Celebrating 12 Years of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Masterpiece 'Devdas'

A Historic Tribute to Romantic Cinema

On July 12, 2002, an extraordinary event unfolded at the conclusion of a three-hour cinematic tribute to love. For the first time, the audience in the front stalls rose to their feet in applause, a moment never witnessed before at the end of a film.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's remarkable adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chatterjee's timeless romantic tragedy leaves viewers with a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. This film reinforces Bhansali's belief in the visual medium's ability to transform melodrama into poetry, establishing him as one of the most talented mainstream filmmakers in Hindi cinema.

Following the success of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Bhansali crafted another heart-wrenching romantic tragedy that captivates the senses with its stunning visuals and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Devdas stands out as a remarkable achievement in mainstream Hindi cinema, rich in visual splendor. Credit goes to Nitin Desai for the breathtaking sets and to Anu-Sandeep, Neeta Lulla, and Reza Sharifi for their stunning costumes. The characters inhabit these opulent settings, adorned in exquisite attire, while Bhansali's storytelling ensures that the emotional weight of Sarat Chandra's tragedy remains intact. The film invites multiple viewings to fully appreciate its intricate layers.

In narrating the tragic love story of Devdas and the strong-willed Parvati, Bhansali expands upon the original narrative, introducing inventive sequences that highlight Devdas's tragic fate. Notable moments include the elaborate ritual of bringing together Devdas's two love interests, Paro and Chandramukhi, for a mesmerizing dance during a Durga Puja celebration, and the poignant scene where a drunken Devdas performs his own last rites.

One of Bhansali's brilliant innovations is the wedding of Paro, where Devdas arrives just in time to witness her enter a loveless arranged marriage. This sequence, accompanied by Kavita Krishnamurthy's haunting vocals, evokes a deep sense of melancholy reminiscent of W. B. Yeats' poetry.

Great art transcends mere poetic moments; it must resonate with audiences, allowing even those unfamiliar with the source material to connect instinctively. Bhansali achieves this magic in Devdas, appealing to both purists and casual viewers alike.

By blending sophistication with accessibility, Devdas secures its place among the greatest commercial Hindi films ever made.

The film brings a grand commercial flair to the narrative while preserving the original's tragic essence. Bhansali's storytelling opulence is unparalleled in Indian cinema, including his own earlier work, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The characters are so compellingly woven into the plot that viewers are swept away by their dramatic journeys.

The iconic finale from Sarat Chandra's novel, where the ailing Devdas takes his last breath outside his beloved's in-laws' home, is retained but reimagined. The moment of Devdas's death is transformed into a visually stunning and artistically rich scene, unlike anything seen before.

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Kolkata, Bhansali creates a timeless atmosphere filled with enchanting beauty. The romantic exchanges between the London-returned Devdas and his childhood love, Paro, are crafted with operatic elegance, drawing viewers into their ornate courtship.

The casting deserves special mention, with Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit bringing a sense of timelessness to their roles. Madhuri's portrayal of the courtesan is one of the best in recent cinema, while Aishwarya's performance elevates her character to legendary status, showcasing her versatility and emotional depth.

Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of the complex and troubled Devdas is equally commendable. He captures the essence of unfulfilled love, embodying the character's struggles with authenticity. His performance shines in pivotal scenes, showcasing his range as an actor.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with Kiron Kher's spirited portrayal of Paro's mother and Jackie Shroff's charming depiction of Devdas's friend adding depth to the narrative.

Every technical aspect of the film stands out, from Ismail Durbar's captivating music to Monty's impactful background score, Aatish Kapadia's sharp dialogues, and Binod Pradhan's stunning cinematography, all contributing to the film's enchanting atmosphere.

Devdas was destined to leave a mark in cinematic history. With Bhansali's creative vision, the story has reached its fullest potential. While Shah Rukh Khan may not surpass Dilip Kumar's iconic portrayal, Bhansali's Devdas undoubtedly matches and, in many respects, exceeds the emotional depth of Bimal Roy's adaptation.