades - taran gave a crappy review. and then had the balls to write a open letter to Ashutosh. and then had the temerity to write another piece saying that ashutosh called him and thanked him for his views blah blah. So it was a very safe bet, given that Ashutosh has suitably stoked Taran’s ego, he was going to give JA a great review.
    now i do believe that Taran is a smart idiot - meaning he has some inside news on box office. So i am pretty sure this movie will do very well. Actually, you have to give Taran credit as a BO guy - he is usually right about 90% of the times. Of course, when he is wrong - he doesnt admit it. I like his idea of only reporting movie’s BO performance in the first week - that way he can safely predict and say i told you so based on hype and advance booking numbers.

  25. Comment by beldevere on 13 February 2008:

    as for going to sleep from april - no chance in heaven pal. thats when our fav hero’s movie is releasing ;-)

  26. Comment by beldevere on 13 February 2008:

    btw nitesh - pls block some season seats for us SRK fans to come and watch some IPL games in Cal :-) pal

  27. Comment by Nitesh on 13 February 2008:

    “pls block some season seats for us SRK fans to come and watch some IPL games in Cal pal”

    just need to tell me which match you want to go…and you will have SRK himself along with his cigs next to your seat…;)

    “Actually, you have to give Taran credit as a BO guy - he is usually right about 90% of the times. Of course, when he is wrong - he doesnt admit it.”

    agree….Taran was never a good critic…but had good knoledge of trade..so he is playing to his strength when he writes his review…
    I know lot’s of people who watch only hit films….or an exceptionally and critically well-received film….

    that’s when reviewers like Taran plays a part…

    The main reason is the slow death of good critics with the advent of forced-critics like Raja Sen on a massy site like rediff…people have lost faith on good reviews….
    Others like Nikhat Kazmi, and TOI group favours the khans and hence have lost credibility…Rest come on TV (Kaveri Bamzai, Rajeev Masand, etc) and seems to be heavily inspired by hollywood when reviewing…i mean only 2 kind of people know if a movie is a take off from a hollywood film…the director and the TV reviwers…juntaa give a damn about it…:)

    as 3 things propel viewers…
    1. promos
    2. Friend’s wom
    3. BO performance

    while JA lacked fire in 1, initial round for 2 has been won….a good show in 2 and then the main crown 3 will be the icing on the cake.

  28. Comment by Nitesh on 13 February 2008:

    “as for going to sleep from april - no chance in heaven pal. thats when our fav hero’s movie is releasing …”

    LOL…your fav hero is going to have a nice time with Sarkaar raaj and Jodha.

  29. Comment by kmkm13 on 13 February 2008:

    now i do believe that Taran is a smart idiot I JUST COULDN’T RESIST :)

  30. Comment by Ach on 13 February 2008:

    nitesh - m still in hibernation

    beld - taran’s review is never a critically accepted one … taran giving thumbs up means that the movie is appealing for the masses … this time he has predicted a blockbuster … thats the good news.

    critical acclaim or not is scheduled in due time.

  31. Comment by Nitesh on 13 February 2008:

    ‘this time he has predicted a blockbuster … thats the good news.’

    no doubt about it

  32. Comment by Qalandar on 13 February 2008:

    I didn’t read this review because of Taran’s tendency to give away crucial details without warning (I especially don’t want anyone to give away the twist — shaadi hui kay nahin hui? :-))…will revisit after I see the movie, but the start looks to be a great one on the review-front…good news for the film!

  33. Comment by som on 13 February 2008:

    wow!!!! i am not surprised atall.this is just the begining, aage aage dekho hota hai kya.

  34. Comment by som on 13 February 2008:

    but i would still wait for the audience’s response which matters the most .Taran had also given a 4 star rating to Mangal Pandey and we all know how the movie fared.i hope it does not happen this time.

  35. Comment by AksFilmi on 13 February 2008:

    First reaction on this review & Rating was like Awesomee !!! then Review looked gud but later i realized that Yeh tho Taran ne likha So relax

  36. Comment by akshay shah on 13 February 2008:

    WOW……Ashutosh does it again..a hattrick of masterpieces if this review is to go by:) CANT WAIT!!!!!

  37. Comment by Sid on 13 February 2008:

    “now i do believe that Taran is a smart idiot - meaning he has some inside news on box office.” LOL Bel - agree though! :-)

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