Controversial ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ in Colombo

Controversy ridden Indian film about the fabled romance of a Moghul emperor, 'Jodhaa Akbar' which was subjected to non-release in certain Indian states will be released at the Liberty Cinema simultaneous to the world release on February 29. Directed by Oscar nominated 'Lagaan' director, Ashutosh Gowariker, the film was accused of distorting Indian history.

'Jodhaa Akbar' is the story of the Greatest Moghul Emperor that ruled Hindustan, Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, and the fiery young Rajput Princess, Jodhaa. Set in the sixteenth century, this epic romance begins as a marriage of alliance between two cultures and religions, with King Bhannal of Amer giving his daughter's hand to Emperor Akbar. When Akbar accepts the marriage proposal, little does he know that in his efforts to strengthen his relations with the Rajputs, he would in turn be embarking on a new journey-the journey of true love.

Whether Emperor Akbar, a Muslim, married a Hindu Rajput princess Jodhaa some 450 years ago is debated by historians, but the alliance has fed folklore of an enduring love in a country scarred by a history of religious bloodbaths.

However some Rajput groups attacked movie halls and tore down posters of the film, saying it was historically inaccurate, and that Jodhaa was in fact Akbar's daughter-in-law. For fear of violent protests, the film was not released in Rajasthan -- an important Bollywood market and the place where many Rajputs hail from. ( According to internet interpretation Rajput constitutes one of the major Hindu Kshatriya groups from India. They claim descent from ancient royal warrior dynasties of Kshatriyas).

However there were mixed reactions for the protest as some complaining that this was just the latest controversy to hit Bollywood, raising criticism that India was becoming an increasingly intolerant place for artistes. Eminent Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal alleged that there was a political hand behind the protests held against Ashutosh Gowariker's epic romance 'Jodhaa Akbar' in several cities.

"This is the way politics is being played in this country," he commented. Benegal further said there were only a handful of people protesting the film and blamed the media for hyping the issue. "Forty channels are reporting that people representing Rajput organisations are staging protests against the film and preventing its screening. There may be 50 people staging the protest, but the moment the news comes on national channels, you think it is a national problem," he said.

However all the protests and disruptions became a hidden blessing and are in a way hyping the movie more. Even those who were not inclined to see a three hour plus historical movie have been venturing out to the cinemas and checking out the film! The reason is obvious. The projected negatives before Jodhaa Akbar's release like, long duration, colloquial Urdu and Hindi etc, have all become secondary and at the forefront is now the curiosity to check out why there have been protests and disruptions.

One feels that the makers should in a way thank the protesters for all the free publicity that their 40 crore venture has got. Tale of 'Jodhaa Akbar'. Directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, Jodhaa Akbar is a sixteenth century love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a great Moghul emperor, Akbar, and a Rajput princess, Jodhaa.

Political success knew no bounds for Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan). After having secured the Hindu Kush, he furthered his realm by conquest until his empire extended from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal, and from the Himalayas to the Godavari River. Through a shrewd blend of diplomacy, intimidation and brute force, Akbar won the allegiance of the Rajputs. But little did Akbar know that when he married Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai), a fiery Rajput princess, in order to further strengthen his relations with the Rajputs, he would in turn be embarking upon a new journey - the journey of true love.

The daughter of King Bharmal of Amer, Jodhaa resented being reduced to a mere political pawn in this marriage of alliance, and Akbar's biggest challenge now did not merely lie in winning battles, but in winning the love of Jodhaa - a love hidden deep below resentment and extreme prejudice. Jodhaa-Akbar is their untold love story.

It stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles and it also marks the debut of newcomer Abir Abrar. The music is composed by acclaimed music composer A. R. Rahman.