The mystery of unknown attracts a human being the most. People want to know what has been lying in the pages of history. The genre of historical drama sets in right here. There have been many historical films made in Bollywood in 50's and 60's, but the trend changed in later years. In the new century new ideas are hard to find and people watch films like Gladiator and others. In Bollywood too, people dare to revisit history. We have seen 'Mughal-E-Azam' getting its frames colored from start to end, and now Akbar Khan presents the story of love, deceit and conspiracy surrounding the most beautiful landmark in this part of the world, Taj Mahal.
Interestingly, it was in 1941 when Bollywood made first film on Taj Mahal. Directed by Nanubhai Vakil it had stars like Kumar, Sarojini and others. Twenty-two years later director M Sadiq attempted another film on this monument of love with Pradeep Kumar, Beena Roy, Jeevan, Helen, Rehman and others. This film is still remembered for its finesse and music. There was yet another attempt two years back when director Robin Khosla dared to make a film with Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Moon Moon Sen. And, now we have Akbar Khan's 'Taj Mahal'. Akbar Khan entered into Bollywood as an actor with his 'Hadsa' that he directed too. His grip on filmmaking has been evident since then.
click for larger view
As younger brother of Firoz Khan and Sanjay Khan, Akbar Khan wanted to show to the world that he could do something better and bigger than his brothers. So, he has come out with this extravaganza 'Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story', an approximately Rs 700 million film. Akbar Khan's 'Taj Mahal' progresses in flashback. The film starts with aging Shahjehan (Kabir Bedi) being held captive by his own son Aurangzeb (Arbaaz Khan). Aurangzeb wants to rule India and his quest for power starts at home itself. He would not let any one even from his family challenge his supremacy.
click for larger view
And, if his own brother Dara Shikoh (Waqar Sheikh) wants to pose a challenge, he has to get his head severed and presented on a platter to his father. Brothers die in the battle and their sister Jahan Ara (Manisha Koirala) is made to pass her days with his father. It is here when Shahjehan tells his love story to his daughter. Shahjehan peeps into those days when he was known as Prince Khurram (Zulfi Syed) and he had met the natural beauty Mumtaz Mahal (Sonia Jehan, Noorjehan's grand daughter making her debut in Bollywood).
click for larger view
Prince Khurram falls in love with Mumtaz Mahal originally known as Arjumand. The love blossoms and so does the hate in fort. Khurram's stepmother Noorjehan (Pooja Batra) is planning to get Khurram married to her daughter from earlier marriage, Ladli Begum (Kim Sharma). One consequence leads to another but eventually love wins and prince Khurram unites with Mumtaz. While breathing her last, Mumtaz asks prince Khurram to make a monument to keep their love alive for good.
click for larger view
Akbar Khan as a director has once again emerged victorious in his attempt. He has spent a lot in creating the grandeur and the aura for the content. He has created lavish sets and glittering ornaments for his cast and the labor of love has borne its fruit in the end. The film is a visual treat to watch, whatever may be the result at box office. If Akbar Khan has failed anywhere it is in the cast and the music of the film. Such films run on time winning music. But Naushad with the help of Uttam Singh has failed in reliving the kind of music that he gave in films like 'Mughal-E-Azam'. Not even a single song remains in the memory of viewers after they come out after spending three hours in theatre.
click for larger view
Among other technical departments, the set designing comes the first among winners. Cinematography by R M Rao is superb and Sham Kaushal has choreographed some excellent duel on the screen in recent history. Anan Singh gets full marks in costume designing and Tejas Jogani does wonders in jewelry department. With Fatima Meer, Akbar Khan also takes charge of writing the lines for his characters and there too he manages to get the punch with words. The only technical department that has failed after music though is its editor. The film needs chopping at some places to make it crispier and shorter.
click for larger view
'Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story' also lacks star attraction. Had Akbar Khan given more thought to star cast too, then the result would have been very phenomenal. However, the fact remains that whatever cast he assembled has given the best performance. Arbaaz Khan has given his best performance till date. Debutant Sonia Jehan shows that she has mettle but the revelation of the film is Pooja Batra. She has shown immense maturity in handling the role of Prince Khurram's stepmother. She can move ahead in any way after this film. Zulfi Syed looks cute too. Kim Sharma is just okay. On the whole, 'Taj Mahal' is a good film that can sail at box office with the mouth publicity.
