Bollywood epic promotes religious harmony; violent battles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a lot
Numerous battle scenes involving swords, spears, and animals. In one scene, a gory severed limb is seen flying through the air. A general beheads a defeated king off camera.
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On their wedding night, a husband respectfully observes his wife's wishes not to have sex. Later they are seen embracing and sharing kisses during a song sequence that marks the consummation of their marriage.
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Preaches harmony, tolerance, and even union when it comes to different religions. In a powerful visual, a Hindu queen and her Muslim mother-in-law pray in the same room according to their respective customs. Characters display courage, empathy, and integrity.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Jodhaa asserts herself in a culture and system that gives women little agency. Though she has no say in who she marries, she lays out conditions and ground rules to ensure not just her safety but also comfort. She insists that she be allowed to follow her religion as she sees fit, and that she never be pressured to convert. Adept at sword fighting, cooking, and making political moves, she does not hesitate to ride to an active battle site in order to protect her brother and her husband. She stands her ground against all the plots hatched against her, and refuses to return to her husband's home unless he makes amends and wins her heart. Akbar promptly reads Jodhaa's body language on their wedding night and respects her wishes to not consummate the marriage until she enthusiastically wants to. He assures her that he would never force her and that she has the right to end the marriage if she wants to. He endeavors to promote harmony through changes in legislation and abolishing taxes based on religion. He makes it clear that his primary concern is the prosperity of his citizens, not filling up the royal coffers. In his relationship with Jodhaa, he learns to seek truth and act with empathy instead of flying into a rage because of hearsay. He supports her repeatedly and publicly solidifies her position as empress.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Indian cast and crew. Languages include Hindi and Urdu. The film exhibits how interfaith marriages can incorporate customs and traditions from different religions -- in this case Hinduism and Islam, exemplified by the central character's two-part marriage ceremony. It also explores the dynamics of gender roles in India. In one scene, Akbar asks to eat from the same plate Jodhaa had already used, subverting the longstanding tradition of wives eating from their husbands' plates after they've finished. One of Jodhaa's resident attendants in the Mughal palace is a transgender woman, Nimat. Trans women have been part of India's rich cultural traditions for centuries and have historically shared spaces and living quarters with cis women.
Parents need to know that Jodhaa Akbar is a truly epic Bollywood drama with some intense battle scenes. Set in 16th century India, the film is primarily a fictionalized love story between the real-life Mughal emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) and Rajput princess Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai). Their romance is a slow burn, culminating in a song sequence that features them embracing and sharing kisses. The battle scenes that run throughout are loud and occasionally gory. Characters use swords and spears. A character is beheaded off-screen, and a severed limb is seen flying through the air. Akbar makes constant efforts to promote religious harmony, and though his marriage to the Hindu princess Jodhaa is initially a political alliance, it shapes his unique and harmonious approach to ruling. Jodhaa too shows many positive characteristics, including integrity and courage on the battlefield. Released in 2008, the film remains one of the few Bollywood movies to celebrate the Mughal people as well as interfaith marriages, opening up important conversations around both. The film -- which has a runtime of 214 minutes -- is in Hindi and Urdu with English subtitles available. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
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What's the Story?
Set in 16th century India, JODHAA AKBAR finds Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) grappling with a kingdom divided across religious lines. In order to strengthen political ties between the Mughals and Rajputs, Akbar decides to marry the Rajput princess Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai), who in turn agrees -- on the condition that she never be asked to convert to Islam and that she be allowed to continue to worship Lord Krishna. But not everyone is happy with this alliance, and the couple face many plots to separate them.
This epic drama can easily be counted as one of the classic historical romance sagas produced by Bollywood. A.R. Rahman's exceptional music lends itself beautifully to Jodhaa Akbar's grand visuals, while leads Roshan and Rai look gorgeous in costumes designed by Neeta Lulla. Ila Arun is perfectly cast as Maham Anga, Akbar's foster mother, bringing a certain menace and grim power to her negative role. Some of the actors playing minor roles teeter on the edge of becoming hammy, but it can be excused.
The film could have benefited from some smart editing. The battle scenes -- especially the hand-to-hand combat in the climax -- tend to stretch out, adding to the 214-minute runtime. But overall the narrative remains engaging and the slow burn romance is what keeps the viewer hooked. The lead pair have great chemistry, and their courtship song, "Jashn-e-Bahara," is a treat. This Bollywood masterpiece is definitely a must-watch!
Which characters showed courage, integrity, and empathy? Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits?
How did Akbar try to promote religious harmony? Would you describe him as a good role model? What makes a positive role model?
At the center of the movie is an interfaith marriage. How did Akbar and Jodhaa compromise when it came to their respective religions? Why is it important to explore our similarities rather than differences?
The film looks at the history of Mughal rule in India -- a period of time that is often erased from present-day textbooks. Why do you think that might be? Why is important to learn from history? Has the film made you want to learn more about the Mughal people?
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By Ishmeet Nagpal
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