Print

Please post once and this message will disappear! Introduce yourself, say hello, jump into a discussion...

[LosingNow]

Wow, what a poster. I hope the movie is at a minimum half as good as this poster..
--

--

[sudzz]

WN this movie is doomed for it has Ms Tarantula in it...movies with Ash seldom do well because of her....

[vincent]

I did like Guru though. Probably because she had a small role in it...Rani M. could have been a better fit for this kind of a movie.

[LosingNow]

We will see, sudzz.

I think that finely detailed jewelry looks great on her ..

Gowariker is a good director [despite the final 30 corny minutes in Swades (which was otherwise an excellent film)] and appears to have researched the topic well ... I am expecting a polished treatment of this fascinating topic.

[sudzz]

We will see, sudzz.

I think that finely detailed jewelry looks great on her ..

Gowariker is a good director [despite the final 30 corny minutes in Swades (which was otherwise an excellent film)] and appears to have researched the topic well ... I am expecting a polished treatment of this fascinating topic.

i dont have any qualms about Gowariker's directorial abilities, my concerns are more with the capabilities of acting or lack thereof of Ms Rai/Bachhan....

[feverpitch]

... or that of Bolly hunk Hrithik, whose diction and smart aleck demeanor could turn highly misplaced in a Mughal period epic...

[LosingNow]

First review is out.. but it is from 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 Gowariker'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 Gowariker makes 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 Rai 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 Gowariker knows 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 Rai 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!

4 stars out of 5

[keep-it-cool]

Ok. Now that the crap is out, we can wait for the real reviewers to come out with their stuff.

I hope this works. I am a big Ashutosh Gowarikar fan.

[LosingNow]

Ok. Now that the crap is out, we can wait for the real reviewers to come out with their stuff.

I hope this works. I am a big Ashutosh Gowarikar fan.

BTW, Taran's review of TZP also came out first and he praised the movie.

[keep-it-cool]

He wrote this piece of crap as well. I was scared after I read his review of TZP. It does look like anything with a big star, he is all praises.

By Taran Adarsh, June 27, 2003 - 13:57 IST
http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/7032/index.html

When you saunter to a theatre screening MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON, the expectations are mammoth. After all, director Sooraj R. Barjatya weaved magic in his first three films [MAINE PYAR KIYA, HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN, HUM SAATH-SAATH HAIN]. So, obviously, you expect Sooraj to recreate the magic in MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON as well.

There can only be two diverse opinions after you've seen the film ? either you'd feel that you got what you expected from the film OR the film just didn't measure up to the expectations. Either Sooraj would win the game or lose it.

Rajshri's much-awaited, keenly-anticipated MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON, directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, falls in the first category. To be more specific, Sooraj wins the game for the fourth time!

 MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON tells the story of Sanjana [Kareena Kapoor], who lives in Sunder Nagar with her parents [Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri] and her pets ? parrot Raja and dog Johny. Her elder sister Roopa [Tanaz Currim] is married and settled in the U.S.

Like it happens in most Indian families, when the girl attains marriageable age, her parents start looking out for a well-groomed and settled guy. That's what happens with Sanjana as well.

Roopa has somebody in mind who'd prove to be an ideal husband for Sanjana and what's more, he's also supposed to visit Sunder Nagar to see her, know her and interact with the family.

Enters Prem [Hrithik Roshan], who's a complete opposite of what Sanjana is. But opposites attract and Sanjana finds herself drawn towards Prem. However, there's a twist in the tale?

 Enters Prem's boss, his name is also Prem [Abhishek Bachchan] and he too falls in love with the charming Sanjana. The girl has to choose one of them. Who will it be?

Like his earlier films, Sooraj R. Barjatya's latest film does not have a story that is novel, original or path-breaking. This time too, the story follows the same beaten path, of two guys falling in love with the same girl. But Sooraj's handling of this oft-repeated subject is what makes all the difference.

The Rajshri tradition of wholesome and clean entertainment is evident in MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON as well. But besides the family values and typical Indian emotions, Sooraj gives the film a contemporary look.

Like Sooraj's previous films, MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON has its share of romance, light moments and songs as the story begins. But there's an undercurrent of strong emotions all through.

