Just two days for Jodha Akbar's release

I can't wait to see Jodhaa Akbar. I really hope the film does not disappoint me. A R Rahman's music score has raised my expectations of Ashutosh Gowarikar's latest offering. I have become the film's brand ambassador on the presumption that Gowarikar would have done a great job with an ensemble cast that includes Indian filmdom's high-appeal stars, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. I would love to see them decked in royal splendour and enact a love story set in one of the most momentous times in India's history.

Most people I know have given the film the thumbs down. They say that a historical will not get the audiences in today's times. I would be happy if they take back their words after seeing the film. I fail to understand why people would not like to see a story that takes us back to an era gone by. If the story is well told, I am sure anybody would sit through 3 and 20 minutes (the length of JA's final cut) without a murmur. Gowarikar gave us an enjoyable film in Lagaan, which was a longer film.

More crucially, JA has already raked in a fair bit of controversy during the past few weeks. I think it's good for the film. One must thank certain sections of the Rajputs who are opposed to the film (they say Jodhaa was Akbar's son Jehangir's wife and not Akbar's wife). I think that's nothing but bunkum especially after the direct descendants of Jodhaa have cleared the film.
I am sure the film will generate more controversy once it is released. I think it's hard for many people in India to digest a Hindu-Muslim love story, especially if it shows that the lovers lived happily ever after.

Whatever the fate of the film, three cheers to Ashutosh Gowarikar for an honest effort to bring alive a slice of history. He has the guts and vision to translate his dream to reality. Inshallah, JA will create a sensation at the box office in India and the world (it's releasing in 26 countries around the world).