Writer/Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actresses in India have created movies which satisfy audiences like Aishwarya Rai. Ever since her rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Rai has become a beloved actress that has made memorable movies. Whether it’s bold historic figures, doomed lovers or rebellious daughters, Rai has portrayed several strong characters. Arguably, Rai’s best strength as an actress has often been her bravery. She is one of those rare actresses which hasn’t been afraid of taking risks in her career by taking on controversial characters. Through her ability to create strong female heroines audiences can relate to, Rai has become a great actress whose work audiences value. Throughout her impressive career, Rai has made several unforgettable movies that are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Rai and adore all the films which she has made in her career. However, “Devdas” definitely stands out as being her most emotionally impactful film. Released in 2002, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie offered a bold portrait of alcohol addiction. Packed with breathtaking musical numbers, brilliant 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 Aishwarya Rai, who embodies a woman trapped in a doomed romantic relationship. Ultimately, what makes “Devdas” a classic Bollywood movie is universal appeal. Unlike most Indian movies, it tackles bold themes everyone relates to. A captivating Bollywood masterpiece, there are many strong reasons why “Devdas” is a great movie 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.
Aishwarya Rai delivers one of her greatest performances as Paro. Rai achieved praise for playing romantic heroines in Bollywood films. With “Devdas”, however, the actress took on her most complex role. It’s not easy to portray a woman that witnesses alcohol addiction which causes tragedies but Rai succeeds. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most iconic role. With riveting expressions, she conveys the angst, frustration and grief of a woman struggling to care for patients with alcohol addiction causing tragedy film.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Rai, the supporting cast is also terrific and worthy of recognition. Shah Rukh Khab is spectacular, capturing the terror faced by a man struggling to cope with alcoholism. Madhuri Dixit is magnificent, capturing the fierce personality of a female prostitute that loves her profession dearly. Lastly, Jackie Shroff merits appreciation. As an alcoholic, he 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 Aishwarya Rai 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 actress with strong dedication toward her craft that has made unforgettable movies throughout her impressive career which are absolutely worthy of appreciation.
5/5 stars
