Jodhaa Akbar

Jodhaa Akbar is a 2008 film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and stars Hritik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. The movie tells the story of the marriage between Jodhaa Bai, a Hindu Rajput princess, and Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, a Muslim Mughal emperor, and how it affected India. Akbar marries Jodhaa to create a political alliance between both the Mughals and Rajputs. Akbar receives much protest for this, which partially leads to rebellion, as a few of his family members try to usurp the throne. While Akbar consolidates his ever expanding empire, he and Jodhaa form an intimate and loving relationship that faces many obstacles throughout the film. A great emphasis is also placed on religious tolerance, unity, and the benevolence Akbar has towards Hindus. The film features excellent battle scenes, and beautiful music scores, costuming, and scene design. It is very obvious that much time and money was invested in the creation of this film. As the plot goes, there were many gripping parts. Considering I am one who doesn’t invest much feeling when watching movies (I never cry even during the most heartbreaking of movie scenes), I was often at the edge of my seat and gritting my teeth during frustrating scenes. There has been controversy over the accuracy over the film (For one, Jodhaa is the name of Akbar’s daughter-in-law, and Harka Bai is the name of his first Hindu wife; and far more importantly, there are records of Akbar destroying Hindu temples) it’s a beautiful, enjoyable movie worth watching. -Phasia Brooks-Gainous

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
(Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sadness)
Release Date: December 14, 2001
Director: Karan Johar

Stars:
Amitabh Bachchan – Yashvardhan Raichand (Yash)
Jaya Bachchan – Nandini Raichand
Shahrukh Khan – Rahul Raichand
Kajol – Anjali Sharma Raichand
Hrithik Roshan – Rohan Raichand
Kareena Kapoor – Pooja Sharma Raichand
Rani Mukerji – Naina Kapoor (Cameo)

Story:
Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Ghum, also known as K3G, is the story of family love and generational differences. The film has immense star power; Amitabh Bachchan leads the film as the paternal figure with his real life wife Jaya Bachchan as his spouse in the film. Bollywood’s favorite pair Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, lead the younger generation. Their pairing makes the movie a solidified hit. At this point in time, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor were considered new stars. The film held a monopoly over the international box office until 2006.
Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan run the wealthy Raichand family with strict traditional values. When Rahul, Shahrukh Khan, their elder son defies his father’s wishes by marrying a girl from a lower class, Anjali Swarma (Kajol), the traditional values of the Raichand household are destroyed. Thus, tearing the family apart. After being thrown out of the house, Rahul and Anjali go to London.
The film begins when the second son in the Raichand household, Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) is playing a cricket match at his boarding school. In order to win, he remembers the advice that his older brother gives him before he leaves, “If you want to be someone in life, if you want to achieve something….if you want to win, always listen to your heart,. And if your heart doesn’t give you any answers, close your eyes and think of your parents. And then you will cross all the hurdles and all your problems will vanish and victory will be yours. Only yours.” This quote leads the narrative of the film and portrays the importance of family. When Rohan envisions his family, he is able to succeed.
Rohan heads home after finishing his exams at University. On his way home he stops by to see his maternal and paternal grandmothers. The grandmothers are depressed over the loss of Rahul within the family – Rohan overhears them mourning. They then confess everything. Rohan is then determined to find his elder brother and restore unity to his family. Thus- the saga continues. -Laura Ennis