Devdas (2002)

Devdas Poster
Original Title: देवदास

After his wealthy family prohibits him from marrying the woman he is in love with, Devdas Mukherjee's life spirals further and further out of control as he takes up alcohol and a life of vice to numb the pain.

Introduction and Plot Summary
"Devdas" is an Indian romantic drama film launched in 2002, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It's based on a Bengali book of the exact same name written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1917. "Devdas" is considered one of the most expensive movies to be produced in Bollywood and starred Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit in the leading functions.

The plot revolves around Devdas Mukherjee, played by Shah Rukh Khan, who is a law graduate informed in London. He returns to his town in Bengal after 10 years and reunites with his childhood sweetie, Paro (Parvati), played by Aishwarya Rai. While their love for each other is strong, social scenarios lead to a terrible turbulence in their lives.

Core Conflict
The core conflict emerges from the strong class distinction common in Indian society. Paro comes from a lower class, and Devdas's affluent household is vehement in their displeasure of their proposed union. Devdas's mother successfully pressurizes him into declining Paro's marriage proposition, leading to Paro hesitantly getting married to an older widower.

Devdas's Downfall
Heartbroken by the turn of events, Devdas spirals into a course of self-destruction. He seeks solace in alcohol and the courtesan Chandramukhi, played by Madhuri Dixit. Despite the fact that he discovers solace in her company, he can't let go of his love for Paro, nor can he devote to Chandramukhi. In spite of his heartbreaking decisions and harsh words, both Paro and Chandramukhi continue to love him selflessly.

Significance and Ending
The movie is rich in meaning, depicting the deep-rooted societal worths and customs that rule Indian society. The unlit lamp in Paro's home is symbolic of her unfulfilled love and the non-materialized marital relationship with Devdas. Devdas's intensifying health due to his alcohol addiction represents his mental and emotional breakdown.

The movie climaxes when Devdas, near his death, arrives at Paro's doorstep to satisfy the promise that he would visit her before his death. Nevertheless, he passes away outside her door, and Paro, regardless of hearing his voice, is limited from breaking social norms to see him one last time.

Conclusion
While "Devdas" is a terrible tale of unrequited love, it is amplified by its remarkable subplots, comprehensive duration settings, costumes, and grand musical arrangements. It is certified for winning multiple national and global awards and is thought about a classic in Indian movie theater. It showcases the devastating power of class structures in society and the alarming repercussions of unfulfilled love.

Top Cast

  • Shah Rukh Khan (small)
    Shah Rukh Khan
    Devdas Mukherjee
  • Madhuri Dixit (small)
    Madhuri Dixit
    Chandramukhi
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (small)
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
    Parvati "Paro" Chakraborty
  • Jackie Shroff (small)
    Jackie Shroff
    Chunnilal ("Chunnibabu")
  • Smita Jaykar
    Kaushalya Mukherjee
  • Manoj Joshi (small)
    Manoj Joshi
    Dwijdas Mukherjee
  • Ananya Khare
    Kumud Mukherjee
  • Milind Gunaji (small)
    Milind Gunaji
    Kalibabu
  • Dina Pathak (small)
    Dina Pathak
    Bhuvan's mother
  • Kirron Kher (small)
    Kirron Kher
    Sumitra Chakraborty
  • Tiku Talsania (small)
    Tiku Talsania
    Dharamdas