Mughal-E-Azam

Mughul-E-Azam boasts of some of the highest production values employed in filmmaking in India up to that point, and the result is astounding, to say the least. The film is a true cinematic experience in terms of aesthetics, and be it the black-and-white or the colour version, it is an unforgettable visual treat. The sets, the costumes, are stunningly lavish, almost to the point of casting a gloom over the story itself. And then we have the story, an epic, poetic one, which involves a most subtle love story. The dialogue is stupendous, with many lines having a memorable, larger-than-life quality which enhances the narrative beyond imagination. The music is similarly fantastic, with spectacularly performed dance numbers. Needless to say, "Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya" is the high-point of the film and the story it tells. Prithviraj Kapoor is excellent in a wonderfully dramatic and appropriately theatrical performance as Emperor Akbar. Dilip Kumar seems to enjoy his own, mere presence, while underplaying his role to great effect. It is Madhubala, however, who walks away with the most fully-realised part of Anarkali, a slave girl whose dignity cannot be taken away at any cost. I found the film a greatly entertaining watch, and while I had a problem with its overlong running time, as well as some faulty sequences, such as the less convincing battle between the father and son, Mughul-E-Azam remains a meticulous piece of art, and a rightly-touted all-time classic of Indian cinema.

A true masterpiece,featuring some of the greatest actors ever to grace the Indian screen.Prithviraj Kapoor,the doyen of Indian Cinema is Akbar himself and Dilip Kumar & Madhubala both put in sterling performances There is a question as to whether the storyline was actually true but the very nature of the story indicates the level of religious tolerance that existed at the time of Akbar.Akbar's wife Rani Jodhabhai was a hindu and that was the mughal method of building bridges with their hindu subjects.The role of Akbar would really serve as a model for religious amity today.The major issue Akbar had in consenting to the marriage of dancer Anarkali(represented by Madhubala) and Prince Salim(Dilip Kumar) was the class status.After all it was the 16th century All in all,a grand spectacle which showcases Indian culture at its very best and grandest and leaves one to wonder at the relative deterioration in subsequent centuries

Some films are popular only in their own time and some films continue to fascinate successive generations that is the essential difference between a good film and a classic one Mughal-e-Azam

This film is by far one of the best, I have seen. One is sure to be mesmerized by the love affair, the Mughal Emperor and the India of that time. The film being in Urdu language also adds originality and aura. The dialogs and direction is superb. The voice of late Prithvi Raj Kapoor as Akbar is beyond compare. Salim, played by Dilip Kumar is one of his best known acting and film. Madhubala seems great, and I definitely feel, she rivals any modern day actress in her beauty, grace and boldness and courage. I watched the latest 2004 re-release of this film in a theater and the experience was superb. I had earlier watched the movie (earlier release) in television before, but the latest release in colour and Dolby digital sound adds to the experience. Talking about a Hindi film, one definitely has to applaud it's songs. Based on Classical music, the songs adds life to the film and are strongly linked with the story-line as well. The best part I felt as a modern gen. guy is the passion and the customs and respect towards his/her duties and elders and system. Akbar's court was also known his secular principles. He had cordial relations with Rajputs(Hindu) too with his wife Jodha Bai herself being from Rajput clan and Man Singh as the head of his infantry. The movie shows the love and emotions through powerful poetic words (dialoges). This is one of the best parts of this film. One can learn many things from this film and is sure to bring in oneself an increased understanding towards one's duties and sacrifice. A must watch for one and for all ... and do watch with keenness and each word spoken in the movie is worth it.

Haha -- when I see comments that put Kuch Kuch Hota Hain or any other formulaic hindi flick as "the best film ever" they obviously didn't see K. Asif's vision of Mughal-e-Azam. From Prithviraj Kapoor's magnificent rendering of the imposing Emperor Akbar to Dalip Kumar's obvious love for the spectacular Madhubhala. The exquisite Urdu dialogues is of course not for the neophyte. But for those that can appreciate the finer things in life -- not some cloying Hum Apke Hain Kaun or Shah Rukh Khan's obsession with bleeding and overacting in every single film -- Mughal-e-Azam fits the bill perfectly.