 Some instances: The bonding between the teachers and students at the very outset or the scene when Kareena admits her love for Hrithik for the first time, as she walks out of her college or the intricate sequence between the father and daughter [Pankaj Kapur ? Kareena], when the father tells her that whatever her opinion of the boy, he's approved of him already or the Valentine Day portions, right till the intermission, have been handled brilliantly.

The turning point in the first half does come as a surprise and the interval point raises the expectations for a dramatic second half. Despite a few deficiencies, the second half comes out a winner, for it is in this half that Sooraj offers what he specialises in ? emotions.

The second half is a triumph from the director's point of view. That Sooraj is a good storyteller, who caters to the demands of the Indian movie-going audience, is well-known by now. But in MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON, it's the treatment that saves an otherwise routine story from sinking.

The second half also has a few brilliant scenes that have the unmistakable stamp of a genius. The Abhishek ? Kareena interaction and how their friendship grows or the sequence when Hrithik learns of Abhishek's engagement to Kareena and even the climax leaves you completely mesmerised.

The climax is the best part of the enterprise. In fact, the drama in the last half-an-hour, during the engagement ceremony, is brilliant. The best part is Sooraj cuts off the melodrama and comes straight to the point. The sequence when Kareena confronts Hrithik [no dialogue] is not just novel, but deserves distinction marks for the writing, treatment and execution.

 Directorially, MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON is a Sooraj R. Barjatya show all the way. The technique is ordinary, the milieu ? like all Rajshri films ? is the same, plus the film has its share of sugar-sweet characters, there's a dog and also a parrot, yet everything looks just right. There're no pretensions to be 'hatke' or to cater to pseudo critics or target the festival circuit. Sooraj weaves a tale and tells it in a fashion that would appeal to the Indian at heart. For that, he deserves a 10 out of 10.

Anu Malik's music has a different sound and the best part is they've been merged beautifully in the script. Yet, one misses a hit composition like 'Didi Tera Dewar Deewana' or 'Kabutar Ja Ja Ja'. Like Sooraj's previous flicks, this one also has a string of songs, but the best ones are 'Chali Aayee', 'Prem? Bani Bani', 'Aur Mohabbat Hain' and 'Ladka Ye Kehta Hain'. Well worded and well tuned, each song has been rendered with a lot of feeling. The choreography [Jay Borade] is apt.

Rajan Kinagi's cinematography is first-rate. The locations of New Zealand and Mauritius are breath-taking of course, but Kinagi has captured them on celluloid beautifully. Bijon Dasgupta's sets are garish at places.

Hrithik Roshan is in top form this time around. The role he's portrayed is of the boy next door and very identifiable, unlike the larger-than-life roles in his past few films. More than anything, his emotional scenes are a revelation. His sequences in the latter part of the film prove that the actor is capable of so much more than just flexing his muscles.

 Kareena Kapoor is a delight to watch. She's gotten into the skin of the character and portrayed her part with utmost conviction. The actress is remarkable all through the film. The best part is that she has made an effort to look and perform differently this time around. This is one performance that is bound to be an instant hit with one and all.

Abhishek Bachchan underplays his part well. However, the length of the role doesn't give him much scope to display histrionics.

Pankaj Kapur is fabulous. His contribution to the emotional sequences is tremendous. Himani Shivpuri is excellent, especially in the first half and also towards the interval point. Rima is alright. Johny Lever is okay. Raja [parrot] and Johny [dog] are sure to be liked by the kids. The animation is flawless and will also be liked.

On the whole, MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON is a worthy successor to Sooraj R. Barjatya's previous hits. At the box-office, this love story will not only make the youth diwana, but also the family audiences throng the theatres in a big way

[LosingNow]

Oh well.

Just to give you an idea.. in Phoenix, all Fri-Sun shows for the movie are sold out. Whereas, TZP was half-empty on the first night...of course, TZP grew with word-of-mouth

[keep-it-cool]

I would expect this to get a huge opening .. that does not ensure anything .. the key is whether it sustains the momentum beyond the first week ... that is generally the problem with period films.

[keep-it-cool]

Ok.. someone at work saw this ...says it is amazing except for a slow beginning!

