Watch Mughal-e-Azam

Mughal-e-Azam is a classic Indian epic historical drama film released in 1960. This masterpiece was directed by K. Asif and features an impressive cast including Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, and Dilip Kumar. It is a romantic tale set in the Mughal era, depicting the tumultuous love story between Prince Salim (Dilip Kumar) and the stunning courtesan Anarkali (Madhubala).

The movie is set in the 16th century, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar (Prithviraj Kapoor). It is a time of grandeur and splendor, with the empire enjoying its heyday. Prince Salim, the son of the great emperor, falls deeply in love with Anarkali, who is a talented dancer and singer. However, Akbar disapproves of the relationship because Anarkali is a courtesan and not of royal birth. He believes Prince Salim should marry someone of a higher stature to keep the dynasty pure and powerful.

Despite the Emperor’s disapproval, the love between the Prince and Anarkali continues to flourish. They plan to elope but their plan is discovered by Akbar. The Emperor is furious and orders Anarkali to be buried alive. Prince Salim is forced to watch the tragedy unfold but he’s helpless to do anything about it. After the death of Anarkali, Prince Salim is devastated and turns against his father, starting a rebellion that puts the entire empire in jeopardy.

The movie showcases the intense conflict between love and duty, and what people are willing to sacrifice for it.

Apart from the emotional and romantic aspect of the story, the entire movie is a visual treat. The grandeur and opulence of the Mughal empire are on full display, as seen in the grand sets, spectacular costumes, and lavish jewelry worn by the characters. The detailed and richly designed backdrop emphasizes every scene, highlighting the grandeur of the Mughal era. The fullness of the Doli scene, which is grand depiction of heartbreak and sorrow creates a lasting impact on the viewers.

Prithviraj Kapoor's portrayal of the Emperor Akbar was truly phenomenal. He brought depth and complexity to his character through his commanding and authoritative screen presence. Madhubala’s portrayal of the courtesan Anarkali is exquisite, and her performance is one of the highlights of the film. Her dance sequence, "Jab Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya," is an iconic scene in Bollywood history.

Dilip Kumar’s portrayal of Prince Salim is impressive. The character has an arc that spans from a carefree youth to a mature leader. His transitions between the two are seamless, portraying both the passion of his love for Anarkali and the respect he has for his father. Through his performance, Dilip Kumar presents to viewers the inner turmoil of a prince who is torn between his love and his duty.

One of the defining features of the movie is the timeless music by Naushad. The lyrics and music of songs like "Mohe Panghat Pe," "Zindabad," "Teri Mehfil Mein Qismat," "Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya," and "Jab Raat Hai Aisi Matwali," have made a lasting impact on Indian cinema. The music, combined with the actors' performance which was exemplary, adds to the movie's overall appeal even after 60 years of its release.

Mughal-e-Azam, with all its grandeur was one of the most expensive Indian films of its time, and its release was delayed due to several issues including financial constraints, casting difficulties and production problems. It eventually surpassed all expectations, became a box-office hit, and won numerous accolades locally and internationally. The movie was also included in the 100 Greatest Films of All Time by TIME magazine in 2005.

In conclusion, Mughal-e-Azam, is a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated for its grandeur, music, legendary performances, and it’s rich storytelling that leaves an impact on the viewers. It’s a movie that can be watched again and again and still be cherished for years to come.

Mughal-e-Azam is a 1960 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.