Devdas (2 Disc Set) Reviews

• A divine reverie of emotion

  
  By A10SVPVEYO9UOG on 2004-02-03
  DEVDAS is an exceptional Indian movie you will want to see more than once. The superlative dancing, brilliant acting, luxurious costumes and magnificent scenery all contribute to this film's greatness. If there could be one word that describes this movie, according to its creator Sanjay Leela Bhansali, that word would be `emotion'.

  The film is a tone piece, a sustained study of emotions from beginning to end. The male star is Shahrukh Khan - yes, the most famous & loved man on the planet, adored by literally millions. Nicknamed SRK, Shahrukh is the consummate skilled actor whose magic takes you inside his heart.

  In the 1950's film `Rebel Without a Cause' James Dean showed us the anti-John Wayne hero who cries openly, displaying feelings of loving tenderness. SRK has this same genius. It is as if both men wear their nerves outside their skin, giving the audience entry to feelings we normally suppress.

  From beginning to end, the film `Devdas' is thick with intense emotions. Childhood sweethearts are forced to separate through the usual deadly sin of pride. Devdas, the hero played by Shahrukh Khan, with a single minded determination then proceeds to drink himself to death, drowning his sorrows in alcohol - ever tormented by suffering pain and guilt, the loss of his one true love. Life's one chance of happiness, lost.

  As most of you may know, alcoholics are anything but heroic; they are selfish cruel children, hurting any and all who love them. SRK has said that his character is spineless, with a mean streak. Only within the realm of Shahrukh's unique imagination and superior creative talents, does Devdas' stumbling, surrounded by beauty and love, down into degradation and narcissistic death become art.

  The two women mega-stars in this film are so famous in India that they don't even bother to print their names on the DVD. Aishwarya Rai (Ash), a former Miss World, has an exotic, delicate kind of doe-eyed gazelle beauty that becomes more mysterious the more you look at her. She plays the childhood sweetheart who is forced into a loveless marriage for money and social status.

  However in my opinion, it is the courtesan Chandramukti, played by Madhuri Dixit, who steals the show. Hopelessly and unconditionally in love with the wounded Devdas, Chandramukti's dancing is the perfection of ritualized desire and eroticism. A more classical beauty, Madhuri Dixit is a highly accomplished dancer. Her magical performances of an improvised form of Bharata Natyam are mesmerizing, enticing, and out of this world dazzling.

  Classical Indian dance follows a strict form, but - like a raga - that form is meant to be improvised within and has absorbed many influences. There are many, many forms of Bharata Natyam and you will notice some modern stylistic elements in the 'Devdas' choreography - and the music.

  Bharata Natyam is a form of yoga and the dancer must be more than skilled at the gestures and postures, which are the realization of intense feelings. The dance is intended to not only make the dancer 'One' with the higher frequencies, but also to draw the audience up into those realms.

  India has always understood that creation is the manifestation of desire. Desire lies at the Heart of all things. Desire, passion, feelings of love, loss and separation drive each and every one of us. It is our capacity to FEEL that will bring us Home. The film `Devdas' is a reverie of both human and divine emotion, feeling, and desire. Indulge.
  V.Susan Ferguson
  
  

• The BEST Movie!!!!

  
  By A350D2EO9SP30 on 2002-08-24
  I cannot stop telling everyone how much I LOVE this movie. I have been watching Hindi movies since I was born basically, and Devdas has to be my favorite movie EVER. Shah Rukh Khan plays Devdas(Deva), the son of a wealthy landowner in 1930's India. Paro, played deflty and amazingly by the ever beautiful Aishwarya Rai is his neighbor of slightly lower caste. The story revolves around the tragic love of these two characters and the love of Chandramukhi (played by Madhuri Dixit), whom Devdas inadvertently meets while trying to drown out his sorrow over losing Paro. EVERYBODY, Indian or not, MUST see this film. The acting is incredible, the sets and costumes beyond breathtaking, the background score simply perfect, the musical numbers placed appropriatley to mesh completely with the film, and the direction flawless. Even the opening credits will take your breath away. Whatever you do, you cannot miss this film. Trust me.
  
