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Very few such films have been made in the history of Indian cinema, whose magic continues to resonate with the audience even after decades. Famous filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s masterpiece film ‘Devdas’ is going to complete its 24 years today. This grand film, released in theaters on July 12, 2002, was based on the classic novel by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. But Bhansali made it not just a film, but a visual treat on the big screen that forever changed the definition of grandeur and period drama films in Indian cinema.
On the 24th anniversary of this film starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit, let us know those 24 interesting and untold things that make ‘Devdas’ a milestone even today:
1. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Vision: Every frame of the film reflects Bhansali’s hard work and artistic thinking. He brought every scene on the big screen like a painting carved on canvas.
2. Fantastic Literary Adaptation: Many films had been made on the novel before, but Bhansali’s Devdas kept the original pain, yearning and soul of the story intact.
3. Shahrukh Khan’s historic performance: The depth with which King Khan lived Devdas’s suicidal love, his ego, alcohol addiction and yearning is counted among the best acting of his career.
4. Aishwarya Rai’s ‘Paro’: Aishwarya’s unmatched beauty, simplicity and ability to express emotions through eyes made the character of ‘Paro’ immortal.
5. Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Chandramukhi’: Madhuri presented dignity, selfless love and respect in the role of a courtesan at such a high level that even today people admire her acting.
6. Dev and Paro’s immortal chemistry: This incomplete love story of Dev and Paro, which started with the flame of a lamp, is still counted among the most romantic and painful love stories in the history of Bollywood.
7. Unique relationship between Paro and Chandramukhi: Unlike the cinema of that era, Bhansali broke the barriers of society and showed a relationship between Paro and Chandramukhi of mutual respect and deep understanding rather than jealousy.
8. Glass Palace and Plush Sets: Money was spent like water on the production design of the film. People used to go to the cinema hall again and again to watch Chandramukhi Ka Kotha and Paro Ka Sasural (Glass Palace).
9. Amazing Cinematography: Binod Pradhan’s magical lighting and camerawork made every scene come alive, for which the film also received a National Award.
10. Heavy and Royal Costumes: Lehengas and sarees designed by Neeta Lulla and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla are still the main source of inspiration for fashion designers during the wedding season.
11. Evergreen Music Album: The entire album of this film, decorated with the music of Ismail Darbar, is a unique blend of classical and Bollywood music.
12. The magic of ‘Dola Re Dola’ and ‘Mar Dala’: Aishwarya and Madhuri’s Jugalbandi dance in ‘Dola Re Dola’ and Madhuri’s Kathak steps in ‘Maar Dala’ are still an important part of pop culture.
13. Unique Choreography: Late Saroj Khan’s talent had woven the emotion and grandeur of the story into every dance sequence of the film.
14. Powerful and cheeky dialogues: “Babuji said to leave the village…” from to “Who drinks to tolerate the fucking…” Such heavy dialogues are still memorized on people’s tongues.
15. Sea of Emotions: Human emotions like ego, love, yearning, family dignity and self-sacrifice were woven very closely in the film.
16. Benchmark for period films: Only after the success of ‘Devdas’, the courage to make historical and big-budget period films increased in Bollywood.
17. Most expensive film of its time: Made with a budget of around Rs 50 crore, this film was one of the most expensive films of Indian cinema at that time, which broke all the earning records.
18. Premiere at Cannes Film Festival: In 2002, this film was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where the international audience gave the film a standing ovation.
19. India’s entry in Oscars: ‘Devdas’ was sent as India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards (Oscars).
20. Recognition on the global stage: This film introduced cinema lovers around the world to the grandeur of Indian art, dance and traditional culture.
21. Record breaking rain of awards: The film created history by winning a record 5 National Film Awards and 11 Filmfare Awards.
22. Impact on fashion and pop culture: After the release of the film, a new trend of ‘Paro saree’ and traditional jewelery started in the Indian markets which continued for years.
23. Mobile School of Filmmaking: ‘Devdas’ is still a case study for students learning direction, screenplay, lighting and sound designing.
24. A timeless legacy: Even after a long time of 24 years, when today’s young generation watches this film, they are amazed by its grandeur and Shahrukh’s acting. This proves that classic cinema never gets old.