Jodhaa Akbar (Three-Disc Collector's Edition)

To any customers reading this, MAKE SURE YOU READ THE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION! Make sure you buy THIS three-disk set, because it is NOT pirated or illegal! The quality is exceptional and you won't regret it.First things first, FORGET ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT BOLLYWOOD! It no longer applies.There's only one person ultimately responsible for this exquisite experience. Ashutosh Gowariker is one of the greatest filmmakers ever. He's creates images on film that are heartbreakingly beautiful, combines them with master storytelling, and coaxes performances from the cast that defies all expectations. I have a goal to see every film he's made thus far, and the three I've seen I'd recommend to anyone! There isn't a single detail of this film he to chance, and the result is as close to perfection as a human can get. Each frame of the movie is so gorgeous you want them to be oil paintings to hang in your house. More on that when I deal with the special features...This movie caused a huge ruckus when it opened because of historical controversy. Being a history buff, I did some research (yes I'm weird) and while the movie did take some liberties, and leaves many things out, it gets more right than it does wrong! Besides, if it had been 100% accurate and included *everything* it would have been a nine hour movie, and would've gotten a little depressing! Movies are meant to entertain, so keep an open mind. Brushing mundane reality aside, let's focus on the world Ashutosh Gowariker so generously gave us. I can't think of many movies that look and sound as beautiful as this one is. The sets, locations, the costumes, the music, the sounds of the swords clashing, the horses, the elephants, the jewelry!!!! (I'm a girly-girl when it comes to the pretties) the food... Even if you watch this movie on mute, it's an experience, but in the name of anything sacred DON'T DO THAT!The music is transforming! I'm not exaggerating, when I hear the first strains of "Jashn-E-Bahaara" anything negative in my life disappears. I'm serious it's the best painkiller I know of. I would dance to "Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah" all day if I could do it. More on that song later... There are two songs that I would call hymns "Khwaja Mere Khwaja" (Islamic) and "Mann Mohana" (Hindu) but as I'm neither Hindu nor Muslim, I hope I haven't offended anyone. Regardless of how to classify them the music is exquisite and the lyrics really highlight Akbar's devotion to his faith, and Jodhaa's integrity and devotion to hers. A little fun trivia for you is that, Haidar Ali (the writer) has a cameo of a Sufi who leads his group in singing "Khwaja Mere Khwaja" after the Islamic wedding ceremony. For sheer passion and the rapture of *finally* being in the arms of your love, you simply cannot top "In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein" its honeymoon music to the tenth power!Again, check your assumptions about Bollywood song and dance at the door. Here the actors do very little singing, (okay they're dubbed who cares!) Jodhaa sings to pray, and has a verse in the "honeymoon song" in which she does a pretty twirl. Jalal has a pretty little verse of poetry he sings in Urdu in the "honeymoon song" as for dancing, he also has a pretty twirl in "Khwaja Mere Khwaja" but that's it! Azeem-O-Shaan Shahensha is an epic dance number with one thousand people, that would make Bugsby Berkley go green with envy, but unlike most epic numbers in Bollywood, it does not take the form of a music video! Unlike with his masterpiece "Swades" Mr. Gowariker doesn't heed the typical sensibilities for using music to tell the love story; it's a masterstroke keeping everything in proper historical context, and preventing the actors from breaking character.The background score is also beautiful and varied. The only thing that stops it from being the absolute best score I've ever heard is merely a few notes that play whenever some fool gets Jalal angry, I mean come on Mr. Roshan's eyes take care of that entirely on their own!Horses and doves, parrots and bunnies, camels and elephants OH MY! The gang's all here and it's great! Out with the old theater adage "Never work with children or animals" without them this movie would feel flat! Whether it's Jodhaa cooing with doves, bunnies, and setting her parrots free, or Jalal riding his white horse into battle, and blowing off the stress of being Shahensha (Emperor) by taming a wild elephant, you will be awed with it all and wonder, "How in the world did they keep it all under control?"A caution to parents... Dear responsible, loving parents, Most of the elephants in this movie are used during battle scenes, and a few crush some soldiers even stepping on their