Jodhaa Akbar

Movie Poster
Directed by	Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced by	Ronnie Screwvala Ashutosh Gowariker
Written by	Haidar Ali Ashutosh Gowariker K.P.Saxena
Starring	Hrithik Roshan Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan
Music by	A. R. Rahman
Cinematography	Kiran Deohans
Editing by	Ballu Saluja
Distributed by	UTV Motion Pictures
Release date(s)	February 15, 2008
Language	Hindi / Urdu

Jodhaa-Akbar (Hindi: जोधा-अकबर, Urdu: جودھا اکبر) is a film released on February 15, 2008. It is directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, the director of the Academy Award-nominated Lagaan (2001). It stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles. This film also marks the debut of newcomer Abir Abrar. Extensive research went into the making of this film which begun shooting at Karjat.

The film centers around the romance between the Muslim Mughal Emperor Akbar, played by Hrithik Roshan and his Hindu wife, Jodhabai, played by Aishwarya Rai. The music is composed by acclaimed music composer A. R. Rahman. The soundtrack of the movie was released on January 19, 2008.

Synopsis

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.

Political success knew no bounds for Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan). 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. Through a shrewd blend of diplomacy, intimidation and brute force , Akbar won the allegiance of the Rajputs. But little did Akbar know that when he married Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), 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. Jodhaa-Akbar is their untold love story.

Production

Ashutosh Gowariker hired a research team of historians and scholars from New Delhi, Aligarh, Lucknow, Agra and Jaipur to guide him on this film and help him keep things historically accurate. He clarified that the name of the film remains Jodhaa-Akbar, and not Akbar-Jodhaa as reported by sections of the media. Over 80 elephants, 100 horses and 55 camels were used in the movie. Name Of Main Titled “Azeem O Shan, Shahenshah”, the song featured about one thousand dancers in traditional costumes, wielding swords and shields at a grand location in Karjat. The budget was about 37 crore Rupees (approx 7.42 million USD).

The first television promo was aired on 9th December, 2007.

The movie used over 400 kg of gold jewelery made by Tanishq.

Reception

[1]The film has been received well at US and UK box-office. The film has grossed $1.3 million dollars in the first weekend in the North American box office. But, the film has received a below average reception at the Indian box office.

[2]Hindustan Times, a leading Indian newspaper gave the movie 2 stars. Khalid Mohammed, reviewer for the paper calling, "Like it or not Ashutosh Gowariker, who is normally a fine and conscientious director, has miscalculated the technical logistics and emotional content of a period piece. Crucial detailing isn’t the virtue here."

[3]AOL India (Noyon Jyoti Parasara) gave it four stars, saying " Ashutosh Gowariker has proved that he is one of the best filmmakers we have today. While your heart goes for the love between the two protagonists, the film leaves you at such heights of emotions that you would literally be shaking with excitement! The film also comes at a very right time as Akbar indeed could be a role model for people and rulers today. The king not only had a secular vision, but also a will to know what the common man wanted, apart from being kind hearted and noble,"

[4]New york times gave the movie a positive review, comparing Ashutosh Gowariker to Cecil DeMille.

[5]Deepika Shetty, a famous Singapore film critic, called the film a " visual treat " and gave it a good 4 stars out of 5.