Release of Jodhaa-Akbar postponed again

The magnum opus, Jodhaa-Akbar, will now be released in April 2008, touchwood. Ashok Rai tells more.

Wait, don't blow the bugles yet. Its date of release has been announced so often that yet another post-ponement isn't exactly surprising. The Mughal opus which was to be released on January 15 has been postponed to April. Not to worry, we're talking of April 2008.

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Long wait
Perhaps the wait will make the heart grow fonder for Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa- Akbar featuring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan in the eponymous roles. The film has been so painstakingly shot that its first cut clocked in at five-and-ahalf- hours. Now all efforts are being made to reduced the length to a more endurable three hours.

Meanwhile, many of the film's supporting actors who gave months on end of their dates for the shooting schedules are simmering under their breath.

More work, less pay
Not only were they paid precious little money but had to forego other assignments all in the hope of getting exposure on the Mughal-sized screen.

Yet, there is no denying that sometimes there are unavoidable delays. At present, director Gowariker is confined to bed because of a severe back ailment. He has been advised to rest in bed for two months, or so goes the trade talk. He is not taking phone calls or responding to SMSs.

First, the film produced by Gowariker with UTV was scheduled to be released during the Diwali season. It was then shifted to January 15 and then again to February 24.