I have free tickets for Sunday 

[keep-it-cool]

Rediff gives 3.5 stars

http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/feb/14jodhaa.htm

Jodhaa Akbar is a spectacular watch
 
Arthur J Pais

If you can sit through the first 20 minutes of Jodhaa Akbar, trying to digest a train of political intrigues and double crossings, you will be rewarded with perhaps the most spectacular film India has ever made.

With an appealing story of two unlikely people falling in love after their politically arranged marriage, the film is filled with several intriguing plots and two out-of-the-world songs (Khwaja Mere Khwaja and Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah.)

Jodhaa Akbar proves that Ashutosh Gowariker is consolidating his position as a masterful director of epic stories. If he had a tighter script and better editing, he could be now the most envied director in India.

Whatever could be the fate of the film at the box office, many people may thank him for this eye-popping and thought-provoking entertainment.

A career-defining role for Hrithik Roshan [Images] who shows admirably the vulnerabilities and strengths of an emerging emperor. His bare-chested sword wielding scenes could swoon many women. Aishwarya Rai [Images] Bachchan has never looked this gorgeous. Some of her dramatic scenes are weakly performed but she whips up excellent chemistry with Hrithik.

Watch out for Poonam Sinha as Akbar's mother, who emerges from a marginalised position to be his conscience-keeper and brings out reconciliation between him and Jodhaa.

Few directors know the best way to exploit A R Rahman's excellent but nonsensational music as in this film. Gowariker has made brilliant use of the five songs, getting them to propel the story. But it is not just the songs and their situation in the film you will admire. Listen to Rahman's awesome background score which ranges from the sonorous battle pieces to lovely romantic melodies.

[LosingNow]

Raja gives it 2.5 out of 5 stars...
--
Jodhaa Akbar is okay, but overlong

Raja Sen | February 14, 2008 | 18:59 IST

In Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar, there is a particularly outstanding song sequence that must be praised. The titular couple's wedding banns have just taken place, and a group of singers sit cross-legged to offer the lord tribute. Each of them sounding suspiciously like AR Rahman, the minstrels break into the touching Khwaja Mere Khwaja and take the track to an almost trance-like happiness, the two backup singers even looking nearly identical.


Hrithik Roshan, playing the Emperor of Hindustan, watches this with first bemusement and then, curiousity. Wordlessly, he leaves his throne and joins the dervishes as they whirl, gracefully entering into the trance with feckless fervour. It is a strong, well-performed scene, telling a tale and insightfully revealing a character by a mere gesture, a showing of mood.


If only... if only the entire film was made with such restraint.


Don't get me wrong, Jodhaa Akbar is not a bad film at all. It's just not great and -- despite the daunting�three and a half hour length -- it could well have been. Heck, Spartacus was longer and Mughal-E-Azam only a trifle shorter, and both 1960 releases hit immortality. Historicals, it can almost be said, deserve an extra hour of running time.


That doesn't mean, however, that we thus go overboard the tragic way Ashutosh does. He is a fine director, no question, and while there is no scene in this film that makes you cringe, there is much waste. This film works when treated as a simple, compelling romance between an unlikely wedded couple, but outside of it, Gowariker falls prey to all the big-budget trappings.


'These are my sets, see how they glisten,' the director seems to croon as he shows off big rooms and elaborate costumes. Again, there is no fundamental problem with this, provided the action within has some substance, or at least style. But the royal intrigue is predictable, the characters obvious and underwritten.


In contrast to the well-handled moments between Jodhaa and Akbar, the rest of the film seems contrived and weighed down -- both by a pressing need to live up to scale as well as the director's undeniable soap-opera sensibilities. (The latter is exhibited best in the close-ups and the abruptly cacophonic background score.) Hence the romance works, but the history, well, seems to be getting laboriously in the way.


I'm not even going to touch on fact and fiction. The best historicals have little to do with the truth, and let's just give a filmmaker benefit of doubt and the license to have his own interpretation of a period with varied chronicles. But palace intrigue and dramatic conspiracy can be cinematic and entertaining without having to be simplistic and even banal. There is no air of urgency, and no surprise as the antagonists -- from rivals to elephants -- obediently fall over, on cue.


Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in Jodhaa AkbarAnd the falling is, unfortunately, sloppy. The director can handle romance and emotional conversations well, as we are well aware, and war is just not his forte. Soldiers charge at each other visibly trying to hold back, and while I'm sure hundreds or thousands of extras are impossible to control, the battle sequences are amateurish to an embarrassing extreme. They might have worked if shown in fits and spurts, swords thrust strongly in rapidly edited montages set to a peaking score, but here we are shown long and tiresome battle sequences -- scenes where we see extras twirling weapons and jabbing the air pointlessly. Tsk.


Still, the romance. The film has a good and solid heart, and the story, of a conquering, defiant young king -- this one really was meant to be princeling for a while longer -- taking a bride for strategic reasons and then falling helplessly in love with her unbridled spirit, is a winner. The movie is a treat in the inventive scenes where Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) stands up to Akbar, the Rajput princess in no way ready to yield without a fight. Literally.


Their chemistry is palpable, and the two undoubtedly pretty protagonists do well to keep the heat alive through their every on-screen interaction. Jodhaa makes Akbar wait an exasperatingly long time, and Gowariker makes this gradual evolution of their relationship work, their love building only alongside their increasing respect for one another.


Roshan proves to be a very good Akbar. There are times when his inflection seems too modern, but the actor gives the performance his all, slipping into the skin of the character and staying there. He has the right air of cocksure arrogance and bearing, also managing to convey the Emperor's sharpness. Gowariker tosses him a topless sword-practice scene graphic enough to be labeled gratuitous, and not just does the actor take it in his stride impressively well, but even makes it charming in the way he smirks for his queen. Hrithik is an increasingly remarkable blend of tremendous screen presence and acting conviction, and seems to be getting better with each film.


Aishwarya, pretty as ever, is not given much dialogue, a directing masterstroke. The actress looks stunning -- and is photographed very well indeed -- and while her sentimental scenes and tear-filled speeches are often flinch-worthy (inspiring sympathy for the Emperor persistently trying to woo her), she does rather well when she's feisty and combative. Her parries, accompanied by near Seles-ic grunts, are practiced hard and look more real than the king's, as if she'd gleefully cut through chainmail vests if she could. Her eyes are a mega asset here, and the director uses them perfectly, taking them from subdued pain to injured pride, all the way to roaring warrior-girl killer eyes, flashing in glorious isolation while the rest of her startling face is covered.


Punam Sinha in Jodhaa AkbarTo nobody's surprise, Gowariker populates his film with a great supporting cast. Nikitin Dheer, Pramod Moutho and Visshwa Badola deserve to be singled out, as does the one and only Raza Murad -- if only for that magnificent voice. Sonu Sood, as the queen's brother, is given a powerful role, but he plays it with such old-school grandeur that it almost seems spoofy. Punam Sinha and Manava Naik do very strongly, while Ila Arun hams it up bigtime.


All in all, it's an okay film. There is a very nice love story somewhere under all the blockbustery bluster, and its characters work brilliantly together. The rest of the film is naive and simplistic, but Gowariker's enough of a craftsman to get his detailing right, his performances restrained and make sure even the melodrama has panache. There is skill here, but it is killed by a devastating lack of economy.

To paraphrase screenwriting guru Syd Field, a scene should be entered as late as possible and exited as early. Gowariker does the complete opposite, lingering on inexplicably as he eavesdrops on his characters in attempts to brood to build mood.

While his intent is great, this movie -- coming after his last film, the well-intentioned but drastically overlong Swades -- shows that perhaps Gowariker -- a fine handler of actors and emotions -- isn't best suited toward cinema as an art form. A killer six or 12 episode big-budget television miniseries perhaps? Like a Tamas, maybe? I have a feeling he'd be super there.

http://www.rediff.com///movies/2008/feb/14jodha.htm

[LosingNow]

Initial response from the BO doesn't look positive .. as Multiplexes are not screening it and no release in Rajasthan.

JFK maybe right after all.

