Jodhaa Akbar

Set in 16th century India, Jodhaa Akbar centers on a union between a Mughal emperor and a Rajput princess. To seal an alliance, Akbar negotiates a marriage with Jodhaa Bai. The arrangement forces them into close quarters, testing their beliefs, honor, and duties. Initially wary and suspicious, they navigate court intrigues, competing loyalties, and the demands of their people. As both sides weigh the cost of peace against personal loyalties, the couple must decide what kind of alliance truly binds a realm together. Across cities, smoky bazaars, and corridors, their relationship gradually shifts from formal alliance to one born of respect and shared hardship. The film blends romance with political drama, asking how love can endure amid power and tradition.

Ashutosh Gowariker directs the film with screenplay by K P Saxena, Gigi George and Haidar Ali. The project blends historical spectacle with a romance rooted in Mughal and Rajput traditions, featuring elaborate sets and a lush musical score that audiences remember fondly.

Worldwide box office reached about 28.7 million against a 5.8 million budget, marking a solid commercial showing for a historical romance. It performed particularly well in India and among fans of period cinema. It helped boost producer profiles and epics.

The film is known for its lavish sets, ornate costumes, and a sweeping score that helped define late 2000s Indian period cinema. The pairing of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan became emblematic, fueling debates about history and cross cultural romance, while inspiring a wave of epics and fashion trends.

Critics generally praised the performances and production values, while some noted historical liberties. The film explores duty versus desire, empire building, and the tension between tradition and changing identities, offering a nuanced look at how personal relationships intersect with politics and diplomacy in a courtly world for modern audiences today.