Writer/Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai and Sonu Sood
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actresses in India have created movies which satisfy audiences like Aishwarya Rai. Ever since her rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Rai has become a beloved actress that has made memorable movies. Whether it’s bold historic figures, doomed lovers or rebellious daughters, Rai has portrayed several strong characters. Arguably, Rai’s best strength as an actress has often been her bravery. She is one of those rare actresses which hasn’t been afraid of taking risks in her career by taking on controversial characters. Through her ability to create strong female heroines audiences can relate to, Rai has become a great actress whose work audiences value. Throughout her impressive career, Rai has made several unforgettable movies that are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Rai and adore all the films which she has made in her career. However, “Jodhaa Akbar” definitely stands out as her most meaningful movie. Released in 2008, Ashutosh Gowariker’s film offered a strong portrayal of Mughal emperors. Packed with breathtaking production, strong storytelling and powerful acting, it’s a bold Bollywood historical masterpiece. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Aishwarya Rai, who embodies a princess experiencing a troublesome marriage. Ultimately, what makes “Jodhaa Akbar” a masterpiece is its bold appeal. Unlike most historical films in India, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with ancient Indian history to appreciate it. A mesmerizing historical masterpiece, there are several reasons why “Jodhaa Akbar” is worth watching.
Set in 16th Century India, “Jodhaa Akbar” tells a story of an ancient marriage that changed history forever. Aishwarya Rai plays Jodhaa, a Rajput princess with big dreams. Jodhaa has always followed the traditions of her family which she values highly. However, Jodhaa’s life drastically changes when she becomes married to a Mughal emperor. Jalaluddin Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) is a legendary emperor that’s in charge of running a war-torn country. In spite of their differences in religion, Jodhaa and Akbar form a strong connection. As Jodhaa forms a strong alliance with Akbar, she begins to appreciate a sacred part of Indian culture. Together, Jodhaa and Akbar form a strong marriage that changes Indian history forever.
Ashutosh Gowariker is fascinated with lives of historical figures. A fantastic filmmaker in India, Gowariker has often made amazing films in the historic genre. His film “Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India” offered a strong portrait of villagers that participate in tense cricket games in India. With “Jodhaa Akbar”, however, Gowariker made his first historical film about ancient Mughal emperors. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of Mughal emperors which transformed history but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Gowariker captures a Mughal emperor embarking upon journeys to change history. Emulating Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator”, Gowariker employs low camera angles to capture Mughal emperors that are in positions of power. For instance, the low camera angles enhance the congregations scene. During this intense scene, Akbar is given a chance to deliver a speech towards his people in a congregation. Using stunning camera angles, Gowariker crafts a portrait of emperors that’s compelling. Using strong visuals, Gowariker captures tension Mughal emperors are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Jodhaa Akbar” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood historical films you will ever see. Inspired by K. Asif’s “Mughal-E-Azam”, Gowariker successfully uses set-design to capture brave Mughal emperors that shine. Throughout the movie, the sets play a role showcasing Akbar’s passionate personality. For instance, the set design enhances the Khwaja Mere Khwaja song. During this bold song, Akbar dances to a song expressing his devotion to religion. Using captivating sets, Gowariker captured hardships faced by Mughal emperors. Moreover, the music score is magnificent. A.R. Rahman’s music contributed to the success of the movie. It gives the film tense atmosphere capturing the painful burden Mughal emperors bear. Using phenomenal production, Gowariker captures Mughal emperors that experience tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Jodhaa Akbar” is a historical drama about India that’s engaging. The film is extremely well-written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture the tension ancient emperors are facing. Throughout the film, Akbar’s emotional monologues showcase his strong position of power as an emperor. For instance, the monologues enhance the betrayal scene. During this heartfelt scene, Akbar becomes upset after he discovers his mother has betrayed him in an emotional monologue. Through stunning monologues, Gowariker crafts a portrait of Mughal kings audiences can relate to. Monologues aren’t easy techniques to use in movies. As Aditya Chopra’s “Mohabbatein” proved, dramatic monologues elevate Bollywood films about college. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through an excellent screenplay, Gowariker captures Mughal emperors which face a price to pay.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Aishwarya Rai delivers one of her greatest performances as Jodhaa. Rai first earned appreciation for playing romantic heroines in Bollywood movies. With “Jodhaa Akbar,” however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary princess in Indian history but she succeeds. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most meaningful role. With engaging expressions, she captures the angst, brave nature and rebellion of a princess. It’s a bold performance from one of the best actresses In India today.
Hrithik Roshan is remarkable as an ancient Mughal emperor with dedication to care for a broken nation. While Rai gets the showier role, Roshan is also excellent in the role of a Mughal emperor with a goal. Whether he is having an intense argument with his mother over her deceitful nature or flirting with his lover, Roshan uses strong body language to craft an emperor that’s compelling. Roshan has always excelled at playing leaders that have position of power, and “Jodhaa Akbar” showcases his strengths as an actor. It’s an extraordinary performance from one of the greatest actors that’s working in Bollywood today.
Finally, “Jodhaa Akbar” will earn recognition of everyone for honouring ancient emperors in danger. Unlike most Bollywood historical dramas, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes such as ambition, mental health and trauma that would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of Mughal emperors to admire it. Therefore, “Jodhaa Akbar” is one of those rare Indian historical dramas everyone would definitely adore.
Fans of Aishwarya Rai will definitely admire “Jodhaa Akbar” and so will audiences that seek historical entertainment. A captivating Bollywood historical drama, it celebrates an actress that’s beloved in India.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood historical film about an ancient Mughal emperor whose marriage faces disaster, it’s a marvellous reminder of an Indian actress that built a successful career through her abilities to portray strong characters with a charming nature in memorable films throughout her career audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 