Wordiezett So much average

FeistyUpper If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Salubfoto It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

Caryl It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

runamokprods Sort of Indian cinema's 'Gone With the Wind' in its scale and impact, this huge 3 hour epic started slowly for me, feeling awkward, dated, and a little stagy.But then, I found myself unexpectedly swept up in this story of a prince defying his father for love of a woman, really enjoying it, and wanting to see how the story would turn out.Some amazing set design, and some beautiful songs, along with often really strong cinematography.2 versions of film exist. It was originally released in 1960, mostly in black and, but with two reels in color. Filmmaker Asif had wanted to make the whole film in color, but lacked the funds. In 2004 it was re-released in a version that colorized the black and white reels. While that would normally be a film sacrilege to me, in this case it was done with loving care, at great expense, and with the intention of finishing Asif's version the way he wanted. I actually own both versions.Following the advice of what seemed the majority of critics I watched the colorized version first, and was shocked to find it really worked for me. Maybe the early Indian color process had a slightly unreal look that let the reels that were originally in color blend just about seamlessly with the colorized reels, but in any case the whole worked wonderfully.On the other hand I recently watched the film again, this time in the original mostly black and white/2 reels in color version. I found that somewhat less satisfying. The magic of the piece seemed dimmed, the fairy tale sense of being in another world less constantly palpable. The sets felt less amazing, and details didn't catch my eye the same way.The Eros release is pretty high quality for the color and the Shameroo/Eros is OK for the older black and white/color combination. That print is very beat up, but at least the image seems sharp. (As with many Indian films there are lots of weak knock off releases that look like someone just burned a VHS tape onto DVD).

suri1011 Well... what to say about the greatest film in the history of India... Mughal-E-Azam is a film which can never die or be forgotten. It is impossible for this film to be forgotten.Story- Argubaly the greatest story ever formed.. Falling in love with a low class maid, revolting against own father and finally parting ways forever.. Acting- Dilip Kumar as Salim leaves you speechless and so does the ethereal beauty Madhubala as Ananrkali. Prithviraj Kapoor as King Akbar steals the show. In supporting roles- Durga Khote as Jodha Bai, Nigar Sultana as the evil meddlesome Bahar deliver a promising performance. A 'Perfect' casting for a film.Music- Pyar Kiya To Darna- Picturised on Madhubala, Dilip Kumar, Prithviraj Kapoor, Durga Khote, Nigar Sultana still is the grandest song ever.Mohe Panghat Pe- Picturised on Madhubala, Kumar, Kapoor, Khote is still played on Lord Krishna's Janmasthmi.Teri Mehfil Mein- Picturised on Madhubala, Nigar, Kumar is arguably the best duet till date.Other hits like Mohabbat Ki Jhooti, Humen Kash Tumse, Jab Raat Hai Aisi, Aye Mohabbat Zindabad, Bekas Pe Karam Kijiye, Khuda Nigeheban, Aye Ishq Yeh Sab Duniyawale... are still remembered today... Direction- FABULOUS! THE ONLY FILM OF K.ASIF!Release Dates- 05-08-1960 (BW/ Partly Color) 12-11-2004 (Colorized)its a much watch 4 every youngster... Please parents, make them watch this

Zarminae Ansari Note: I've marked the spoiler sign- but this is a well known myth so no surprises here (not even the ending- which is also a popular myth where Anarkali comes back as NurJahan).Prepare to be dazzled. A luscious feast for the senses, the new restored & colorized version allows us to appreciate the fine attention to detail. The colors are breathtaking- and that is when I realized that Sanjay Leela Bhansali- much as I like that director- isn't all that original. K. Asif got there first. Bhansali tried to do the lavish sets, gorgeous costumes, attention to detail, assault of color in Devdas. But K. Asif got there first- and without the digital technology of today.That is only the film's visual victory over your defenses. When there is silence in a scene- you can only just hear the fountains, and the crystal droplets of the "shama daans" or lamps tinkling in the soft breeze. And then there are the gorgeous, tight, beautifully written dialogs rendered in chaste Urdu (by all actors, regardless of religion- Prithviraj Kapoor's progeny might like to take a feather off his cap, and polish up their enunciation - really there is no reason why the poet Ghalib must be referred to as Gaalib by today's lazy actors). It was a relief to my ears which are usually accosted in even the best Karan Johar entertainer, by an unfortunately politicized and degraded Hindustani.Then there are the performances. Albeit some performances and dialogs are melodramatic, over-the-top- especially the ones with the mother, Queen Jodha Bai, yet one must understand the requirement of the time, as well as the archetypes that were (and are) close to the heart of the audiences. These often have religious and mythological overtones which most people would immediately have picked up on- the mother, the wife, the beloved.Technically, so much has been said about the cinematography, especially in the dance scene in the Hall Of Mirrors, and the battle scenes- that I wont repeat them- but I'll just say- pay attention to these and remember these scenes were shot despite the limitations of available technology. Amazing! Finally- the fabulous on screen chemistry of Dilip Kumar and Madhubala. With his nuanced acting and the slightest inflection in tone conveying volumes- Dilip Kumar is simply arresting and with her naughty, flirtatious first dance as Radha, Madhubala conveys the passionate Anarkali. Their scenes together are never vulgar or titillating- just terribly erotic- sensuous- again tactile: Prince Salim brushing a feather against Anarkali's skin...Really- there's so much more to write- but I'll just say that there is a reason this is a classic. Enough said.10/10

iftikharkhokher A very finely made epic with a all-star cast,great screenplay,music,songs and direction.Some of the dialogue is immortal.I have heard it said that Dilip Kumar was outstanding but i find his performance dull and uninteresting.The stars are Madhubala and Prithviraj.If ever i wanted someone to play Akbar it would be Prithviraj.Madhubala was in her prime in this movie.The scene where she tears off her jewelery after drugging Dilip is so good and so well filmed that it becomes the whole love story itself.The dialogue is beautiful.Ajit,Murad and Durga Khotay also excel themselves.The oddity is the pale-faced Dilip.It happens that expect in Tarana,he always seems subdued whenever he is paired with Madhubala.Mughal-e-Azam is a classic but historically it is based on a myth and has no resemblance to the truth about Akbar and Jahangir.