Since my joining with Ciao, I’ve written most of the reviews on bollywood movies. But this time I need a break. I want to try some other topics as well. May be this is my last review on any bollywood movie. Let me tell you about Devdas, an epic, which has overtaken Indian film industry from decades ago. And most of them were hits, if not super hits. Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s epic novel Devdas, directors in various periods tried to give this a shape. Pramathes Barua, Uttam Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Soumitra Chatterjee are some great names behind Project Devdas in various times. This time, it however is Shahrukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bansali who tried to give it a shape.

**** Quick Facts ****
Story: Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Direction: Sanjay Leela Bansali.
Cast:
Shahrukh Khan as Devdas.
Aishwarya Rai as Paro.
Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi.
Jackie Shroff as Chunnibabu.
Kiran Kher as Paro’s mother.
Smita Jaykar as Devdas’ mother.

**** The Story ****

Let’s go back in history, to a small village in West Bengal, where lives Devdas Mukherjee and his childhood sweetheart Paro. They grew up together and loved each other very much. At the childhood, there was always a support from both of their families. After growing up, Devdas goes to Oxford to study law. The movie begins when he comes back to his village. There is almost a festive mood among the family members and of course, in Paro’s house. All of his family wait for him eagerly with spread hands and smile in face. But the empty car comes to the house. They come to know that Devdas has gone to see Paro first before stepping in his house. This brings displeasure in his family.

Finally when he comes, after a bit sentimental talks, his family greets him joyously. Devdas starts reuniting with Paro once more. But this time the support was absent from his house. Devdas’ family holds a high esteem in the society, where as Paro’s family is not treated with honor due to some socio economic problems present at that time in West Bengal. Paro’s mother was enthusiastic about the relationship between Devdas and Paro and one day goes to talk about their marriage to Devdas’ family. But she is insulted badly and is told about their status and the difference between those two families.

This relation also was not sufficient to hurt the relation between Devdas and Paro. One night Paro comes to Devdas’ house to talk to him when she also is insulted very badly by Devdas’ father and this incident breaks her down completely. Devdas also takes this incident as an insult to their love, and instead of patching it up, decides to leave his family immediately. This incident frustrates Paro’s family and they almost immediately decide to find a man for her.

When Devdas comes to know about all these things, he gets mad. He comes to Paro’s house only to find that that was her wedding day. He however stays there and helps her family members complete the rituals. Then he permanently leaves his house. He moves to his college friend Chunnibabu in Kolkata. Chunnibabu introduces him to Chandramukhi. Chandramukhi tries to attract Devdas in various ways, but she fails to attract his mind. He goes there, listens to her songs, pays for it, and goes away. Finally she falls in love with Devdas, and after much time Devdas also falls in love with her. Paro, when comes to know about it, becomes very anxious about him and becomes afraid of his health. She now wants to take Devdas away from Chandramukhi.

Will she succeed? Will Devdas change for better? Will Chandramukhi go away of his life? Will Devdas find his love? Well, if you are regular watcher of bollywood movies, you already know the answer. But or the new viewers, I won’t spoil your interest. Try out this movie yourself and get all those answers after a pleasant story.

*** Story Analysis ***

As far the glamour is concerned, this movie gets 100 out of 100. Glorious sets, glamorous star cast, some well taken shots are really some advantages of this movie. Sanjay Leela Bansali has replaced various things only to attract the attention of foreign viewers and to make this movie more glamorous. The scenes, the sets, all are somehow unrealistic. To make this film attractive to foreign audience, he simply sent Devdas to Oxford instead of Kolkata. That’s why the presence of Chunnibabu in Kolkata creates some disbelief in the minds of the viewers. He sent Devdas to Oxford to complete his studies, and sends him once back to Kolkata to meet Chunnibabu, who is his college friend. If he could stick to the original story, it could be better to understand. To complete his studies in Kolkata and then moves to Kolkata again to his friend’s house, as was in the novel. Anyway, he can’t be blamed for this overtaking. These things happen in film industry. But I am really surprised to see Paro and Chandramukhi dancing together in the movie. I don’t know how would Sarat Chandra had reacted, but for sure we couldn’t expect any happy comment from him.

There are some other differences from the actual story, but for new viewers, this is all right. But a viewer who has seen the previous versions of Devdas, must admit that may be this story has some unique glamour effects, but as far as acting is concerned, this movie is far behind the others. Lets now analyze the acting scenario.

**** Acting ****

Shahrukh Khan was nice in the leading role. His appearance was glamorous, and acting was equally brilliant. The good thing is no much over acting from him. The scene, where Devdas performs his own last rights can take your hearts away. The scenes, the psychological changes of Devdas are very efficiently portrayed by him. Somehow you’ll feel bad for this person, who is left over in this world all alone. First by his father, then by his childhood love, then by his entire family and finally by his life. No doubt the character is a big loser, but that is surely not justified to tell him so. May be he took the wrong steps, but he was entirely confused before taking them, and there was none to help him or to take him out of this situation.

In the role of Paro, Aishwarya Rai was good. She is always very good looking and looked really brilliant in this movie. Her role had a great impact on the story line and she is perfect to do her job.

Madhuri Dixit needs no introduction in bollywood films. She was brilliant to perform the role of a Tawayef in this movie. Her desires, her love for Devdas and her patience that someday he will come back to her.. all were very effectively portrayed by Madhuri Dixit. She proves once again why she is one of the most trusted heroines in bollywood.

Jackie Shroff is also very good in the role of Chunnibabu. As usual, he helps the director by acting beyond his limitations.

The music is in the brilliant side. You really will take time to forget the very melodious tunes used in this movie. But the frequency of the songs have made this film tedious and somehow boring to many of us, besides making it a movie of great length.

****Plus Points****

The star cast. Almost all the best bollywood stars are present in that movie. Some classic scenes, memorable dialogues and some very good piece of acting. Could be an asset for a collector.

****Minus Points****

Lengthy songs and dance sequences. Too frequent songs spoil the charm. Though individually each song has its own significance, but taking together they just made the movie boring, nothing else.

****Comments****

Not a must see movie. If you manage to see this, be prepared for a long journey in the bollywood culture. If you are a collector of Indian cinema, you may go after it, but before that I would suggest you to watch this movie from anywhere else, as you "may" repent on your decision later.