Available on Netflix at: http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/Jodhaa_Akbar/70090035?trkid=1042411
A surprisingly good movie from our friends in India; a treatment of the story of Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar and his wife (whose name is, apparently, still in debate, but generally accepted as Jodhaa Akbar). Historical in parts, story-tale in others, it is difficult to truly say how much is or is not true, as history is often neglectful in the details. All the same, an enjoyable and well directed piece. My only criticism is that the beginning is a bit slow and the development of the story overall has a few moments of stall before it gets well and truly underway at roughly the one quarter mark. Three and one half hours long, it is not for the easily distracted, nor would I recommend it before bed unless you are someone who can truly be engrossed by humanity in movies, in which case, prop up and have the popcorn at hand.
Actor Hrithik Roshan turns in an amazing performance; by turns taciturn, stormy, thoughtful, and incredibly realistic. Jodhaa, played by Aishwarya Rai (often dubbed the “Queen of Bollywood”) does well with the part given her (my only other critique resting in that Ms. Rai’s range in this film outside of the dueling scenes seems to be heavily confined to looking concerned, hurt, or surprised; but this may be a fault of direction rather than the script or her acting, as both were by turns erudite and deeply evocative).
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and brought to the U.S. courtesy of Laqshya Media, Jodhaa Akbar is a relatively epic effort for Bollywood and I suspect you too, will find it more enjoyable than expected.
