Movie: Devdas
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Year: 2002
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Kiron Kher

Snapshot of the Story
Devdas (Shahrukh Khan) is a son of an affluent landlord and born with a silver spoon to his mouth. His upbringing is luxurious in every way. Paro (Aishwarya Rai Bachachan) is a childhood friend of Devdas and both love each other, but destiny has decided something else for them as Paro marries someone else as a result of family pressure. Shattered by this news Devdas becomes recluse and alcoholic.

Storyline
The story of the movie revolves around the three characters Devdas (played by SRK), Paro (played by Aishwarya Rai) and Chandramukhi (played by Madhrui Dixit). Devdas is a son of an affluent landlord and has grown up in a much wealthier environment and lives a luxury life. Paro is Devdas’s childhood friend and lives in his neighbourhood. Being childhood friends both of them love each other. Devdas’s parents had sent him to London for higher studies. Here in Indian Paro is waiting for Devdas to return.

When Devdas returns from London Paro’s mother (played by Kiran Kher) proposes Paro’s marriage with Devdas. But Devdas’s parents condescend and insult Paro’s mother. This creates the rift in both families and Paro’s parents look at another groom for Paro and makes Parro marry a wealthy man without knowing the fact that he is a much older than her. Heart broken Devdas becomes alcoholic.

One day he finds Chadramukhi, a stunning courtesan. She develops an affection for Devdas. This proved to be a myth and he keeps on wandering life like a refugee. Devdas’s life becomes sad case as he could not marry the person he wanted and the story depicts his pain and misery.

Final Thoughts

Devdas is best on Saratchandra Chatterjee’s novel Devdas. This is the 2nd Bollywood version of Devdas, the first was in 1955 with legendary Dilip Kumar as the leading actor. Director Sanjal Leela Bhasali did an out standing job as director right from casting to the final editing of the movie. Shahrukh Khan along with the beautiful and gorgeous ladies Aishwarya and Madhuri were good to watch and gave towering performances. Ismail Darbar provided a vibrant and versatile music after his first super hit movie “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”. Kiron Kher was very impressive in her supporting role.

Rating

Devdas bags 7 out of 10 as overall rating. Movie is slow at times and fails to connect with the audience. The highlights of the movie were the different choreographer’s being used for different song including Saroj Khan, Vaibhavi Merchant and Pandit Birju Maharaj.

Madhuri Dixit’s back in action in 2012

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will get to work soon

One to one with Aishwarya Rai - The personal interview