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Noticed a very weird detail about Jodha Akbar in comparison to Padmavat whilst watching it for review writing:
Jodha is rarely ever called as anything but Jodha by the main characters. Padmavati on the other hand is constantly called "Rajkumari" first and then "Rani Sa".
Jodha is rarely ever called as anything but Jodha by the main characters. Padmavati on the other hand is constantly called "Rajkumari" first and then "Rani Sa".
It's a very subtle way in which makers of Jodha Akbar give assert Jodha's individuality. They constantly remind the viewer that she is a person apart from being a queen, wife etc. She has a self.
Padmavati on the other hand is reduced to an extension of the men around her.
Padmavati on the other hand is reduced to an extension of the men around her.
She's a Rajkumari because she's the King's daughter and a Queen because she marries the King. Her theme song defines her as the pride of the kingdom. It says nothing about who she really is.
I find it very interesting when coupled with the other saffron propaganda in the movie.
I find it very interesting when coupled with the other saffron propaganda in the movie.
There are of course many other ways in which Jodha's character is more fleshed out than Padmavati's.
Jodha shows more agency in the relationship.
She makes demands and gets angry and rarely complies with her husband's whims just because she is supposed to.
Jodha shows more agency in the relationship.
She makes demands and gets angry and rarely complies with her husband's whims just because she is supposed to.
This is not solely dependent on the fact that she doesn't want him initially. Even when she falls in love she makes demands and takes jibes at him. Their relationship seems to be of equals.
Akbar even learns from Jodha. He admits to his weaknesses in comparison to her.
Akbar even learns from Jodha. He admits to his weaknesses in comparison to her.
Padmavati on the other hand does a complete submission to her husband's will. She never gets angry at him for the entire movie and she has no affect on his personality or his decisions until another man chooses to harm her.
So really Khilji has more influence on him than her.
So really Khilji has more influence on him than her.
I also have a lot to say about the women are dressed. Like Jodha seems to be dressed lighter, you can still *see* aishwarya at all points even when she is completely covered.
Padmavati is literally weighed down by all the jewellery in the world.
Padmavati is literally weighed down by all the jewellery in the world.
Jodha is a person beneath it all in the filmmakers eyes, Padmavati is the carrier of the literal honour of the state.
I think that says quite something about how hindutva project views UC women.
Not as people, but as objects of honour.
I think that says quite something about how hindutva project views UC women.
Not as people, but as objects of honour.
