JA belongs to Hrithik from start to end -BBC Review
One is perhaps starting to expect too much from director Ashutosh Gowariker after such masterpieces like Lagaan and Swades. But he seems to raise the bar with his historic magnum-opus, Jodhaa Akbar. The ever-selective Hrithik Roshan stars as the benevolent Akbar, the Mughal emperor, who falls in love with gracious Jodhaa, the Hindu Rajput princess, played effortlessly by Aishwarya Rai.
Although the 16th-century love story upon which it's based might be long forgotten, this endearing treatment sears into the memory through sheer size and scale alone.
Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar is a righteous and tolerant emperor, ruler of the Mughal Empire. So tolerant in fact that he accepts a Hindu Rajput princess as his wife under an alliance that gradually blossoms into true love.
The obvious implications of the Hindu/Muslim reconciliation abound, but the sting in all this comes in the form of Maham Anga (Ila Arun), a shrewd and manipulative woman and aunt to Akbar, who plans to eradicate competition from anyone else he holds dear.
She concocts a devious plan that challenges Jodhaa's integrity and results in her being cast out. At the same time, a political storm is brewing elsewhere, as other armies challenge Akbar's honourable rule. But can he conquer hearts as well as minds like the outspoken Jodhaa had once questioned?
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"EVERYTHING IS BIG AND GRAND"
Extensive though it is, Jodhaa Akbar cannot be discussed using small talk. Everything in the film is big and grand: the palaces, the armies and most importantly, the love story. It hits at the heartstrings and somehow has enough energy to sustain itself through the bloated script that perhaps should've been chopped. Ravishing Rai is convincing enough but its Roshan's majestic performance as the love-struck warrior that packs the punch; it's his film from start to finish. Don't let the running time put you off watching this unashamedly epic tale.
Jodhaa Akbar is out in the UK on 14th Feb 2008.
Reviewer's Rating**** User Rating ****
-BBC Reviewed by Tajpal Rathore
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February 17th, 2008 - 01:12
Undoubtedly Rithik did well, bu the movie would not rock i the absence of Aishwara rai. No other actress would have been suitable for this role.
February 18th, 2008 - 07:53
I have seen this movie twice in the last two days and whilst some will find it too long I would have liked more. I cannot believe the chemistry between Hrithik & Ash - this is the best Indian screen couple I have seen since the days of Nargis and Raj Kapoor! They sizzle!
The movie can only be described as MAGNIFICENT!! A true example of a CLASS ACT and India in all it’s glory. What a tribute to Indian Art & Culture! Please do see it on the big screen you will be doing yourself an injustice if you do not! Most worthy of an Oscar nod! Congratulations to India’s biggest and brightest MOVIESTARS and one of the best directors India has seen in recent times!
February 22nd, 2008 - 12:43
its does not matter with which heroine he is paired with
HRITHIK will always leave his stamp on his films
just imagine Jodha Akbar without HRITHIK!!!!!!!!!
impossible isn,t it
This is definitely HRITHIKS,s best performance to date
before this is was Koi Mil Gaya
He has bettered with each movie & each role
A Lover Kaho Na Pyar Hai
A Terrorist in Miision Kashmir & Fiza
A mentally challenged boy in Koi mil gaya
A Armyman in Laqshya
A Superhero in Krrish
A sophisticated Theif in Dhoom2
and
finally a 15th century Emperor
what more u want from a Actor who is hardly 8 years in bollywood
So move aside IMITATING kings,ikkas,cute faces,star sons & wooden models
HERE COMES THE “EMPEROR”
February 22nd, 2008 - 20:53
Great movie…loved it.
Hrithik and Aishwarya are perfect match for these roles.
Thanks Ashutosh for such a superb movie….I started revising our Indian history after watching this movie…
February 23rd, 2008 - 14:25
i think hrithik is the best actor there is in terms of versatility. jodhaa akbar rocks!!! i’ve watched it twice in the last 3 days and i wanna watch it once again. he is truly a shahenshah.
July 29th, 2008 - 21:19
Hrithik was the heart beat of the JA. Anybody can be Jodha but none could be Akbar but Hrithik. yes Ash is very pretty. and when you think of a princess, that pretty face is a requirement. she acted a good script but when there is nothing to act and an actor does things beyond the script’s requirements(which makes the movie exceptional) then that acting reaches the summit. Hrithik reached that height. so far when i have started watching hindi movie i have never seen an actor ,such as, can be so versatile. His first movie that knocks my socks of was Dhoom 2 and i got interested in his film. after that i watched KMG. an oskar winning performance. It was reminding me of Dustine Hoffman’s performance in “Rain Man”. Gee, i hope Indian movie directers know how to manipulate this resource (Hrithik Roshon). I really admire Mr. Ashutosh G for his vision and ability to recognize this guy’s enormous talent.
Oh, ash is so lucky that she got to act with this great Actor of all time.