The Bengali novel Devdas has undeniably captivated the entire Indian subcontinent with its tragic love triangle, spawning numerous adaptations, but the best of which is arguably 2002’s Devdas. Co-writer and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali takes the classic tale and transforms it into a spectacular, well-crafted period drama musical that pleasures the eyes and hits all the right notes in all production aspects– the performances, the sets, the costumes, the camera, the lighting, the music, and the choreography– while still transcending the story with key changes that feel natural and effortless. Devdas is Bollywood and Bhansali at their finest, with its full three hours breezing through in pure splendor.
Synopsis
In 1900s India, Calcuttan zamindar Devdas Mukherjee — unable to marry his lover — takes up alcohol and the company of a courtesan to alleviate the pain.
Storyline
India, early 1900s. After 10 years of studying law in London, Devdas Mukherjee returns home to India, planning to marry Paro Chaudhary, his childhood best friend. But when his wealthy family forbade him to marry her due to a lack of status, they remained separated for the rest of their lives.
TLDR
I wish this was longer than three hours, actually.
What stands out
With a love triangle, it would have been easy for Devdas to stir hatred between Paro and Chandramukhi, especially since they never met in the original novel. The 2002 film version subverts this, starting with Paro blaming Chandramukhi for Devdas’ alcoholism, but continues with the two happily dancing with each other in a spectacular scene, and consistently acknowledging the ways in which Devdas, and plenty of the other characters, sabotage themselves in the name of status, riches, and society.
