THE LONG awaited 40 crore venture of Ashutosh Gowariker Productions Pvt Ltd (AGPPL) and UTV Motion Pictures Plc is finally out to colour the viewers amid controversies. Although the beginning makes it very clear that Akbar’s Hindu wife was called by many names like Harka Bai etc. But he successfully brings out the Indian colours, which blend two cultures in form of a unique love story.

 

Although the Karni Sabha in Rajasthan is against it and Kshatriya Mahasabha has warned to intensify its agitation yet the viewers are flocking towards it. “Hum Hindustan ko galat haatho mein nahi jaane denge” (we won’t let India fall into the wrong hands) was the dialogue uniting all the consequences of the much awaited historical drama.

 

However, the editing is a bit loose, as Ashutosh (Ashu) was suffering because of his back problem. The pace of the film would have been as spell binding as Lagaan, if his health would have been fine.

 

The Sufi flavour by music maestro AR Rehman had done justice to the story but still needs to rule the hearts and souls with the music. An Emperor dancing on the tune of “Khwaja Mere Khwaja” is the scene worth watching. “Jashne Bahara” is another slow yet heart touching song, which may rule only once people watch the movie.

 

The background scores, along with the scenes, make you feel the power of Rehman, and his music. The dialogues, which have stolen the show, were written by KP Saxena and are the USP of the movie. He is a sheer wordsmith whose efficient command on Urdu has left a long-lasting impact on his viewers. The dialogues have been presented in a compact and unique style, which had not been witnessed for long. 

 

The movie is a masterpiece, if you understand the initial political twists. Little Jellaluddin was made the emperor at an early age after death of Humayun, where Bairam Khan ruled Hindustan under his name.

 

A grown up Jellaluddin hears his conscience for the first time when he wins the battle of Panipat and spares the life of Rajputs against him. He preferred a peaceful coexistence with Rajputs, which was disapproved by Bairam Khan that made Jellaluddin retire Khan from his affairs.

 

On the other hand princess Jodhaa, an already engaged princess, learnt the art of fighting from her brother Sujamal, who was to be crowned as the heir of Barmal. But due to some misconceptions, he was not awarded with this opportunity. Sujamal felt cheated and conspires with Sharefuddin, Jellaluddin’s brother-in-law for Barmal, as he extends his support against Jellaluddin who wanted to dethrone him. Taking a note of the tensed situation, king of Barmal, takes the refuge of the Mughal emperor. Annoyed Rajputs threaten that they would never marry daughters of their states with any of their citizens and vice versa. This results in breaking off Jodhaa’s engagement with the prince. Barmal’s king pleads Akbar to marry Jodhaa as a political step towards the welfare of the common masses of his land, which he accepts after consideration.

 

But Jodhaa has her own set of rules, which she frankly puts before the emperor of Hindustan. As Jellaluddin accepts the conditions of safeguarding her religion and promises Jodhaa a temple, the marriage between two cultures and religions take place.

 

Jellaluddin not only wins the faith of Jodhaa but also gives her the place of Mallika-e-Hindustan. In the meanwhile, the internal politics in Agra fort intensify the ego clash between Jodhaa and his most respected motherly maid Maha Manga. The display of Rajasthani culture in form of Chappan Bhog and tasty dishes along with politics are some of the best moments of the movie. But Jodhaa becomes a victim of a plot laid by Jellaluddin’s motherly maid.

 

As truth rules over, Jellaluddin comes to know of the consequences that had taken place. He also leaves the cunning maid and accepts Jodhaa and goes to Barmal to get her back.

 

The elephant fighting scene, the romantic fight between Jodhaa- Jellaluddin and the romantic illumination of mirror were some of the best scenes in this spell binding drama. Kiran Deohans has made a very impressing comeback after Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gam. The cinematography of the song “Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah” deserves a special mention as Rahman and Kiran rock.

 

Ashu engaged as many as four choreographers to bring out the dance sequences of the film, as he did not want to keep any stone unturned. “You can win states but you need a heart to rule them” were the words that inspire Jellaluddin to take the path of the social welfare.

 

He not only evades Mehsoor charged from the Hindu pilgrims, but also makes himself accessible to the general citizens and risks his life. This makes him the most loved Mughal Emperor of all times.