His debut venture Khamoshi, didn't do too well at the box office even though it was an excellent movie, it was however, greatly appreciated by the critics. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam managed to do both, Devdas is the third film to come from Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and even before it's fate at the box office is decided, he's bowled me over by scoring a hat trick.

Devdas (Khan) and Paro (Rai) are childhood friends, separated, when Devdas is sent to boarding school in London. Their friendship develops into love on his return.

His family however, consider his relationship with Paro beneath him and he's forced to make the ultimate choice - it's her or them.

He chooses the latter, only to regret his decision when it's too late. This is when Devdas's spiral of self destruction begins landing him in the arms of charming Chandramuki (Dixit).

The courtesan falls in love with him at first sight and worships him just as intensely as Paro does.

Unfortunately for her, Devdas is as unobtainable to her, as Paro is to him, and spends most of his days whether with her or not, intoxicated.

The main theme in the movie - Love - is shown in it's most interesting forms, unrequited and forbidden. The film also delves deeper into the psyche of each character especially Devdas, making you understand why he's a spoilt rich kid, who acts before he thinks.

Devdas is a treat to watch, it completely justifies it's title as the most expensive Indian film ever made. The cinematography is breathtaking, the locations and sets exquisite, and vintage costumes and jewelry highly elegant.

There are many tender and touching scenes in the film but the picturisation to the 'Hamesha Tumko Chaha' song gives you a lump in your throat.

Aishwarya is dainty and delicate in her portrayal as Paro. She is entirely believable as a young woman who solely exists for her lover.

Madhuri is equally good and gives a sensitive and sympathetic performance as Chandramukhi. Both women dance like dreams, and make you feel like their roles have never been played before hence created just for them.

Shahrukh Khan is known for his passionate performances. He's willed us to 'fall in love' before and has won countless awards for his portrayals but even after considering films like 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham', it has to be said that Devdas is by far the best of his career.

Devdas has everything, it's a masterpiece. This isn't one of the best films I've seen this month, or even this year, it's one of the best films I've seen, ever.


Rating: 9.5/10
Review by: Shamaila Khan



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