Customer Reviews
A modern day epic. - By: DangermouseZilla, 21 Oct 2008 
Lavish. That's the best word to describe this film. The packaging itself is lavish - a card sleeve with metallic looking images holds the 3 disk set, even the message at the beginning of the feature to say that no animals were harmed during filming is donein an extravagant way! The colours jump out at youin this film, almost every scene is saturatedin a mixture of deep or bright tones, often contrasting to stimulate your eyes into an optical frenzy!
The film starts like a good old fashioned war epic, but the stylish modern directing style is evident & brings the film right up-to-date. The plot is a bit spoon-fed, with a narrator establishing the scene & describing the state of Hindustan during the 16th Century. Butin a film of complex political intrigue & dynastical bonds - a little help is welcome!
As someone with a limited knowledge of religion - this film proved to be a fascinating insight into the basic differences between Hindu & Islamic faiths, & the consequences of how strong the reaction can be when the two clash. And the centre of that clash is the budding romance between the Emperor & his new, but reluctant Empress.
In many ways this is the ultimate feminist film, Jodhaa calls all the shots & everything that happens, happens on her terms. Hritik is perfectly cast as the Emperor Akbar. His physique commands the power such a role needs, whilst his boyish charm reflects the vulnerability & compassion of a man who came to power when just a child. The romance between the two is genuinely intriguing, & is given energy by the opposition it receives from all those around it.
In a nutshell: This is the story of how a boy Emperor becomes a man & though often ruthless, he attempts to unite the nation by preaching acceptance. His decisions court controversy, & gestures & actions are loaded with politics & power play. The Emperor Akbar & his Empress Jodhaa, are both united & isolated by a very unconventional marriage.
Despite the description (unless the page has been updated) this is a 3 DVD set. The first & second DVDs contains the first & second parts of this three & a half hour film, whilst the third contains special features.
pretty good - By: Ms. L. Mcnally, 05 Oct 2008 
I did enjoy this film but it felt a little vapid. there was something missing as if it followed the basic bollywood formula but without much that really stood out.
the king's goodness & compassion made him endearing but as the movie went on it was too repetitive & too familiar, there was nothing very origional.
i, however, did like the era that this movie was setin & it was nice to learn a little about that time, (at least the movie version) & the interplay between muslim & hindu characters was great. the constant theme running through the film is religious persicution battling religious harmony.
there is a great attempt at depth & the central message of peace & acceptance of all religions,displayedin the character of the Mughal king ,is as neededin today's world as it was thenin 16th century India.
this film is presentedin beautiful dvd packaging with 3 discs & 10 large screen shot postcards. it is also a very beautiful film of epic scope, beautiful costumes & palaces. there are some very warming sentiments made by the king towards the religion & traditions of his new wife played by aishwarya rai but appart from this she seems to serve no other function of her ownin the film. she seems to only be there to show the kings efforts to win her heart & HIS great kindness towards her & the Hindu people.
very beautiful, important central message but lacking that special something. good but not a bollywood great. perhaps worth buying for just for the beautiful presentation of the dvds. worth the moneyin that respect.
Collector's edition... - By: Jasmine, 20 Sep 2008 I haven't actually watched the DVD yet, as I only got it today... But I thought people might find it interesting to know that this is the collector's edition with 3 DVDs & postcards. It didn't say it was this editionin the product details, so imagine my surprise when I opened the box to see that it was the collector's edition with deleted scenes & extra features!
Such an epic! - By: Lamaline, 30 Aug 2008 
I am not very knowledgeable about Bollywood films so when I bought this one I basically did because of Miss Rai I love.
The film is beautifully staged & directed, there is not too much singing & the story is such an epic of love & war & it makes you jump & participatein front of your TV.
I had a great time. Had to stop to put the second partin but what a film!
Sensual Rush - By: Antyllus, 27 Aug 2008 Directed & produced by Ashutosh Gowariker 'Jodhaa Akbar' is a commensurate sensual feast of colours & sounds. The music is composed by A. R. Rahman. Also by the same director the acclaimed Lagaan [2001]
Really one of the best Bollywood films I have seen recently! It is a fitting, if heavily fictionalised, tribute to Akbar - one of the greatest Moghul emperors. Some of the political aspects though are based on real events - omitted however is the forceful conversion of many Hindi to Islam & the conversion to mosques or destruction of Hindu temples during his reign.
The name "Jodha" was used for Akbar's wife for the first time by Lieutenant-Colonel James Tod,in his book The Annals & Antiquities of Rajasthan: Central & Western Rajput States of India Vol 1-3. Jodha Bai was really the wife of Prince Salim, the future emperor Jahangir.
The film had encountered some criticismin certain states of Indida & was banned from cinemas (now overturned).
The story centers on the romance between the Muslim Mughal Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) & his Hindu wife, Harka Bai, renamed Mariam-uz-Zamani - Jodhabai (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan)in the film. Then as now prejudices & religious intolerance held sway. The love story builds around this & the various political intrigues of the empire. Jodhaa, the daughter of King Bharmal of Amer, resents being a mere political pawnin a marriage of alliance. Akbar's biggest challengein this movie is winning the love of Jodhaa - against the prejudicial opinions. Jodhaa-Akbar is their untold love story.
Akbar was known for his wisdom & fainress. One can still see the wonderful discussion roomin Fatehpur Sikri, the former imperial city of Akbar at Sikandra about 8 km from the city of Agra, where Akbar assembled religious representatives from different faiths for discussions. Akbar stated that no religion is better than any other & one can find religious solacein any faith. The name 'Jesus' also features on one of the gatesin the city. Elizabeth I sent letters to Akbar whose fame as a wise & just monarch had even spread to the English court. Akbar was an artisan, artist, armorer, blacksmith & theologian.
The film however,in what it wishes to represent, is a great feast of colours sounds & movement for eyes & ears. Fantastic!
