Jodhaa Akbar (2007) is a romantic epic Indian (Hindi) film. The story is set in Hindustan or India’s 16th century. Largely fantasy, the film is based on the Muslim Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar’s arranged marriage to Jodhaa, a Rajput princess. The marriage was arranged by her father, King Bharmal of Amer. The emperor’s agreement to the arrangement was in hope of seeking religious temperance leading to a stronger alliance across Muslim and Hindi cultures.

Spanning many genres this movie builds slowly but never tediously into a grand crescendo. The emperor is challenged in both battle and love. Large scope battlefield scenes including hundreds of elephants, horses, and camels, while conspiracy and betrayal threaten Akbar and his ability to win Jodhaa’s trust. Will Akbar realize true love for Jodhaa and country? Music and dance are interwoven in the story appropriately and they are magnificently done with colorful costumes as background to glimmering jewelry.

This is a win-win recommendation for date night as there is something for everyone. As any good epic it is long, 213 minutes, giving you more time on the sofa next to your favorite person.

Starring:
Hrithik Roshan as Akbar
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Jodhaa

Director:
Ashutosh Gowariker

You can still get a feel for Indian films or at least movies filmed in India with Indian actors and directors in these two movies I recommend:

Bride and Prejudice (2004)
Another romantic musical also starring Aishwarya Rai. In this Indian/British film Rai plays Lalita Bakshi, one of four daughters who insists on marriage based on true love rather than arrangement. This is a fun Indian adaptation of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. Also stars Martin Henderson and is directed by Gurinder Chadha.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
A British production filmed in India and based on the Indian novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup. This is the heart-racing story of a young man’s journey from the slums of Mumbai to being a contestant on India’s version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. This film’s reception has come with much controversy as some claim it to be strictly a western depiction of life in Mumbai. India’s Loveleen Tandan directed this film starring Dev Patel and Freida Pinto.