heads. Now, I personally believe that most kids over the age of five see worse on most previews and commercials here in the USA, but I strongly urge you to view the scenes first before sitting down with the munchkins. When my nephews visit, I skip them entirely. Your's Respectfully Warpgirl.The costume designer Neeta Lulla and jewelers Tanishq turn everyone into people who inhabit a time and a place of lost grandeur. Okay, you might have seen Ms. Rai-Bachchan with a similar look in some of her big period films but I doubt it. I'll let you know when I see them for myself. I am certain you've *never* seen Mr. Roshan draped in silk, and brocade dripping with diamonds, pearls, rubies and emeralds! They used the real deal here! Two kilograms for his gold and ruby sword alone! In case you're wondering he's pulls it off effortlessly. If this movie had been submitted for Oscar consideration it would have won a boatload, but Costumes would be a definite lock! Special kudos to the makeup department, just flawless. I find makeup to be a bit iffy with Bollywood.Now, performances! I did warn you this would be long... I watched the movie the first time for Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan so it's only fair I start with her. It boggles my mind that I've read in so many places where people say she can't act! If she can't act, then I must have the wrong idea of what acting is. She uses every part of herself in a role: her voice, the way she walks, the way she eats, heck even the way she sits! Jodhaa is my favorite because she's a lady in her thirties and she's playing a young woman barely twenty and not only does she pull it off, she looks twenty! I don't mean her beautiful face, I mean in her eyes and expression there's innocence and wonder that makes that time of life so special. There are no famous Bollywood histrionics in this movie. Subtle is the name of the game and you must keep most of your focus on the eyes. I recommend the first time you watch this, you read the subtitles, then watch it again and forget them! The biggest emotional impact comes from the characters eyes. Now you'll notice quickly that Ms. Rai-Bachchan is wearing brown contacts for authenticity, but it's a credit to her skill and talent that her emotions shine through like gleaming flames.Jodhaa is a woman of integrity, it's her defining trait. She treats others with kindness and deep respect, but never backs down about what she believes is right. Even when other people wrong her, she doesn't berate them, or try to get even. She holds herself to high standards with grace and dignity. My favorite scene that *always* makes me cry, (my mom was torments me about it) is when she says Jalal's full name for the first time. Perfection! Nevertheless, probably her most technically brilliant scene is the "wedding night" scene. It's jaw dropping!I had no idea who Hrithik Roshan was, now I can't believe it took me over two decades to discover him! For anyone who finds his "hunky-grin" tiring, or thinks of him as "the dance guy" *forget it* just forget it all. There's no grinning at all, and I didn't even know the man could dance until Dhoom2! Are there tears? Yes. However, not the typical Bollywood tears made so famous in frothy romances, or melodramas. Like with Jodhaa, subtlety is the key to Mr. Roshan's portrayal of, Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar.Again he's a man in his thirties playing a young man just turning twenty and he makes it work even though his body is like no twenty year old I've ever seen. He infuses Jalal with idealism, innocence, and the deep venerability of a boy struggling not only to become a man, but also to break free from expectations of the people surrounding him and become a true leader. It's an incredibly complex performance, with layer after layer of technique and emotion.As written, Akbar is very close to being untouchable. He's so good, so pure, intelligent, compassionate, the bravest, ect. Quite honestly, if Mr. Roshan hadn't kept him solidly on the ground, I'd think the movie is about an angel not a man. "Akbar's angry tune" aside, Mr. Roshan adds a hair trigger temper, and a talent for holding a grudge that keeps him refreshingly human. Every scene he does is incredible but the ones that show that he's more than just the "dancing hunk" are: first, "Khwaja Mere Khwaja" no dialogue, just the expression of how deeply he reveres his God, and the conviction of his faith. Then, "the wedding night" rarely are two actors so in-tune with each other. After that, "the mother scene" if your heart doesn't twinge, see a doctor. All men should watch "the groveling scene" that's how you do it! "The patriotic scene" shows the moment when Jalal takes complete control of his empire and his life and Roshan is statesman and Alpha Male at the same time. However, the crown