Devdas

In 2022, Sanjay Leela Bhansali celebrated the 20th anniversary of his reworking of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s beloved Bengali novel Devdas. Fundamentally, the 1917 book tells the tale of societal structure, male ego, familial pride, and forbidden love. Twenty times in seven languages, Devdas has been adapted for the screen; its cinematic interpretations have ranged from realism to gloriousness. The title role has been portrayed by superstars such as K.L. Saigal, Dilip Kumar, Soumitra Chatterjee, and Shah Rukh Khan in this version.

Devdas,” released in 2002, is one such cinematic gem that continues to captivate viewers with its touching narrative, breathtaking visuals, and stellar performances. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring the legendary Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role, “Devdas” is a cinematic masterpiece that explores the complexities of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of a previous era.

The Story:

After ten years away, wealthy and from a high caste, Devdas (ShahRukh Khan) comes home to begin a childhood relationship with the attractive but lower caste Paro (Aishwarya Rai). Because of the caste difference, his family is against the union; Paro’s mother married an older, wealthier widower. This starts the downward spiral into alcoholism that Devdas experiences, leading him to seek comfort with the compassionate prostitute Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit), and ultimately to his emotional collapse. As their lives intertwine and fate takes its toll, Devdas and Paro remain bound by an unbreakable bond of love, even as tragedy looms on the horizon.

The Visual Spectacle:

One of the most striking aspects of “Devdas” is its visual grandeur. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his opulent filmmaking style, creates a lavish world filled with vibrant colors, complex costumes, and lavish sets. From the palatial mansions of Bengal to the bustling streets of Calcutta’s red-light district, every frame of the film is a visual feast for the eyes. Bhansali perfecting his distinctive style of filmmaking. Following a somewhat gloomy premiere with Khamoshi, he tried something more ambitious with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, but Devdas was the film that featured many of Bhansali’s signatures, which he continues to use to this day.

The cinematography, done by Binod Pradhan, captures the essence of the story with breathtaking precision, transporting the audience to a bygone era of aristocratic glory and cultural richness. The film’s stunning dance sequences, choreographed by Saroj Khan and Farah Khan, are a testament to the beauty and grace of Indian classical dance forms, adding an extra layer of spectacle to the narrative.

The Performances:

At the heart of “Devdas” are the powerhouse performances of its lead actors. Shah Rukh Khan delivers a tour de force performance as Devdas, bringing to life the character’s inner turmoil and emotional depth with remarkable nuance. His portrayal of a man torn between duty and desire is both heartbreaking and compelling, cementing his status as one of Bollywood’s finest actors.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shines as Paro, infusing the character with a rare combination of innocence and strength. Her chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan is palpable, lending credence to their tumultuous love story. Madhuri Dixit, in the role of Chandramukhi, delivers a mesmerizing performance, imbuing the character with warmth and vulnerability.

The way Shah Rukh plays the title character in relation to certain other versions has also been criticized for the movie. Before Shah Rukh took on the role, some of the biggest names and best actors in Indian cinema history—KL Saigal, A Nageswara Rao, Dilip Kumar, and Soumitra Chatterjee, to mention a few—had portrayed Devdas. It was natural to draw comparisons. Shah Rukh may not have quite reached Dilip Kumar’s standard for a strong Devdas performance, but he did come close. His strengths over an established actor in the style of Dilip Kumar are significant.

No actor can match Dilip Kumar’s ability to convey Devdas’ pain in such a straightforward and exquisite way. However, Shah Rukh outperformed the great master in one area: his portrayal of Dev’s arrogant madness. Devdas, played by Shah Rukh, was a bit discriminatory, arrogant, and unlikeable man who didn’t need to be glorified. And Shah Rukh did a fantastic job bringing that to the screen. His rendition does not have to be the greatest or superior to anyone else’s. It worked because it was unique and intense enough. And that is all that is important.

The Music:

No discussion of “Devdas” would be complete without mentioning its unforgettable soundtrack. Composed by Ismail Darbar with lyrics by Nusrat Badr, the music of “Devdas” strikes a perfect balance between traditional Indian melodies and contemporary sensibilities. From the haunting strains of “Silsila Ye Chahat Ka” to the soul-stirring “Dola Re Dola,” each song adds depth and emotion to the narrative, elevating the film to a whole new level.

“Devdas” is a cinematic experience that transcends time and space. With its timeless tale of love, tragedy, and spectacle, the film continues to enthrall audiences around the world, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling. From its breathtaking visuals to its powerhouse performances, “Devdas” is a true masterpiece of Indian cinema that will stand the test of time.

Richard Corliss of TIME magazine listed Devdas among the “10 Best Films of the Millennium” in 2012. With lavish sets, engaging set pieces, stunning costumes, and an iconic yet norm-defying soundtrack based on traditional classical music (unheard of at the time in Hindi cinema), Bhansali’s trademark operatic manner tells this story of passionate love. Here, Shahrukh Khan delivers one of his most impactful performances, and Aishwarys Rai and Madhuri Dixit steal the show in both musical numbers and situations.