  

• One of my favorite Bollywood films

  
  By A3FBGVX8HFXOM6 on 2005-06-19
  I must admit that I am a relative newscomer to the great realm of Bollywood, and so I shall refrain from commenting on such intricacies as the dance forms, the faithfulness to the original novel, etc...
  What I can comment on, however, is the marvellous nature of this film. Sharukh Khan is excellent as Devdas, with his usual quivering bottom lip and shaking of the head schtick in full force here. He depicts the decline of this character (an anti-hero, with every meaning of the word) in a very dramatic yet believable fashion. Aishwarya Rai is, of course, absolutely gorgeous as the main love interest. The real star, however, is most certainly Madhuri, who in her depiction of Chandramukhi steals the show with little effort from the rest of the cast. Truly winning in her depiction of the courtesan who is blindingly devoted to Devdas (in spite of his, quite frankly, pathetic character) she is heartbreaking, and when she dances with Ms. Rai in the "Redola" dance (I hope I spelt that correctly) she is simply fantastic.
  Perhaps not the most typical Bollywood movie out there, and a strange introduction to Bollywood I suppose, but an excellent one nonetheless. Highly recommended.
  
  

• Once in a lifetime experience

  
  By A2SPITQS3XFPKZ on 2002-09-30
  Although I was already a fan of Shahrukh Khan, and have seen many of his films, this was my first experience of a Hindi film in a theater. It was absolutely incredible. The music, the costumes, the sets, the dancing, the acting were all superb, brilliant, gorgeous, out of this world. This has become my favorite movie of all time. I feel so fortunate to have seen it on the big screen (and thankful that it had subtitles!). I only regret that I didn't seize the opportunity to go back and see it again and again while I had the chance.

  For those who don't know the story of Devdas, it is a classic of Indian literature, about a weak, self-destructive man who cannot bring himself to act on his better impulses until it is too late, and then drowns himself in self-pity and alcohol. Shahrukh Khan, as Devdas, was absolutely brilliant, Aishwarya Rai as his lost love, Paro, was stunning to look at, and acted superbly. And Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi the courtesan, who loves Devdas in vain, completed the love triangle to utter perfection.

  This film is a gorgeous work of art. Buy it.
  
  

• Pure eye-candy

  
  By A3N2TUIWQ9RK03 on 2004-10-07
  I would recommend Devdas if you like:
  
  - Obsessive romance stories
  - Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit or Aishwarya Rai
  - Looking at gorgeous scenery, outfits and jewelry
  - Great acting
  - Hindi music
  
  If you like movies with a lot of violence, a story that actually makes sense and is believable or non-romantic movies, I would not recommend this movie for you.
  
  
  
• Bollywood's Finest!!!
  By AF41QLLMS4R3Z on 2005-01-14
  Yes, the movie is long, and involved, and over-dramatized, and long, but if you have a problem with any of that then you really shouldn't be watching an Indian film in the first place.
  
  Once you get past the afore mentioned minor details you will absolutely LOVE Devdas. I consider myself experienced in the "bollywood movie viewing" genre, but this movie absolutely blew me away. It truly takes every Bollywood trademark to the extreme: elaborate costumes, elaborate songs, elaborate dances, elaborate relationships.
  
  But what I really like about Devdas is the way it was filmed. I love Indian movies but they more often than not make me feel like I'm watching something straight out of the 80s. Devdas is nothing like that. It is very modern in its direction and it is masterfully filmed.
  
  Another thing that sets it apart from most other bollywood films is that the end doesn't leave a warm feeling in your heart and a smile on your face. In fact, it leaves you with quite the opposite. But the entire story is so well written, and the ending is so tragic and haunting that you won't give a second thought to those streams of tears running down your cheeks!
  
