65. ‘Devdas’ (Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 2002)
We can’t discuss movie musicals without paying credit where it’s due to Indian cinema, even at the risk of opening Pandora’s Box of Bollywood Blurbs. But if we’re going to talk on-screen opulence, larger-than-life emotions, music and choreography that will leave the audience awestruck, then look no further than ‘Devdas.’
Based on the novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, ‘Devdas’ tells the tragic story of its eponymous hero (Shah Rukh Khan), a young man from a rich Bengali family whose parents reject the marriage offer from his childhood sweetheart Paro (Aishwarya Rai). A devastated Devdas drowns his sorrows in alcohol, and in the company of the caring courtesan Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit), while Paro copes with the distance between them and a new life she never wanted.
‘Devdas’ stars three Hindi film megastars in their heyday, but its movie musical sorcery derives primarily from the extraordinary dance talents of Dixit and Rai, sharing the screen for the first time. Under the direction of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his elaborate sets and massive song-and-dance numbers, they deliver hit after hit — from Paro’s song of yearning (‘Silsila Yeh Chaahat Ka’) to Chandramukhi’s introduction (‘Kahe Chhed Mohe’) to an extravagant Durga Puja duet (‘Dola Re Dola’). Do yourself a favor and watch it on the biggest screen possible (and splurge for the HD option if buying or renting online). —PK