Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

In preparation for all things Indian, we watched this classic Bollywood style movie, which is set in Agra during the Mughal empire rule, but before the Taj Majal was built.  The fort that the Mughal emperors lived in is a central feature and the whole movie, while a bit too long, was fascinating.
The story revolves around a possibly true marriage of alliance between the mid-sixteenth century Mughal emperor, Jalal-ud-dim Mohammed Akbar and Jodhaa Bai, a Rajput princess.  The part that is left out, with the exception of a passing mention of the harem and the eunuch attendant, is the other 199 wives.  Details that are best passed over in a love story.  Jodhaa was originally betrothed to another Rajput king and her dowry was her father's crown, which will pass to that Rajput king, after his death. Through this arrangement, the son of the elder brother of the king, Sujjamal gets deprived of his rightful throne and he leaves the kingdom angrily to join rebels. But when Mughal empire plans to attack Amer, king Bharmal, resentfully offers his daughter's hand to the emperor himself to avoid war. Akbar agrees to the marriage as it would bring forward a true strong alliance and long lasting peace between the empire and Rajputs.   there are the age old issues of differences in religion that are a very real part of India's 20th century story, and the costumes, music and dance in this epic film are something to behold.