Jesuits at Akbar's Court by Nar Singh, ca. 1605 |
Jodhaa Akbar is instead a sweeping romance of love across faiths, overcoming scheming interlopers, and hitting the arranged-marriage jackpot. The film doubles down on the religious tolerance for which Akbar's reign is rightfully famous. He opened the administration of his empire up to bureaucrats of any religion, and abolished faith-based pilgrim taxes. He pursued alliances across faiths and invited allied nobles to join his court. He joined his Hindu wives in worship and celebration. His ibadat khana (house of worship) in Fatehpur Sikri, his erstwhile capital, found Hindu, Roman Catholic, Zoroastrian, Jain, Islamic and atheist thinkers together discussing theology. Extremism was discouraged, as was sati, and under Akbar the Mughal Empire grew in size and influence.
The film does not double down on the intelligence of Jodhaa, who is lovely and "spirited" in the "she can do xyz as well as any man" way. But being proud is not the same thing as being interesting. It is definitely not the same thing as being smart. Aside from a political science 101 lecture, we never have any indication that Jodhaa is interested in anything besides Akbar. Unless you count that scene where she is playing with rabbits? And rabbits are really more a metaphor than an interest.
Sheesh Mahal, Palace in Rajasthan |
Roshan's casting as Akbar was excellent, regardless of motivation. His Urdu deserves special praise. His accent is delicious. The locations, costumes, and music are sumptuous proof that if money cant buy happiness, it can sure buy a whole lot else. Tanishq provided the jewelry for the film, which likely cost a king's ransom all on its own. The music, by A.R. Rehman, again draws on the variety of musical styles on the Subcontinent for inspiration, including dervishes and Hindu religious music, as well as the more contemporary "Jashn-e-Bahara".
Speaking of delicious, Jodhaa Akbar also caters to the female gaze in a way that continues to be highly unusual, as no one seems to have learned the lesson of "Jab Se Tere Naina". Hritik Roshan playing with his sword is another wonderfully understated metaphor, but it is also proof that this film knows its audience. The full scene is here.
Same, bitch. |
Particularly since there were protests against the film throughout North India anyway. These were ostensibly about historical inaccuracy but unsecretly about the fact that the Rajput and Hindu right are Islamophobic- even thought the film isn't exactly groundbreaking in its political message. Some of these same groups were back at it last year protesting the release of historical epic Padmaavat (2018).
Now, are Jodhaa and Akbar in the running for "most awkward "first time" musical number"? Yes- and in Bollywood the competition is tragic. Is there some over-acting? Yes. Was Ashwaria Rai underutilized? Yes. Did the film need to include Akbar taming a wild elephant? Debatable- even if it is true. Its not like they needed to fill time. Is the film as good as Mughal-e-Azim? Surely you jest.
A surprisingly lovely collection of Mughal miniatures, including one featuring Akbar and some elephants, can be viewed for free at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore!
Film: Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Writers: K. P. Saxena, Haidar Ali, Ashutosh Gowariker
Runtime: 214 minutes
Language: Hindi, Urdu
Country: India
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Writers: K. P. Saxena, Haidar Ali, Ashutosh Gowariker
Runtime: 214 minutes
Language: Hindi, Urdu
Country: India
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