Movie Review

By Maanav Gupta
Roll No.-23341
Class-BFIA
Introduction
Name of the Film: Jodha Akbar
Director: Ashutosh Gowarikar
Writer: Haider Ali
Genre : History, Culture, Romance
Cast :Hritik Roshan, Ashwariya Rai Bachchan,
Sonu Sood, Poonam Sinha
Duration: 3 hours 33minutes
language: Hindi
Rating : 7.5/10
Summary
The film is set in the 16th century and begins with the marriage alliance between Emperor
Akbar and Jodha Bai, a Rajput princess from Amer. The marriage is a political move to
strengthen the ties between the Mughal Empire and the Rajputs. However, it begins on a
rocky note as Jodha Bai is initially resistant to the marriage due to her fear of Mughal
culture and religion.
Gradually, Akbar and Jodha Bai's relationship evolves as they learn to understand and
respect each other's beliefs and cultures. Jodha Bai even challenges Akbar's policies and
eventually wins his respect for her intelligence and courage.
As their love deepens, they face various challenges, including political conspiracies,
rebellions, and external threats to the Mughal Empire. Akbar's vision of religious tolerance
and unity is central to the film's narrative, and he works to promote these ideals throughout
his reign.
In summary, "Jodhaa Akbar" is a historical drama that explores the love story and political
alliance between Emperor Akbar and Jodha Bai, set against the backdrop of the Mughal
Empire in the 16th century. It highlights themes of cultural diversity, religious tolerance,
and the challenges of ruling a vast empire.
Analysis
The film boasts outstanding performances from its lead actors. Hrithik Roshan's portrayal of
Emperor Akbar is nothing short of brilliant. He captures the complexity of the character, from
the youthful exuberance to the growth into a wise and just ruler. Aishwarya Rai also delivers a
commendable performance as Jodha Bai, striking a balance between vulnerability and
strength.
Jodha Akbar is a visual treat. The grandeur of the Mughal era is beautifully depicted through
elaborate sets, opulent costumes, and breathtaking cinematography. The film's production
values are top-notch, making it a visual spectacle that transports the audience to a bygone era.
While the film draws inspiration from historical events, it takes creative liberties for dramatic
effect. Some historical inaccuracies may bother purists, but the film's focus is on storytelling
rather than strict historical accuracy.
The film's runtime is over three hours, which may be a challenge for some viewers. The pacing
can feel slow at times, especially in the first half, as it focuses on the development of the
relationship between Akbar and Jodha Bai. However, the slow build-up is essential for
character development and establishing the cultural clash that forms the core of the story.
Conclusion
The film highlights India's rich religious diversity. It showcases the coexistence of multiple
faiths, including Hinduism and Islam, within the Mughal Empire. Emperor Akbar's policy of
religious tolerance, as depicted in the film, reflects India's historical commitment to religious
pluralism.
Jodha Akbar presents a colorful portrayal of cultural traditions. From traditional Rajput
rituals to Mughal court customs, viewers are exposed to the cultural richness of both Rajput
and Mughal societies. These traditions are depicted through elaborate costumes, music,
dance, and ceremonies.
The film showcases the architectural marvels of the Mughal Empire, such as the grand
palaces, forts, and monuments. This reflects India's historical excellence in art and
architecture, with a particular emphasis on Persian and Islamic influences.
The characters in the film communicate in a blend of Hindi and Persian, reflecting the
linguistic diversity of the time. The presence of Persian poetry and literature in the film
highlights India's engagement with Persian culture during the Mughal era.
The film portrays traditional Indian values, including family bonds, respect for elders, and
the importance of honor and integrity. These values are depicted through the characters'
relationships and interactions.