  Personally, Devdas has become my favorite bollywood film (just knocking out Dil To Pagal Hai and Kahbi Kushi Kahbi Gahm) and I hope you all buy it and enjoy it too!
  
  
• DEVDAS...India's Cleopatra?
  By AM00OJIPLR5WG on 2005-06-08
  DEVDAS - India's Cleopatra July 17, 2002 by Sandi Mann (Australian)
  
  **Quick synopsis: Childhood loves, Parvati (Paro) and Devdas, are reunited when he returns after 10 years abroad studying. Paro has kept a diya burning all that time as a symbol of their love.
  
  Paro's mother suggests the sweethearts marry, but is scornfully rejected by Dev's mother, as Paro's family are of lower caste. Paro's mother is publicly humiliated and vows to marry Paro off within 7 days, to an older man much wealthier than the Mukherjees. Paro goes to Dev's room at 2am to seek a solution, but he vacillates. He writes her a letter saying to forget him and leaves home, shattered by his family's attitude. Paro agrees to marry the older man to respect family honour.
  
  Dev meets up with his college pal, Chunnilal, who introduces him to the gorgeous courtesan, Chandramukhi. (and obviously a very financially successful one - judging by the golden `kotha') Dev realises his mistake and rushes back to Paro, but it's too late. Her wedding is already in progress.
  
  He goes back to Chandramukhi who worships him, but he can't reciprocate, or forget Paro. He drowns himself in alcohol and when it's apparent his life is almost over, he keeps his promise to go and see Paro one more time**
  
  ONCE IS NOT ENOUGH! Don't think because you saw DEVDAS once in cinema, you can make a reasonable judgment of this film. You will need to see it again and again to unfold the many layers, and appreciate each facet and nuance. Don't deprive yourself of that delight!
  
  Some critics have suggested that the lavishness of the visuals distracts from the storyline and other elements...silly people! This just means you have to go back and see it again and again.
  
  I saw beauty in every frame: a visual smorgasbord, eye candy everywhere you look. Even in the stark, sombre scene as Devdas lay dying, there was the softly falling bright red blossoms, and the lustrous, luxurious pearls. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali said that this story had so much soul that it deserved the opulence and grandeur and I agree. If you take away the mindboggling spectacle, what are you left with? A soul-stirring story (written, incredibly, by 17 year old Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1901, but not published until 1917, because he didn't think it worthy) which DESERVES all that splendour.
  
  Remember CLEOPATRA? In 1963, it was acclaimed as the costliest movie ever made. At $US40 million, taking inflation into account, it probably still is ... DEVDAS is India's Cleopatra.
  
  With a movie of this magnitude, obviously you can't please everyone. Too much like the revered Bimal Roy version and SLB would be accused of copying, but being different from it, SLB was accused of changing too much!
  
  Whether you like it or not, this is a movie for posterity. Its technical perfection will never be surpassed. Right from the first notes of the opening credits, you can tell ...This is ART in its highest form. Definitely a movie for grownups! You will get out of it, what you bring to it of yourself. So, if you don't feel the poetry and romance and majesty in your soul....? Don't blame Mr Bhansali...
  
  Sets (Nitin Desai), choreography (Saroj Khan/Birju Maharaj), cinematography (Binod Pradhan), costumes (Abu-Sandeep, Neeta Lulla and Reeza Sharif) and music (Ismail Darbar) were all simply superb. I can't tell about the dialogues and this makes the storyline a bit hazy for me in places, also. But what means more to me is ambiance, atmosphere, mood ~ the soul of a movie, and this one has it BY THE WHEELBARROW LOAD! Repressed desires and thwarted passions simmer and seethe in emotionally charged scenes unequalled in eroticism and symbolism.
  
  
  Was it a coincidence that after Devdas escorted Paro to her wedding, he forsook his former colourful "London-Returned" clothes and from then on, only wore simple white ethnic clothes. (the colour of death and mourning) This is in contrast to Bhuvan and Kali Babu with their colourful exotic clothes. Even Dev's father had that lovely colourful pashmina.
  
