The floors had never been swept…The curtains had never been washed…The walls had never been painted…the furniture had never been used…And the palace was returned its crowning glory, after ages of hibernation into a long forgotten saga…Such was the Glam and grandeur that rocked Bollywood on 12th July 2002.
At over Rs. 50 crore, Sanjay Leela Bansali’s Devdas is clearly the most expensive Indian film ever made. From the very first shot, which shows a luxurious palace at the turn of last century in Bengal, it is clear that no expense was spared. From the first visual to the last, Devdas is awe-inspiring with beautiful sets, lovely costumes, great lighting and dizzying camerawork. Armed with a great story, extravagant sets, timeless music, classic choreography, stunning performances and expert direction Devdas has hit the bulls-eye amidst loud speculation and fluctuating trade predictions. But this is no big surprise for the Hindi film industry. What makes it a noteworthy point is its comparison with Bansali’s earlier films like Khamoshi and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which were subtle and straight, yet made their point quiet convincingly…then why this extravagance all of a sudden?
“I agree that the film is a bit over-budget. But all the money used is visible in the film. I have no problems of any kind regarding this issue. Even Sanjay would not have dreamt that the film will cost so much; but when we get involved in the making of any film we don’t compromise on any front. The final results are here for all to see and I am more than happy with it.” – Bharat Shah, Film Producer.
All’s well that’s ends well. But where did it all stem up from. What coaxed Director Bansali to make a film on a 80-eighty year old story that has already graced the silver screen in over 6 versions? Let’s get it straight from the horse’s mouth…
“I was reading the book when I was shooting for ’Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’, and all my relatives and close associates encouraged me to make this film. There was some kind of natural magnetism that drew me close to the subject and I decided I’ll be making the next version of ’Devdas’.” - Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Director.
Devdas has crossed all language barriers in Indian films. It has been made thrice on the Hindi screen. There has been a Bengali version in 1935, two Telegu versions in 1953 and 1974 and a Malayalam version in 1989 and innumerable other spin-offs. A tragic tale of unfulfilled passion, Saratchandra’s nineteenth century novel is a parable for the debauchery and decay of the ruling class who’ve lost touch with their souls. Devdas went on to become one of the most enduring icons of Indian films - the aristocratic, lovelorn, sexually impotent, politically disengaged, and ultimately tragic hero. Whenever the subject has been made, it’s created a rage. It has never ceased to receive rave reviews from cine-goers and trade analysts alike. Even though the subject has remained constant the treatment has been varying. And Bansali claims that his version has many new additions.
“I have shown what would have happened if Paro and Chandramukhi ever came face-to-face with each other, and this encounter between the two women is not there in any of the old ’Devdas’. In Bimal Roy’s movie, only at one point of the story they are shown in the same shot. That’s when the two of them are crossing the road. I’ve taken the liberty to bring Paro and Chandramukhi face-to-face and picturised a song on them. Milind Gunaji, who plays an important role in my film, is another character absent in the older versions. Moreover, in the old versions the story unfolds gradually, whereas in my film it opens dramatically. The presentation is extravagant and hugely glorified with a 50-crore investment.” - Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Director.
Devdas…then and now!
Indian Mythology holds in its realm in the unparalleled shine lent by the mystique of lord Krishna. The eternal lover Krishna and the divine love of Krishna and Radha surely has a magical aura about it. For this was a union that had no name…except that of love. A love that was as intense as it was pure. Another great revelry lay in the selfless love of Meera, for whom the worship of Krishna was a way of life…Krishna, Radha and Meera…each the epitome of love.
One such tale of love was born again in 1917. With the brilliant mind of young Sarat Chandra Chattopadhye destined to be at its heart-wrenching best. He wrote the story Devdas that went on to beget immortality due to sheer hysterical popularity. It emerged the most widely read novel in India, for somewhere, this saga of the unfulfilled self-destructive lover touched the core of people’s heart like nothing ever had. It was almost inevitable when the parallel of the Devdas, Paro and Chandramukhi saga was made to that of Krishna, Radha and Meera. Not surprisingly, the story of Devdas magnetized several filmmakers.
Starting with a silent version in 1928, Devdas went on to be filmed as many as nine times in various Indian languages, which included two historic versions in Hindi. P.C.Barua, who had played the title role in a 1935 Bengali version, directed the first Hindi Devdas. P.C. Barua’s relationship with the character of Devdas was a strangely pathological one.
He had said, “Devdas was in me before I was born. I created it every moment of my life. Much before I put it on screen.”
However, P.C. Barua chose to cast actor-singer K.L. Saigal as Devdas in his Hindi version…And KLS never turned back after that. With his brooding personality, boisterous lock of hair and distinctive pathos laden voice, KLS went on to scale unparalleled heights and brought arresting life too the character of Devdas.
In 1955, noted director Bimal Roy filmed Devdas again. And this time, Dilip Kumar was cast as the noble lover. Despite the overwhelming effect of K.L.Saigal’s portrayal, Dilip Kumar recreated the rage with his superlative performance wherein quiet pain simmered from every part of his being.
Ironically, such was the effect, that the actor had to resort to drastically contradicting roles to rid himself from the tragic pathos of Devdas. By this time Devdas had become a name engraved on every heart.
It is close to a century since the story of Devdas was written. In this dynamic world of fading memories and ever-changing tastes, the charisma attached to Devdas remains intact. Every actor worth his while has harboured a desire to play this unique character and every director has hoped to direct the legend of Devdas time and again.
Today too, one such director’s dream has turned into an imposing reality. Sanjay Leela Bansali gave vent to his enthusiastic desire and brought back Devdas on the silver screen 47 years after the last version. Devdas has had something new to offer every time.
Let’s see what the industry and the common man have to say about this intensely prolific vision by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.