Writer/Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actors in Bollywood are as beloved as Shah Rukh Khan. Ever since his rise toward recognition in the 1990’s, Khan has become one of the greatest actors in the Indian film industry. Whether it is star-crossed lovers, gangsters or doomed superheroes, Khan has proven he can portray many characters. Arguably, Khan’s finest strength as an actor has always been his charisma. He has often been of those rare actors with the abilities to use his charisma to attract audiences to the theatres. Through his abilities to play characters which prove to be compelling, Khan has created a legacy that’s lasting. Known as the Badshah of Bollywood, Khan has stood the test of time as a great icon in Indian Cinema. Despite reaching the ages of retirement, Khan hasn’t lost his passions for making engaging entertainment. An icon in India, Khan has become a bold actor whose movies commonly attract audiences to the Cinema. Throughout his long-lasting career, Khan has appeared in several unforgettable movies which are definitely without a doubt worth watching.
In a huge fan of Khan and adore all films he has made in his career. However, “Devdas” is definitely his most intense film. Released in 2002, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film offered a beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book. Packed with breathtaking production, bold storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Shah Rukh Khan, who portrays a lovesick man that suffers from sad alcohol addiction. Ultimately, what makes “Devdas” a classic Bollywood movie is universal appeal. Unlike most Indian movies, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. A breathtaking Bollywood masterpiece, there are several strong reasons why “Devdas” is a film that’s worth watching.
Set in 1900’s India, “Devdas” tells the story of a wealthy businessman that suffers from alcoholism causing a dilemma. Shah Rukh Khan portrays Devdas Mukherjee, a lovesick businessman seeking love of a companion. Devdas has always been madly in love with his childhood sweetheart Paro (Aishwarya Rai). However, Devdas’ life forever changes when he is forced to part way with his lover. Drowning to the depths of despair, Devdas turns to alcohol addiction to cope with his fear. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Devdas questions whether it’s truly possible to reunite with his lover. Facing the consequences of alcoholism, Devdas soon wonders whether he would ever be able to overcome his love problem.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is fascinated with the stories of doomed love. His iconic film “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” offered a bold portrait of newly wed women which endure tensions. With “Devdas”, however, Bhansali made his first ever literature adaptation. It marked the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt an iconic book about doomed lovers facing tragedies but he succeeded tremendously. Using bold cinematography, Bhansali demonstrates an alcohol addict that embarks upon a journey. Evoking K. Asif’s “Mughal E Azam”, Bhansali expertly uses point of view shots to convey hardships alcohol addicts go through. For instance, POV shots enhance the meeting scene. During this tense scene, Devdas has his first ever meeting with his Paro following many years of separation. Through stunning POV shots, Bhansali creates a romance that is engaging. POV shots are complex to use in movies. As Yash Chopra’s “Veer-Zaara” suggested, POV shots enhance historical romance films. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Bhansali captives tensions that alcohol addicts are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Devdas” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies you will see. Bhansali has always had a talent for designing gorgeous sets for movies, and “Devdas” is absolutely no exception. Throughout the movie, the set of Paro’s house plays a tremendous role in showcasing her social status. For instance, the house setting elevates the Dola re Dola musical sequence. During this unforgettable scene, Paro engages in a dance number in her home that showcases her social status. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Monty Sharma’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing the grim burden that alcohol addicts bear. Using bold production, Bhansali constructs a compelling portrait of alcohol addiction.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Devdas” is a Bollywood movie about love that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and expertly uses silence to convey hardships that doomed lovers experience. For instance, silence elevates the alcohol use scene. During this tense scene, Devdas faces the grim consequences of alcoholism causing tension. Through silence, Bhansali creates a portrait of doomed love audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Nikhil Advani’s “Kal Ho Na Ho” suggested, silence enhances Bollywood moved about sad terminal illness. Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Swades” demonstrated silence elevates films about India villages. However, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Bhansali captures alcohol addicts which face a painful price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Shah Rukh Khan delivers one of his best career performances as Devdas. Khan earned appreciation for playing romantic heroes in classic Bollywood movies. With “Devdas”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t simple to portray an alcohol addict that faces adversity but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and grief of an alcoholic facing tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most celebrated Bollywood actors today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Khan, the supporting cast is astonishing and worthy of recognition. Aishwarya Rai is remarkable, bringing charisma to a woman that engages in a doomed love affair which causes a dilemma. Jackie Shroff is superb, bringing authority to an alcohol addict that uses drinking to cope with his misery. Lastly, Madhuri Dixit deserves appreciations. As a troupe dancer, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “Devdas” would earn appreciation of everyone for celebrating a legendary book about doomed love. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it discusses bold themes everyone would relate to. It tackles strong themes of addiction, mental health and grief which will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the classic book to enjoy it. Therefore, “Devdas” is one of those rare Bollywood movies everyone will absolutely adore.
Fans of Shah Rukh Khan will absolutely love “Devdas” and so would movie-goers which seek heartfelt entertainment. A captivating Bollywood romantic drama, it celebrates an iconic actor with charisma.
Nearly 25 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood movie about a heartbroken man facing alcohol addiction, it’s a fantastic reminder of an Indian actor with strong dedication toward his craft that has made unforgettable movies throughout his impressive career which are absolutely worthy of appreciation.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 