Masterpiece? Not really! Entertaining? Definitely

Film: Jodhaa Akbar
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonu Sood
Rating: ***

Hours after watching Jodhaa Akbar, the song 'Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah' keeps haunting you with its lilting melody and breathtaking picturisation. Placed at a critical juncture of the film, it is a riot of colours captured beautifully by cinematographer Kiran Deohans and excellently choreographed. In fact, Jodhaa Akbar has quite a few such brilliant moments spread through the film. However, it's the matter in-between that restrict it to being just a good entertainer, and not the great masterpiece it should have been.

Ashutosh Gowariker brings back lucky mascot Amitabh Bachchan to lend his baritone once again to the narrative (remember Lagaan?), which gives viewers a glimpse of Mughal history preceding the story. However, you tend to get lost in the heap of names and details thrust upon you, which don't really add to the story anyways.

But then, it's a historical, and certain rules need to be followed. If only the writers (Ashutosh Gowariker and Haider Ali) had done it in a more enjoyable manner, not making the first half drag like there's no tomorrow, and the editing (Ballu Saluja) could have been crisper, the film could have been much more enjoyable.

So then. Our man Jalaluddin Muhammad (Hrithik Roshan) is the Shahenshah-e-Hindustan. A man of principles, he transforms from being a mere ruler to a loved emperor, who cares for the common man, and is fair in his judgements. As he wins over one nemesis after another, his fame and glory grows, and he earns the epithet 'Akbar'.

However, the real test lies in 'winning over the heart' (the phrase is repeated throughout the film, irritatingly) of Princess Jodhaabai, daughter of King Bharmal of Amer. In spite of agreeing to marry Akbar, Jodhaa refuses to accept the Mughal emperor as her husband. The marriage is a political arrangement between Akbar and King Bharmal, which will ensure a peaceful environment in the kingdom. How and why, is of course, forgotten once the marriage takes place.

There are a number of sub-plots too - Akbar's brother-in-law (newcomer Nikitin Dheer, menacing) aims to take his throne, Jodhaa's brother (Sonu Sood, effective) wants his rightful place in his empire, and there is a Rajputana clan afraid of Akbar overtaking their kingdoms.

The story has enough ingredients that make a political drama, and could have been set against any backdrop. The Mughal era, however, brings along with it the chance to be opulent, and at the same time, intriguing. Gowariker exploits this setting to the fullest, with well mounted war sequences, lavish sets and sprinkles it with sequences
that have technical standards, not seen before in Hindi cinema.

Ravi Dewan's choreography of the action deserves special mention. In fact, the film is brilliant in all technical aspects, be it the eye-filling sets (Nitin Desai), visually-rich cinematography or the sumptuous costumes (Neeta Lulla). Dialogues (KP Saxena) are apt.

AR Rahman does it again. The music is of an extremely superior nature, and the background score accentuates the grip over the drama. The maestro seems to be in his best form when working with Gowariker.

The performances are first-rate too. Hrithik Roshan looks every inch the royal emperor he's meant to be. Everything about his persona, from body language to speech or even just the way he looks at his subjects, translate into a performance, which will win the actor a number of accolades. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan too matches up to Roshan, and carries off the queen's role with aplomb. Gowariker can easily take credit for extracting one the most finely-nuanced performance from her.

In fact, the film has touches of brilliance which you know only Gowariker can bring to screen. The maker, as in his earlier movies, manages to infuse a patriotic fervour in the proceedings, which elevate the drama. He handles the romantic scenes with a sensitivity that makes them endearing.

Where the film misses out, is the pace. Although a love story essentially, the sub-plots mar the impact of the romance and slow down proceedings. After a point, it becomes difficult to decide whether the film was aimed to be a love saga, or a political drama. In fact, once Jodhaa and Akbar re-unite, the movie doesn't really have much reason to go on, except to tie the various loose ends left open by the writers. Also, though the film stands out at various places, it does not leave a lasting impact.

In the final analysis, Jodhaa Akbar is an honest effort with good performances, well-mounted sequences and great music. If only the editing and screenplay could have matched up to the other departments, it could have gone down in history as what you call a 'blockbuster' film. But in the end, it's confined to being a good one-time watch.