When I told friend that I was watching Jodhaa Akbar over the week, her advice was "carry some food...lots of food". Turns out her advice was handy, and the chips and popcorn I carried fell short. I can't quite figure out the trend with long movies. Do filmmakers feel that if they dish out half an hour of extra scenes and songs, that the audience will get better value for money. Personally I'd prefer a better edited movie, than one which winds on forever.

Length aside, Jodhaa Akbar is an honest attempt to create a historical romance. We have come to expect nothing but the very best from Gowarikar who has given us Lagaan and Swades in the past. Does Jodhaa Akbar live up to expectations? Well, yes and no.

Clearly JA is more a piece of fiction than a factual narrative. Anyone expecting a recreation of Akbar's rule over India will be disappointed.

There were far too many characters and intersecting story lines to be followed. Rather than adding to the fabric of the film, they detracted the viewers' attention from the crux of the story.

Some of the casting was brilliant. Roshan, Rai and Ila Arun were brilliant in their roles. Although because there were so many characters, few actors had enough screen time to do justice to their roles.

Music by Rahman was hauntingly beautiful, and choreography was well suited.

Costumes were good, though could have been better. Jewellery was breathtaking.

All in all, well worth a watch, though my advice: take food, take lots of food.