BTW, the initial response among the women here in states is .. we are going to see all the jewelry and Aish's clothes, who cares about the movie. Expect the business of Jaipur Karigar's (who are skilled in making GOTA and Rajasthani sarees/lehengas, jewelry etc) to go through the roof. Too bad, they are not corporatized .. otherwise they will be a good buy!

[justforkix]

I watched it last night. Was fairly OK. Definitely can watch once. Was a little bit of a drag - could have easily been a 2.5 hour movie. The movie is well made in terms of technique - script, direction, cinematography etc. But Hrithik and Aish as expected once again showed that they don't know how to act. A better star-cast was required IMO.

[justforkix]

Initial response from the BO doesn't look positive .. as Multiplexes are not screening it and no release in Rajasthan.

In India ?!?!?

[LosingNow]

Initial response from the BO doesn't look positive .. as Multiplexes are not screening it and no release in Rajasthan.

In India ?!?!?

I am reading that except PVR none of the multiplexes are screening it...due to revenue sharing disputes. Is this wrong?

[LosingNow]

I watched it last night. Was fairly OK. Definitely can watch once. Was a little bit of a drag - could have easily been a 2.5 hour movie. The movie is well made in terms of technique - script, direction, cinematography etc. But Hrithik and Aish as expected once again showed that they don't know how to act. A better star-cast was required IMO.

Interesting..length appears to be a Gowariker issue.
--
In your opinion, who would have done well in these roles? ...not that I am sold on Hrithik and Ash (I have not seen the movie  yet)

[keep-it-cool]

Initial response from the BO doesn't look positive .. as Multiplexes are not screening it and no release in Rajasthan.

In India ?!?!?

I am reading that except PVR none of the multiplexes are screening it...due to revenue sharing disputes. Is this wrong?

well, i dont know .. the premier was at imax adlabs ... and i am watching it tomorrow evening at another multiplex .. so, maybe, there has been an 11th hour resolution of whatever dispute.

[justforkix]

Initial response from the BO doesn't look positive .. as Multiplexes are not screening it and no release in Rajasthan.

In India ?!?!?

I am reading that except PVR none of the multiplexes are screening it...due to revenue sharing disputes. Is this wrong?

well, i dont know .. the premier was at imax adlabs ... and i am watching it tomorrow evening at another multiplex .. so, maybe, there has been an 11th hour resolution of whatever dispute.

Inox in bangalore/chennai is also screening. Anyways, PVR is the only good multiplex and theater to watch any movie in Bangalore 

[justforkix]

I watched it last night. Was fairly OK. Definitely can watch once. Was a little bit of a drag - could have easily been a 2.5 hour movie. The movie is well made in terms of technique - script, direction, cinematography etc. But Hrithik and Aish as expected once again showed that they don't know how to act. A better star-cast was required IMO.

Interesting..length appears to be a Gowariker issue.
--
In your opinion, who would have done well in these roles? ...not that I am sold on Hrithik and Ash (I have not seen the movie  yet)

Dunno - not too many choices I guess among the contemporary actors..... Hrithik just looks funny in those costumes. Aish looks very beautiful in the costumes. If I were to pick, perhaps SRK and Rani/Vidya.

[keep-it-cool]

Oh please ... not SRK as Akbar!!! What is wrong with you? Is being No3 getting to you? Have you forgotten the Asoka misadventure. It looked as if Asoka had just stepped out of some college in New Orleans.

[justforkix]

Oh please ... not SRK as Akbar!!! What is wrong with you? Is being No3 getting to you? Have you forgotten the Asoka misadventure. It looked as if Asoka had just stepped out of some college in New Orleans.

you will actually get similar feelings about Hrithik well - who would you cast as Akbar among contemporary actors - I could not think of any. I too think SRK is not a great choice anyways.....

well, thinking about all other options, prolly Hrthik+Ash was not as bad a choice s I was thinking.

I think the movie may actually do decently well and flop after all.

[dhruvdeepak]

I watched it last night. Was fairly OK. Definitely can watch once. Was a little bit of a drag - could have easily been a 2.5 hour movie. The movie is well made in terms of technique - script, direction, cinematography etc. But Hrithik and Aish as expected once again showed that they don't know how to act. A better star-cast was required IMO.

Interesting..length appears to be a Gowariker issue.

where is rJo

[LosingNow]

Just came back after watching this epic.

