Jodhaa

Amidst a controversy of historical inaccuracies and distortions the Movie Jodha Akbar has been released. It was a pleasant surprise when my sister called up and said she had one more ticket for me at the Sathyam. Though not really looking forward to seeing this lengthy movie, I was in for one more surprise. 

I was glued to my seat and  came out with satisfaction as it gave me  a lot of food for thought- brushed up my history and helped me see  the movie with a different perspective and led  to  drawing room discussions with my sister  and b- in-law.

Jodhaa Akbar is a sixteenth century love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a great Mughal emperor, Akbar, and a Rajput princess, Jodhaa.

Encouraged by his uncle Bairam Khan Akbar tastes success at a young age. Politically, success knew no bounds for Emperor Akbar. After having secured the Hindu Kush, he furthered his realm by conquest until his empire extended from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal, and from the Himalayas to the Godavari River. Though illiterate, through a shrewd blend of tolerance, generosity, and force, Akbar won the allegiance of the Rajputs, the most belligerent Hindus. But little did Akbar know that when he married Jodhaa, a fiery Rajput princess, in order to further strengthen his relations with the Rajputs, he would in turn be embarking upon a new journey - the journey of true love.

The daughter of King Bharmal of Amer, 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 Jodhaa – a love hidden deep below resentment and extreme prejudice.

Jodha  portrayed as a strong character by Aishwarya Bachchan, a Rajput woman who trains with  sword and also  holds on her  own, demanding that her religious  and Rajput culture be respected, gains the respect of  the Mughals and is acknowledged as the Mallika – e- Hindostan,   a character well portrayed by Aishwarya.

Though the historical fact is still doubted by many, Jodhaa comes as a refreshing change to celebrate International Women’s Day. The fact that it is related to Indian history and that too a very important period of Mughal history infuses great pride in us.

The Sufi music at Ajmer Dargah and the devotional song of Krishna reinforces the magical touch   that AR Rahman is still the best around. Hrithik as Akbar the great lived the role of Akbar – E - Adam! Amazing cinematography, costumes and opulent sets, war scenarios with a strong screenplay and powerful dialogues, Jodhaa is indeed a pleasing film that sates all the senses. And if you believe in savouring butter popcorn in the cool ambience of Satyam cinemas, it is well worth your time!

-Malini Shankar