Jodha Akbar is an engaging sixteenth century drama about a political marriage of convenience between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodha Bai. Their marriage led to such an ardent love affair that it profoundly altered India.
Rajat Tokas gave an outstanding performance as Jalaluddin Akbar in this show, Paridhi Sharma also excelled and songs and dances are seamlessly integrated into its narrative.
Storyline
This story chronicles the 16th-century political marriage of Mughal Emperor Jalal ud-din Akbar to Rajput princess Jodha Bai. Her father Raja Bharmal reluctantly gives Jodha to Akbar in an effort to stop war; but Jodha becomes disgruntled at being reduced to nothing more than political leverage; instead wanting a relationship with Prince Ratan Singh instead.
Jodha writes to Sujamal asking him to help her save herself from Akbar. Maham Anga, the Emperor’s nurse whom he loves like her own mother, discovers Jodha’s letter and spreads it among his entourage so Akbar thinks Jodha has become his lover.
Akbar discovers the truth and attempts to win back Jodha’s love, impressing her with his enlightened rule and religious tolerance. Unfortunately, any progress he makes toward doing so is derailed by tragedy: Adham Khan (Emperor’s Prime Minister), is murdered by Maham Anga to prevent his war crimes from being exposed; then Maham throws him from a palace roof before setting fire to it himself.
Cast
Jodha Akbar is a grand historical romance with thrilling battle scenes and an ensemble cast. Narrated in Cecil B DeMille-style visuals, this epic historical romance offers breath-taking costumes and sets as Jodhaa and Akbar engage in their epic sword battle scene; Ila Arun plays Maham Anga perfectly; she brings both menace and power to her performance as Maham Anga.
Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shine as Jodha and Akbar in “Jodhaa Akbar: Love Story.” Their powerful on-screen chemistry has brought to life India’s most influential emperor and Rajput princess as they experience an explosive love saga together.
Paridhi Sharma and Rajat Tokas excel as the central characters in this drama, particularly Paridhi as Jodha (an effortless performer who gives depth and dimension to her role) while Tokas adds depth and dimension as Rajat’s antagonist, adding layers and dimension. Producers conducted over 7,000 auditions before selecting Paridhi. Supporting actors also provide strong performances.
Ratings
As one of the longest running period dramas on TV, Jodha Akbar stands out as being particularly impressive and consistent with both story telling and acting. Emperor Akbar has been transformed from his initially harsh disposition into something more humane due to the influence of Queen Jodha Bai, who brings out his spiritual side.
Key aspects of the film are its accurate recreations of various historical palaces and battle scenes, along with costumes and jewellery that look authentic to their period. Unfortunately, however, we find there to be something missing that we have seen in other TV historicals such as Maharana Pratap.
Ketan Mangesh Karande makes an outstanding debut performance as the primitive and blood-thirsty Khyber in this show, adding depth and authenticity to his character.
Recommendation
Jodha Akbar was an immensely popular historical romance TV series which focused on the relationship between Rajput princess Jodha and Mughal Emperor Akbar, featured on over 500 episodes over its run and running for over 21 minutes at once. Rajat Tokas played Akbar while Paridhi Sharma played Jodha with producers conducting over 7000 auditions to find an actress appropriate for each role before selecting Paridhi Sharma as Jodha.
Jodha Akbar features well-developed characters with great acting, but could have been improved as the ancient feel doesn’t quite come through as expected. Still, it remains an enjoyable watch. To watch Jodha Akbar online you must have a Zee5 account; click here for details about free 1 year subscription on Vi Recharge plan; additionally you can download episodes onto Google Play Store to watch later offline.