  And in the ecstatic "DHOLA RE" everything in the scene was in the bridal colours of red and gold. Perhaps this symbolized the 2 "brides" of Devdas - Paro and Chandramukhi? How ironic that they were celebrating his life, at the same time as he was rejecting it.
  
  Some western reviews from Cannes Film Festival said people (read: western people) walked out in disgust over the "vulgar display of extravagance"! To me, that was like trashing India's culture and heritage: grossly impolite, insulting and dare I say...ignorant! Typical ~ depravity, decadence, brutality and obscenity are more acceptable to the western mentality than beauty and splendour. This movie was made entirely for the meagre sum of less than $US12million...that wouldn't even pay for the lead actor in a US movie: now, THAT'S what I call obscene!
  
  I was awestruck and humbled by the mammoth scale and sumptuous glory of the sets. As Paro ran through her mansion I was thinking, surely this can't be just a set built for a movie?...this must actually be somebody's home.
  
  Paro's entrance was probably my favourite of her scenes - the focus on the diya made it seem that the symbol of their love was more important than she was... "My love, this lamp is you". Her hand movements then and in the dance that followed, Silsila Yeh Chaahat Ka were exquisite.
  
  I understood Paro. She was vain, spoilt, selfish, wilful and a tease, but I believe she loved Dev. She wouldn't have befriended Chandramukhi otherwise, as that was a loving and selfless act, putting Dev's wellbeing above her own jealousy.
  
  Another part which moved me to tears, was when the scar on Paro's forehead started to bleed, when Dev was coughing up blood in the train. It was kind of supernatural, like a psychic bond...it reminded me of ASOKA, where Arya and Kaurwaki were calling out to Pavan, Asoka gave a little start, as if he actually heard them. This is evidently a common theme in the mystical East, probably less so in the pragmatical West.
  
  Great job, Ash! Swinging on a swing, holding hands with Shah Rukh, gazing adoringly into his eyes - how hard could that be? I know about 10 million girls who would love to be in your place...ISHSH!
  
  Madhuri (as Chandramukhi) in the full flower of her beauty has never looked more exquisite, a Class Act. One of her costumes, a mindboggling creation weighing almost 20 kilos had to be redesigned so she could dance in it (without hurting herself!)
  
  I understood Devdas. The "I'll show THEM" attitude...if I was denied what I valued most in life, I would try to show how little I valued that life. Very self-destructive! (But I swear the poor babe spilt more than he drank!) Seems like he was a bit of a pyromaniac, too.
  
  There was criticism made of Shah Rukh's so-called stock expressions of quivering lip and shaking hands...but you can't tell me your hands wouldn't be shaking and your lips quivering under those circumstances? a slow and painful way to die, I would think: from the inside out.
  
  Shah Rukh is definitely in his prime (I've been saying that since ASOKA, but he just keeps getting better) and just when you think he has reached the pinnacle of perfection in his craft, he surpasses even himself ~ his eloquent eyes searing his pain permanently into your heart. It constantly amazes me where he finds all that intensity, pain and rage within himself. Anguish, regret, depair, defeat: those luminous, limpid eyes tell it all. Nobody in Bollywood OR Hollywood can show pain quite like Our beloved Baadshah.
  
  
  Some critics said Chalak Chalak was out of place (like Aa Tayer Hoja in ASOKA which I also loved) but to me it was a rousing, rollicking drinking song, joyous and playful, and one of the few times in the movie that Devdas had some fun...and who would want to deny him that?
  
  Shah Rukh had already broken my heart with the Prime Minister's video (Kya Khoya, Kya Paaya)...what more damage could he do? But to see his chilling death scene in DEVDAS, his glazed eyes and lifeless body, was one of the most devastating scenes we are ever likely to see...this man is a Genius, and a certifiable Living Work of Art.
  
  Just thinking back now to some of the highlights ..."SSSH! I said: I object!" to his father; "You are guilty and you will drink till death! No objection..."; the thorn in the foot by the waterfall scene; the settee burning; the wedding procession; all the scenes from the train journey to the end ---and, Oh! so many more! make me want to rush out and watch it again immediately.
  
