Jodha Akbar: Lost in a Yudh-War review

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Topic started by rom on Thu Feb 14 15:51:43 2008. [Full View]

Jodha Akbar: Lost in a Yudh-War

jodha lost in a yudh-war]
if there ever was a war fought for so many lost causes,then it would have to be this tale of the great mogul retold in the most insipid manner with as many historical fantasies as a phantasmagoric mind can conjure ,never mind its miscast ,misconceived and misdirected from the word go .akbar is mr roshan who looks like a steroid gym bunny with the squeaky voice of a mouse,who spends ihis spare time taming toothless elephants and doing some ninja routines with his shirt off in the palace courtyard a la jackie chan,his virginal wife is a rajput princess who is married against her will as a political pawn,but insists on keeping her virginity for some unexplained reasons, while singing devotional songs ,badly tuned by mr.a.r,rehman,who also is responsible for the most inept background musical score in a historical epic,it varies from screeching to plain out of tune quawallis,poor jodha [ash]is left a sulking virgin as a result of a deadly misunderstanding created by akbars protective WET NURSE,PLAYES AWFULLY BY ILA ARUN in easily the worst performance since stone age,as the bride is sent packing back home, a horde of political conspiracies are being hatched by the vamp and villain and this becomes a typical bollywood formula of boy meets girl,loses girl ,sings songs and live happily ever after,but frankly by that time i was too fed up to endure this audio-visual torture and it is a royal torture in the true sense as it is over 3 hours long ,with a mix of everything that hollywood and bollywood have made since 1940 in the name of historical epics,the script borrows shamelessly from troy to mughaleazam to meera ,except come up with some really decent dialogue or even a remotely dramatic sense of proportion,the supporting cast looks more like a motley gang of clowns from a circus then a royal court and the urdu accents are atrocious ,the queen mum is kept standing in the court while akbar and his courtiers feast seated ,and we are talking of the queen hameeda bano,who has a magnificent edifice built in her memory by her son in delhi,the factual distortion is so screwed up you cant even say they are loopholes ,in fact its a canal through which you can sail the titanic,but that shipping disaster is nothing compared to this humorless ,dry as a bone epic,devoid of any juice or spice,this is even worse the last years taj mahal and that was bad enough.this is total hokum with sets which look like colors smudged onto the screen as if the moguls,who built wonders would bear to even go near these technicolour idiosyncracies which resemble the abodes of common nautch girls then sheesh mahal ,so painstakingly constructed by the great k.asif for mughaleazam ,shame on gowarikar and everyone associated with this third rate rip off , mr .roshan take some elocution and acting lessons,for its simply not enough to just have a hunky physique to make it as a HOLLYWOOD HOPEFUL,you also need some God given talent,which both mrs bachan and mr roshan are badly in need of, but unfortunately talent does not grow on trees.

Rate: *

usman khawaja.

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From: Ramakrishna on Sat Feb 16 4:16:32 2008. [Full View]

Jodhaa Akbar Review by Taran Adarsh....

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.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 Gowarikar'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 Gowarikarmakes 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 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 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 Gowarikarknows 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 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!
From: Ramakrishna on Sat Feb 16 4:19:37 2008. [Full View]

Jodhaa Akbar is a spectacular watch

Set against the bloody and turbulent period of the 16th century when Akbar is consolidating his empire through unorthodox alliances that includes a marriage to a spirited Rajput princess, Jodhaa Akbar is a leisurely and overdrawn film, which is nevertheless magical for good part.

In a way it is like reading an epic Russian novel. There are too many characters and too much happening. But if you can read through the first 50 pages, you get hooked.

In the case of this magnificently mounted and often thrilling film, with a career defining performance by Hrithik Roshan [Images], the first 20 minutes look like a boring and at times, confusing history lesson which would have become burdensome but for the sonorous narration by Amitabh Bachchan [Images].

But once princess Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai [Images] Bachchan) is persuaded by her father (Khulbhusan Kharbandha) to forego an arranged marriage to a Rajput prince and marry the young Muslim ruler (Hrithik), the film begins to blossom, and hold your attention.

The film is about three hours and 30 minutes but once it hooks you, the length does not matter.

Never mind how the film, which reportedly cost $10 million, will fare at the box office, there is no denying that it is arguably one of the most spectacular films India has made. Two of its musical numbers, Khwaja Mere Khwaja and Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah, are among the film's highlights. The former, a beautifully choreographed Sufi number, which is enthralling and accompanied with gentle trans-inducing movement, takes place at a crucial moment in the film. So does the second number, performed with vigorous dancing, which fills the screen soon after Akbar has consolidated his hold. Add to these songs, the splendidly staged action scenes, especially the sword fight between Akbar and Jodhaa, and a number of battle scenes, and you then have a spectacular epic.

