"Jodhaa was Akbar's wife"

Jodhaa Akbar may have had a grand release but looks like there's been no end to the controversy surrounding the character of Jodhaabai. Director Ashutosh Gowarikar speaks out on his thorough research on the facts represented in the movie.

Asutosh Gowariker's magnum opus has finally hit the theatres. But it looks like there is no end to the troubles that the film has been facing ever since its making and though the film has got a thumbs up from the critics, its business has started quite slow and the film's length which is over three hours has resulted in the cancellation of one show everywhere and the director isn’t obviously happy.

“As a director and co-producer it does make me and Ronnie sad that the show has been reduced from four to three,” said Gowarikar.

And the troubles don’t just end there, the film has faced a ban in Jaipur due to an alleged misrepresentation of facts, but the director stands by his research.

Gowarikar says,” It’s really sad that our own country people are behaving like this, I have done my research and as you can see that the facts are right. Because there is so much contradiction and difference in opinion over my work, I have consulted a lot of books written by established historians.”

When asked whether all this controversy adds to the publicity of the film, he said, “Controversy always gives negative vibes about the movie.”

It's only unfortunate that a film of this scale has to go through such troubled waters, but all we can say is as long as your audience is with you ...you do not exactly need to worry Mr. Gowarikar.