jewel is the "do you love me" scene. It's all in the eyes.Both actors are brilliant in their own rights, but neither one would have given such amazing performances without the other. Every-so-often, two actors will be put in a film and something happens. The camera becomes a window and suddenly you're not watching a movie anymore. You become a peeping Tom watching two people go through a finite space in time living and everything that comes with their lives. Mr. Roshan and Ms. Rai-Bachchan have done three films together, (this is the second) and all of them are completely different, but in every one, you become a voyeur. They don't play roles with each other, they *become* them. I know I sound insane, I feel silly writing it! Just do me a favor watch, "the sword scene" and when *the moment* comes, (you'll know it when it happens) try not to gasp when you see the love flowing between them.NO, I am NOT saying I think they had an affair! I'm saying, that they're that good! I keep hoping to read they've signed on for a dance extravaganza. It can happen!Not to be outdone is the fabulous supporting cast! Two women dominate this playing field of massively talented people! First up the only fully fleshed "villain" in the story, (more on the bad guys in a minute)... Ila Arun plays the astute Maham Anga. Talk about every young bride's worst nightmare, the possessive Mother Figure! You see Maham Anga was one of Jalal's father's concubines, and when Jalal's mother went with her husband while they were in exile, they left their son in her care. Later on after Jalal becomes Emperor, mom goes throughout the empire helping while "Elder Mother" still looks after him. Now, she's basically in charge of the entire royal court and the only person Jalal will never contradict.To say she doesn't like the incredibly beautiful Hindu bride Jalal has picked out is an understatement. The minute I saw her on screen I cried out, "OMG it's the Indian Mrs. Danvers!" I suppose that means nothing to people who haven't seen or read Rebecca... Google it, if you want. To summarize, Maham Anga is extremely jealous and hates Jodhaa with a passion that boarders on the crazy. Of course, it culminates into something terrible, but it also provides two of the most romantic moments in the movie. If her own machinations aren't bad enough, she has a biological son who causes Jalal misery, so she does double-duty as a villain in this film.The other amazing woman in this movie is Mrs. Poonam Sinha, who plays Jalal's biological mother Empress Hamida Banu Begum. This is the mother-in-law every bride prays for! Supportive, sweet, a helping hand in a new family, and in Jodhaa's case a new world. She wants her boy happy and can see immediately Jodhaa is exactly what he needs. It's astounding how Mrs. Sinha balances the emotions of her character. She *knows* her son considers another woman to be his "mother" yet instead of being bitter about it, she does what she can to help him rule and make sure someone is taking care of Jodhaa when he's busy. Of course, "the mother scene" just makes everything better. There is one weird thing, she talks to Jodhaa a lot, but Jodhaa never says a word! I guess her eyes talk for her.Now bad guys and idiots... I'll be honest, the villainy is not the sharpest of swords in the armory. In a movie with so much going on you end up not caring that they're flat. First up, the spawn of Anga. Adham Khan the jealous, sadistic, amoral, older half-brother. Every family has a bad seed. Adham is an angry guy. First his dad doesn't choose him as a successor, then his mom is obsessed with the runt (the guy is taller than most people) who got it. Personally, I think if his mother had hugged him more he might not have become a traitorous, raping, thief! Don't worry parents, there is no rape in this movie. It comes out in a verbal argument. As far as brains go, he's definitely the stupidest one! Watch and see how stupid!Now, the family problems don't end there. Jalal also has a pretty older sister named Banu, who has a very nasty husband! Alas, Sharifuddin Hussein wants to be Shahensha too! He does have more brains than Adham, but that's no real achievement. For the most part, he plots in secret and tries to avoid getting his hands dirty until the very end. The person I feel sorry for is Banu, she actually loves the jerk! Don't ask me why, he makes it clear he doesn't return the sentiment. He gets lots of help from other idiots, the head Religious Leader of the Mughal court. This guy hates Jalal's tolerance of things not strictly Islam and the tax reform that hurts his wallet.The other idiot helper is Raj Sujamal Jodhaa's brother, not really a bad guy in the evil sense, but a true moron! Sujamal is a major player in the movie. He's Jodhaa's first cousin, but they were raised as siblings. She calls him