I want to be a classicsomething’s missing: Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan in Jodhaa Akbar Jodhaa Akbar **1/2 Dir: Ashutosh Gowariker Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonu Sood, Niketan Dheer and Punam Sinha Sarita Tanwar [EMAIL PROTECTED]
What'sit about: Classics are not created; they happen. The biggest problemwith Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar is that it tries too hard to bea classic. The director adds all the luster and spectacle to the movie(thanks to the finest technicians) but in the process, he ignores themost crucial aspect of a film: its soul. It's a tale of love andheroism, set in the sixteenth century. It's all about the triumph ofEmperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) over seemingly insurmountable odds. Hisfather dies when he's just a child, leaving him with the burden offulfilling his dream of ruling over India. He wins many battles andthen faces his most difficult decision — King Bharmal of Amer(Kulbhushan Kharbanda) offers him the hand of his daughter Jodhaa(Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). This marriage between a Mughal emperor and aRajput princess and their romance forms the crux of the film. What'sgood: Let's face it: There are not many filmmakers who will attempt anhistoric film — given it's such a gamble in today's youth-dominatedblockbuster movie market — and fewer still would make it on such alarge canvas. As far as period films go, Ashutosh Gowariker's attemptis definitely in a league of its own; miles ahead of previousunfortunate attempts like Mangal Pandey and Umrao Jaan. Ashutoshensures there are plenty of moments designed to stir the adrenaline.The scene when Jodhaa makes her two wishes known to Akbar; theemperor's solo sword-fighting scene, as well as the one with his wifeare excellent. The bedroom scene, which is a part of the track,Jashn-e-Bahaara as well as the Sufi song in Rahman's haunting voiceleave a lasting impact. The scale, the setting and the detailing leavesyou in no doubt that the director's heart was in the right place. It'sa perfect Valentine release if you consider the love angle between thelead pair. The director also pulls off the conflict and the chemistrybetween his lead pair effortlessly. Hrithik Roshan proves he was thebest choice for the role. He has the intensity necessary for the role.If anything, he underplays the part, giving it a sincerity and nobilitythat completely wins you over. It's not designed to be a star vehiclebut Hrithik dominates the film totally. He gets terrific support fromAishwarya, who looks stunningly beautiful. Sujamal (Sonu Sood) andSharifuddin (Niketan Dheer) also make an impact. No complaints aboutthe length; a period film of this scale surely deserves an extra hour. What'sbad: Jodhaa Akbar entertains but does not enthrall. Individually, eachscene is carved with precision. But put them together and they somehowdon't blend as smoothly as you want them to. The film's biggest failingis that except the four characters mentioned above, all the others looklike actors in make-up. The soldiers of Akbar's army carry swords, butthey don't look like they can stick them in and gut an opponent. Eventhe combat scenes lack power and terror. Perhaps the director needed toadd hordes of computer-enhanced soldiers to lend more drama to thehugely dull battle scenes. The language spoken by the characters is ahindrance; even though one understands the meaning, the words are veryunfamiliar. You keep looking for the spirit of Lagaan and the simple,emotional appeal of Swades — and you just keep looking because it isn'tthere. What to do: Watch it for Ashutosh Gowariker's bold and stylish attempt — though we wish he'd focused as much on substance.