There are times you feel the changes Akbar goes through could have been better narrated but one applauds writer Haider Ali and director Ashutosh Gowariker for not making Akbar a one-dimensional cartoon figure. In one of the most important sequences in the film, for instance, you see Akbar giving into his baser instincts, as he orders a cruel death to a palace traitor.

A still from Jodhaa AkbarIt is not that the royal intrigues and violent confrontations go away after the Jodhaa and Akbar wedding. But the relationship between Jodhaa and Akbar, which is often fraught with misunderstandings and continually challenged by the Muslim clergy and the powers behind the throne like the foster mother Mahan Anga (a hypnotic Ila Arun), becomes the film's main occupation.

The main business then is how slowly the political alliance that created the marriage between Jodhaa and Akbar is turned into a loving and respectful relationship, and how the young emperor deals with the orthodox Muslim establishment, and proclaims religious pluralism. And how in the process he ensures his Hindu wife is given the due respect.

Some historians and viewers may question the plot lines developed in the film. Some may wonder why the film does not show any indication how, in his later years, Akbar would not allow his son to marry a court dancer.

But it is suffice to say that the Akbar we see in the film is quite an intriguing, colourful and tough ruler. And Hrithik brings his muscular presence and charismatic personality to make the role his own. Watch him negotiating with Jodhaa their troubled marriage, and the tense scene in which he saves the life of a friend and tames a wild elephant. Also, watch him in one of the most moving scenes in the film when he reveals to Jodhaa a crucial aspect of his education. Watch also his expressions when he discovers the betrayal by one of the most trusted persons of the royal household and how he lets his mother (an impressive Punam Sinha) come back fully into his life.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has never looked this gorgeous. Some of her dramatic scenes are weakly performed but she whips up excellent chemistry with Hrithik.

The film could have gained considerably if the secondary parts have been played with power. As Jodhaa's brother Sujamal -- who is estranged from the family -- Sonu Sood is rather weak. And as such his rebellion and subsequent change of heart do not carry the required emotional weight. The women fare better in the secondary characters.

Working with A R Rahman following Swades [Images] and Lagaan [Images], Gowariker makes an excellent use of the five intricate tunes. The first song, Manmohana, which unfolds at a delicate moment disappears after a minute, and is deftly brought back at an important juncture many minutes later.

Rahman triumphs as a composer whose score, now sonorous, now very light, adds to the film's many moods.

Cinematographer Kiran Deohans not only captures well the vivid battle scenes but also the close ups that convey the growing relationship between Akbar and Jodhaa. Some of the film's most arresting visual scenes come at the end of the Sufi song when Akbar is bathed in celestial light.

Whether it is Rahman, Deohans, the choreographers or the stunt coordinator Ravi Dewan, Gowariker has shown once again what a great team builder he is. The next time he should try doing something very radical for him: make a two hour long, seamless but a pulsating film that has all the passion and intrigue of his previous films.

http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/feb/14jodhaa.htm
From: rajasaranam on Mon Feb 18 2:39:33 2008. [Full View]

what a dud movie! worth not a review
From: thilak4life on Mon Feb 18 2:41:42 2008. [Full View]

RS, I guess that's the general opinion, other than Rajeev Masand, and likes
From: MADDY on Wed Feb 20 2:11:39 2008. [Full View]

thilak4life wrote:

RS, I guess that's the general opinion, other than Rajeev Masand, and likes

can u define "general" here??

yea, the reviewers would have called it a classic if there is blood-dripping gang rape scene of Jodhabhai in the movie ......

From: thilak4life on Wed Feb 20 2:59:34 2008.

[Full View]

MADDY wrote:

thilak4life wrote:

RS, I guess that's the general opinion, other than Rajeev Masand, and likes LOL

can u define "general" here??

yea, the reviewers would have called it a classic if there is blood-dripping gang rape scene of Jodhabhai in the movie Laughing

......

This "general" is the "general" from PFC, blogging, and other web koottam.

But I think I'll like it, being an AG fan..

From: dsath on Tue Mar 25 9:22:31 2008. [Full View]

Finally managed to watch the movie in the big screen.
I quite enjoyed the movie. Needless to say it was grand from the word go.
What I liked about the movies is the subtlety of romance between the lead pair and Hrithik's acting skill. I am no big fan of Hrithik, but have to admit that he was a treat to watch.
And what I didn't like was Aishwariya. Aishwariya was beautiful in all that gorgeous cholis and jewellery, but she did not do justice to the character. Ashutosh has etched a strong female character in the 16th century which unfortunately did not come across in the movie.
Especially in the scene when she puts forth her conditions and her actions in the sword fighting skills made me think that she had watched 'Crouching tiger....' many many times.
About the historical inaccuracy....... when the school history books change according to the government, how can we except correct history (if ever there is one such thing) from a bollywood movie ?
From: happyindian on Sun Mar 30 10:46:15 2008. [Full View]

Wish they had shown more romance b/w Aby's baby's biwi and Suzanne's shohar...obviously the director played safe after the dhoom2 episode

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