AMAAAAAAZZZZIINNNNGGGG MOVIE!!! Gowariker is a genius. Forget about all reviews.. just watch this film on the big screen.

I absolutely loved this movie. It is a masterpiece.

Wonderful story, excellent cinematography, wonderful background score, great costumes, jewelry and sets, excellent performances by Hrithik and Ash. The movie is simply grand...nothing like this has been attempted and executed so well in Bollywood.

I don't know about you, JFK.. I think Hrithik and Ash were PERFECTLY cast in this move. Hrithik was majestic and fit the role to a tee .. I was amazed by his emoting, his dialog delivery (in amazing Urdu), his royal gait and his performance in action sequences. I think he got the blend of royalty and romantic, absolutely right. Ash acted well too.. she had the right mix of beauty, expressiveness and assertiveness.

I think "Khwaja mere Khwaja" will go down as one of the best devotional songs sung and picturised in Hindi cinema. The depth of emotion and sincerety in Rehman's singing and the incredibly sensitive picturisation of that song was absolutely incredible.

People are complaining about the length.. I say - give me more. I will get the DVD and watch the deleted scenes. This movie kept me engaged from first frame till the last frame. This movie was engaging and a visual delight.

Our theater was full and people clapped after the Khwaja and Azeem-o-Shahenshah songs.. gave the movie a standing ovation at intermission and at the end.

It may not do well at the box office.. I think primarily because people will not understand Urdu .. but who cares.

I hope this inspires others (both in Hollywood and Bollywood) to make movies of such nature based on our history which is much much richer, diverse and deeper than the Romans and Greeks..

Hats off to Gowariker and Screwvala for making this. 

[LosingNow]

Oh please ... not SRK as Akbar!!! What is wrong with you? Is being No3 getting to you? Have you forgotten the Asoka misadventure. It looked as if Asoka had just stepped out of some college in New Orleans.

SRK ..would be a serious misfit .. he just doesn't have the physique of an emperor.

[LosingNow]

I watched it last night. Was fairly OK. Definitely can watch once. Was a little bit of a drag - could have easily been a 2.5 hour movie. The movie is well made in terms of technique - script, direction, cinematography etc. But Hrithik and Aish as expected once again showed that they don't know how to act. A better star-cast was required IMO.

Interesting..length appears to be a Gowariker issue.
--
In your opinion, who would have done well in these roles? ...not that I am sold on Hrithik and Ash (I have not seen the movie  yet)

Dunno - not too many choices I guess among the contemporary actors..... Hrithik just looks funny in those costumes. Aish looks very beautiful in the costumes. If I were to pick, perhaps SRK and Rani/Vidya.

Rani has screen presence, acting ability but not the ethereal beauty of a princess.
Vidya would not fit either ..I dont know if she can pull of the assertiveness that was needed in this role..Also, I cant imagine her doing those sword fight scenes.

[LosingNow]

I am listening to the songs again..

I think AR Rehman will go down as one of the greatest music directors in the history of Bollywood. The more I listen to it, the more it is growing on me. Brilliant!!

[justforkix]

I am listening to the songs again..

I think AR Rehman will go down as one of the greatest music directors in the history of Bollywood. The more I listen to it, the more it is growing on me. Brilliant!!

I agree. IMO, he is the only music director who composes according to the movie and not to cater to his fans, public etc. He is truly a director's dream music director !!!

[justforkix]

Just came back after watching this epic.

AMAAAAAAZZZZIINNNNGGGG MOVIE!!! Gowariker is a genius. Forget about all reviews.. just watch this film on the big screen.

I absolutely loved this movie. It is a masterpiece.

Wonderful story, excellent cinematography, wonderful background score, great costumes, jewelry and sets, excellent performances by Hrithik and Ash. The movie is simply grand...nothing like this has been attempted and executed so well in Bollywood.

I don't know about you, JFK.. I think Hrithik and Ash were PERFECTLY cast in this move. Hrithik was majestic and fit the role to a tee .. I was amazed by his emoting, his dialog delivery (in amazing Urdu), his royal gait and his performance in action sequences. I think he got the blend of royalty and romantic, absolutely right. Ash acted well too.. she had the right mix of beauty, expressiveness and assertiveness.

