Devdas (2002)
Starring Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai, Kiron Kher
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Written by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay
The review could be summed up in a sentence. The magical Madhuri, the typical Shahrukh, the elegant Aish, the overloaded moms and some awesome dancing.
Even though I haven’t seen the original Bimal Roy production – why do I get the feeling that that one was more relevant and portrayed the Calcutta, the social vices and characters more strongly?
Somehow Devdas, the man, got lost in the stereotype Shahrukh – who – by no fault of his own – brings up the same kind of stutters flutters and quivering in all his roles. It’s almost predictable. Take for example his condolences to his mother at his father’s death.
The movie scored big on the great dances and awesome numbers. Specially from Madhuri. The ‘Dola Dola’ sequence absolutely rocks and is definitely worth a second look. Maybe even a third!
The review would be incomplete without bashing the overloaded moms. Just how could they wear such heavy jewelry? Almost nothing was left uncovered. I simply cannot comprehend women wearing so much – at least not since the times of Jodhabai.I Object.
Overall, the movie scored well on my ratings. Worth spending some moolah – after all so much was spent making it.
Rating: 3/5
© Ambrish Varma
August 1, 2002