The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Telugu version of ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ released

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Friday, Mar 07, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Telugu version of ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ released

Special Correspondent

Dubbed versions of movie will ensure wider reach: Gowarikar

PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

Photo op: Genelia, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Venkatesh and Ashutosh Gowarikar at the premiere of ‘Jodhaa Akbar‘ in Telugu in Hyderabad on Thursday. —

HYDERABAD: Team ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, in full strength, wowed Hyderabad, literally. Despite the controversy marring its release in some States, Director Ashutosh Gowarikar led his team that was clearly basking in the film’s success.

A gorgeous Aishwarya Rai flanked by the director and the lead star Hrithik Roshan made for a happy picture at the release of the Telugu-dubbed version at PVR Cinemas here on Thursday. Where was the necessity for a dubbed version when most people are familiar with the story and the language?

In a media interaction before the preview, Mr. Gowarikar said, “The film is doing very well here. Yet we did not want to deprive people in small centres the experience of watching it. Also, we wanted to ensure a wider reach.”

Would it not be awkward to watch Akbar speaking Telugu? “Well, the Mughals probably used Persian. Yet we made the film with a mix of Hindu and Urdu. So why not Telugu or Tamil? Ultimately, it is the characters played by actors that leave a mark with viewers.

What was Hrithik’s initial reaction when he was offered the role?

“I was happy someone thought I could do it. Am happy that the preparation included reading books on Akbar with different interpretations, and my own instincts and spontaneity while sticking to the director’s vision paid off and the film is a success, globally.”

Aishwarya Rai said she approached Jodhaa’s character with a clean slate. When one works with a high-calibre director, enough research would have already gone into the story. I was honest to the screenplay.”

Did the controversy garner more publicity? Mr. Gowarikar said he was unhappy it prevented families who were keen to watch the film from going to the cinema halls due to the protests.

Common vision

Story writer Hyder Ali and art director Nitin Chandra said they worked with a common vision that ensured the fine balance and blend of characters with the background.

To a question, Mr. Gowarikar said once a film was certified by the Central Censor Board, it should not be banned. Ultimately, it is the audience’s verdict.

If people like it, it makes film makers and actors take up challenging films and roles.

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