I think "Khwaja mere Khwaja" will go down as one of the best devotional songs sung and picturised in Hindi cinema. The depth of emotion and sincerety in Rehman's singing and the incredibly sensitive picturisation of that song was absolutely incredible.

People are complaining about the length.. I say - give me more. I will get the DVD and watch the deleted scenes. This movie kept me engaged from first frame till the last frame. This movie was engaging and a visual delight.

Our theater was full and people clapped after the Khwaja and Azeem-o-Shahenshah songs.. gave the movie a standing ovation at intermission and at the end.

It may not do well at the box office.. I think primarily because people will not understand Urdu .. but who cares.

I hope this inspires others (both in Hollywood and Bollywood) to make movies of such nature based on our history which is much much richer, diverse and deeper than the Romans and Greeks..

Hats off to Gowariker and Screwvala for making this. 

OK. Just different POVs I guess

[justforkix]

I watched it last night. Was fairly OK. Definitely can watch once. Was a little bit of a drag - could have easily been a 2.5 hour movie. The movie is well made in terms of technique - script, direction, cinematography etc. But Hrithik and Aish as expected once again showed that they don't know how to act. A better star-cast was required IMO.

Interesting..length appears to be a Gowariker issue.
--
In your opinion, who would have done well in these roles? ...not that I am sold on Hrithik and Ash (I have not seen the movie  yet)

Dunno - not too many choices I guess among the contemporary actors..... Hrithik just looks funny in those costumes. Aish looks very beautiful in the costumes. If I were to pick, perhaps SRK and Rani/Vidya.

Rani has screen presence, acting ability but not the ethereal beauty of a princess.
Vidya would not fit either ..I dont know if she can pull of the assertiveness that was needed in this role..Also, I cant imagine her doing those sword fight scenes.

Yes, after I thought a bit more, I agreed that Hrithik+Ash were prolly the best, given the other options.....

[Aloo Kashmiri Ul Haq]

Just came back after watching this epic.

AMAAAAAAZZZZIINNNNGGGG MOVIE!!! Gowariker is a genius. Forget about all reviews.. just watch this film on the big screen.
I absolutely loved this movie. It is a masterpiece.

Very important IMO

[Aloo Kashmiri Ul Haq]

Also to all those listening to the songs, please do so on 5.1 channel speakers! you'll feel the difference

and yes I agree with JFK and WN, A.R.Rehman is the greatest music director India has ever produced. I am a big fan of the maestro. Went all the way from Jersey to Atlanta to watch him live in action once (I missed the Long Island and Jersey concerts)

and WN, while Khwajaji is a great devotional song, Piya Haji Ali is perhaps better

[keep-it-cool]

A very good movie .. although, WN, I dont agree that this is the grandest movie made in India or on that age. Despite being made several years ago, I think K Asif's Mughal E Azam was a far superior movie, especially in catching the grandeur of those times.

I loved the music .. had heard all the songs earlier quite a few times but they go to a completely new level when one looks at them in the context they are picturised in. Khwaja Mere Khwaja is awesome ... gives you goosebumps really.

I think Hrithik was good ... although I was not too impressed by his diction / dialogue delivery. I thought he was much better in the love story part of the movie than when he plays the emperor. I agree it is difficult to think of too many contemporary stars who can play the role of Akbar .. which is really a pity given that you need a star to sell a movie. Hence I wont blame anyone for casting him. But I am sure you can get enough actors who are much more suitable for such a role, if you are willing to set the need to cast a star aside.

Ash was disappointing really. Yeah, I know she looks very good and stuff, but I didnt find her regal at all. I thought both the other queens - Suhasini Mulay and Poonam Sinha - looked much more queenlike than Ash did. Seriously, I think it wouldn't have made too much of a difference who had been cast in this role.

Gowarikar is amazing. Really, all his movies (starting with Lagaan) have been so different from each other and he still does complete justice to the subject. I look forward to his next.

