As Carla said: if I looked exactly like a movie legend, I would probably find another line of work.Īnd the music is wonderful, although I did have Lagaan flashbacks occasionally, particularly during “Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah.” But that’s not altogether a bad thing. Sujamal (Sonu Sood) was such a 1970’s Amitabh doppelgänger that it was startling, and I was completely distracted by that whenever he was on screen. The rest of the cast was good support as well, particularly Ila Arun as Maham Anga, the Emperor’s foster mother and Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Jodhaa’s father. The characters were well-written and three-dimensional, with strengths, flaws, hopes and dreams. He and Aishwarya were sweet together, though, and convincing as young strangers falling in love and getting acquainted (I loved their sword fight scene). I did cringe a little when Hrithik had to give a long speech, or act angry (and my view on Aishwarya’s input is quoted above). I have never found Aishwarya or Hrithik** particularly competent actors (and still don’t), but they were not bad in their quieter moments and more intimate scenes. I can’t even imagine how Gowariker pulled it all together, although of course he had lots of help. The story, replete with treachery, jealousy, love, misunderstanding, revenge and hope, had me on the edge of my seat. There was so much eye candy-the jewels, the clothes, the sets and landscapes, and of course the lead pair themselves-that it was almost overwhelming. I did not get bored as I feared I did not even find Hrithik and Aishwarya irritating. The story, the action, and the sheer sumptuousness of everything was completely engrossing. I myself generally have the attention span of a five-year-old, which is one reason I prefer to see movies at home on DVD. I loved this film, even in the face of a clueless couple who brought their two toddlers to the theater and then let them run (literally) wild through the entire thing*. I’m climbing aboard the “All Hail Ashutosh Gowariker!” train. Other than that, though, I have to part ways with him on this one. I love this line from Raja Sen’s review of Jodhaa Akbar on Rediff:Īishwarya, pretty as ever, is not given much dialogue, a directing masterstroke.
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February 2023
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