Bhaisab, (older brother) he has her rahki it's all very familial, no romantic subtext at all. The problem lies in politics. Jodhaa's dad inherited the throne from his brother Sujamal's father. Now he hopes his uncle gives him a fair share when the kingdom is divided up on his death. You'll have to watch the movie but let me put it this way, he was stupid to trust Sharifuddin.The actor who plays Sujamal is Sonu Sood. Apparently, he's a rising star in Bollywood, but he does very little here but mope, whine, and throw temper tantrums. Out of all the negative characters, he's the weak link because he's just so wishy-washy. Who knows, maybe that's the point. His final scene was very touching.There is ONE tiny flaw in this movie it drives me stark raving bonkers! In the wedding scenes, Jodhaa is decked out in her bridal finery. She's wearing amazing jewelry with a large tikka that lays flat on her forehead during the ceremony, but somehow during "Khwaja Mere Khwaja" it changes to a "bell" shaped tikka that rests on top of her hairline!Now Special Features! On the third disk of this set, you get... Deleted scenes with subtitles! YEY! Hindi lessons courtesy of the sing-along with the songs feature. Lots of movie trailers that hint of other deleted goodies that didn't get put in, (darn!) again with subtitles. An interview with Gowariker addressing the controversy on Historical Accuracy. There's a little commentary involving all the heavy hitters in the movie. All in English! Mr. Roshan's accent is swoon-worthy. (Okay yes I need a 12-step program or something!) Fair warning, something went wrong with the sound during Mrs. Gowariker's (also a producer) interview. It isn't the DVD itself so don't worry. It sounds like a microphone blew out. Everyone else is as clear as a bell.Oh remember how I said you'll want to take the images on screen and hang them up? You can! A beautiful set of large postcards also come with the DVD's. Some of the most breataking images are there for pretty pictures! I thought about using them for there intended purpose but they're just too pretty!Enjoy this beautiful movie! It's a true treasure.

I rented this movie form Netflix and fell in love with it the extent that I had to buy it. Historical accuracies aside, it is a great period drama with a wonderful message especially in todays tumultuous geopolitical environment in that love conquers all prejudices. The movie inspired me to learn more about the history of India and the history of the Moghul dynasty. From what I gather the daughter of Raja Bharmal, whatever her name, was the third wife of the emperor. His first wife was the cousin of his father, and marriage provided protection for her and no child came from this union. His second wife was the wife of his general Bairam Khan and she was 12 years older than him. He later tried to have such marriages with the husband being so much younger than the wife outlawed. The Rajput princess was his third wife, she was 20 days older than the emperor and they were both 20 years old at the time of the marriage. Even though the union was a marriage of political alliance, the role of hormones at that age, even in the 16th century, would have played a role in the development of this relationship. Remember when you were 20 years old! The websites discussing the controversy regarding this movie position themselves according to the politics of the groups that host the site with the Hindu fundamentalists depicting Akbar as a despot and the Muslim sites trivializing the influence of Hindu wives of Akbar on his life and policy. But looking at the chronology, it is true that the emperor abolished the pilgrim tax on the Hindus 1 year after this wedding, and the Jizya tax another year after that. The family of the Hindu Rajput queen were incorporated into the court nobility so she could NOT have been too isolated from her own community. Akbar became a tolerant, pragmatic and liberal (in the modern sense that he focused on the service of religion for people rather than the other way around) leader of enormous economic effectiveness practicing a love of learning and nurturing a society founded on meritocracy. In the movie the monogamy understood in the love of Jodha and the inherent polygamy in the love of the emperor is subtle but apparent. In the love scene song she expresses their passion for each other and he expresses the special meaning she brings to his life (fragrance to flowers he already had in his garden). The movie is a terrific introduction to Mughal India and one that will encourage novices like myself to go to the web over and over and learn about the history of many cultures in general, and just for that, the $31, including the terrific deleted scenes that involve Mahesh Das who later became Birbal, are well worth it and I thank the director Ashutosh Gowariker for it.