[LosingNow]

Kic:

My memories of Mughal E Azam are slightly rusty. It was a grand movie, for sure.. but I need to watch it again to compare these two in terms of grandness. IMO, the sheer expanse of this movie - the fight scenes, the complex Azeem o Shahenshan song, the sets, the costumes, the jewelry, the cinematography - would be very difficult to replicate in those times due to budgetary and technological constraints.

Yes, in terms of performances, one cannot even think of reaching the levels of Prithviraj and Dilip Kumar.

--
I agree someone with grounding in theater could perhaps do a better job than Hrithik..but I would not hold "his being a star" against him. No one is going to bet 40cr on a no-name actor.

I disagree with your comment on his diction/dialogue delivery.. I think he did very well both when he had to be tough and when he had to be soft. There were at least 2 or 3 instances when he had to be tough ..and his tone, diction, language, mannerisms, facial expressions all demonstrated his authority, anger and decisiveness. I am not saying he has the diction/delivery capability of a Prithviraj or a Dilip Kumar or an AB or even a Raj Kumar.. but he held his own.

Ash - I think we will have to agree to disagree. She was perfect for this role and I do not see anyone in contemporary Hindi cinema matching BOTH her beauty and capabilities for this role. The role demanded someone with traditional looks (which rules out the Katrina Kaifs/Priyanka chopras of the world), someone who can carry traditional attire like sari/lehenga and all that additional jewelry without being too skinny and/or tall (which rules out Shilpa Shettys/Sushmita Sens of the world), someone who can look genuine when they hold a sword and express their anger (which rules out Rani, Vidya and even Kajol). Do you have a name in mind? Don't suggest Suhasini Mulay and/or Poonam Sinha - they were queen mothers not queens

Anyway, it has been 24 hours since I saw this movie.. and I think AR's music itself is worth the price of admission. It is still buzzing in my head. Awesome stuff.

[LosingNow]

 A.R.Rehman is the greatest music director India has ever produced. 

A friend just challenged me and said that in his books that would be RD!

[keep-it-cool]

WN

You should try and catch Mughal E Azam on the big screen .. I was lucky since the film was re-released in colour and man for man / woman for woman, the performances were much superior. Ash is not even a pale shadow of Madhubala .. and Madhubala was not even playing a queen . Of course, if it had been shot today, it would have been much grander, but despite the limited budget (relative to what is spent today) and technology available at that time, it absolutely matches, if not surpasses, JA in terms of communicating the grandeur of the Mughals.

I am not taking any credit away from Hrithik at all. And, I agree with you (and that is what I meant as well in my earlier post) that no one will bet 40cr on a no-name (although that is what Aamir did with Ashutosh in Lagaan) .. and, that is the sad part really for me. It is the stars that bring the audience in rather than the film. So, within the constraints that apply, Hrithik is the best choice. I personally think Sunny Deol would have made a much better Akbar with a director such as Ashutosh Gowarikar at the helm. Unfortunately, he is a bit old for the role now.

Ash, lets just disagree I think Vidya Balan or Kajol would definitely have been better. I was not suggesting Mulay or Sinha as Jodha .. just that she (and most other actresses today) seem to lack the regal quality that a lot of earlier actresses could get into their roles .. Madhubala in Mughal E Azam or even Hema Malini in Lal Paththar are examples that I would point to. I dont know how to define it ... maybe the "thehrao" and the bearing are what I am referring to.

Anyway, this is largely nitpicking .. in what was a good movie.

And, I agree, Rehman has probably been closest to the timeframe of the movie!! Awesome music.

[LosingNow]

Unfortunately, missed the color re-release of Mughal-e-Azam in theaters. I know what you mean re: Madhubala. She was something in B&W itself..

Anyway, I think "gravitas" is the word you are looking for when describing Ash's performance. Frankly, during the phase of the Akbar-Jodhaa relationship captured in the movie, she is more of a Rajkumari becoming a queen ..than an established queen. I think the "bearing" etc would be more needed if we were capturing the next 10 years or so of Akbar's rule. 

---
BTW, what is with all these Rajputs going crazy over this movie.

Has anyone of these guys seen the movie? Frankly, I saw nothing in the movie that denigrates them and if anything the movie emphasizes the secular instincts of Akbar and attributes a lot of Akbar's good decisions to Jodhaa's influence.