  Why did Devdas let himself be talked into that last fatal drink? He grabbed that drink so hungrily, like he was eager to embrace death. Devdas was dying anyway and nothing could save him. Even before he took that first drink, he was already dead inside.
  
  Any negatives? Not really, it would just be nitpicking. Some of the lighting was a bit dark for me, and the opening scenes were unnecessarily long and irritatingly loud.
  
  And maybe the hairstyles were just a little too contemporary: - the dry, dull lifeless look with wispy tendrils framing the face is a glaringly recent affectation. I'm sure in the 40's, hair would have been sleek and shiny and glamourous...that's it, really!
  
  Dev's sister-in-law deserved her slap, as did Paro's (step) son-in-law...but I reckon Dev's mother could have done with one, too! And as for Dev's father....! Some dysfunctional family, na? I loved Paro's mother, she was a gutsy lady!
  
  Comparison ARE odious, and comparisons with the Bimal Roy adaptation of Devdas could have been avoided if SLB had called it `Paro' or "Devdas & Paro" (based on the novel Devdas) Known to be the filmi hero most in touch with his feminine side, Shah Rukh would have no ego problems with this being regarded as a `chick flick'. He doesn't have to prove anything anymore - he will always be THE STAR of whatever movie is graced by his presence.
  
  These changes would make it a perfect movie for me, but then it wouldn't be Sanjay Leela Benshali's vision - it would be mine!
  
  Here's a brilliant idea - DEVDAS SHOULD BE DUBBED IN ENGLISH! As long as it was Shah Rukh's own rich husky voice...
  
  Three hours go by so fast, it seems like three minutes and you don't want to leave that magical, long ago world...but with Devdas gone, what else is left?
  
  In a 5 star rating system, 6 stars should be awarded exclusively to DEVDAS, because this movie is in a class of its own, without equal and we would be extremely fortunate to see another movie of this calibre in our lifetime...
  
  *****
  
  
  
  
  
  
• beautiful and heartbreaking
  By ADS5APY1NKTL4 on 2005-04-29
  "Devdas" is the Indian equivelant of "Romeo and Juliet.," and this, the latest filmed version fo the story, succeeds masterfully on so many levels in telling it to the audience of today. For starters, on a cinematographic level, it is stunning. "Devdas" is the most expensive Bollywood musical of all time, and it definitely shows. The colors are vivid, alive and really pop of off the screen. You feel like you have been transported to time and place that the characters are living in. The dancing is mesmerizing and the actors are engaging, believeable, and it doesn't hurt that they are pretty easy on the eyes.
  
  Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan) is a young man who comes from an affluent family of landlords and grows up with the beautiful Paro (Aishwarya Rai) as playmate and childhood sweetheart. Though, Paro comes from less money and her mother is a marriage broker, their love is blind to the material differences that eventually separate them for some twelve years, when Devdas is sent away to receive an education in London and is reprimanded by his father for having anything to do with the girl. Though, their relationship is never to be, Paro literally keeps the flame burning for him, all of those years (we see her candle that has never burnt out) and continues to burn as life and circumstance separate them from being husband and wife.
  
  Though, the over three hour duration of this film may detract some from viewing it, do not let that discourage you. The engaging story, luscious dance numbers, beautiful music and equally beautiful people will definitely hold your attention. However, I reccomend that you not see this when you are depressed. It is ultimately very tragic. Do watch it with someone you love, along with a box of tissues on your lap. It is worth the time!!!
  
  
• Devdas: A Hedonistic Embarrassment.
  By on 2003-07-18
  Let's get straight to the point: Bhansalli's remake of Bimal Roy's 1956 classic is a monstrously overwrought, overdone, overacted, and plainly overrated piece of cinematic melarchy. Sure, the sets are ornate (when they're not ridiculously gaudy), the costumes intricate (when they're not curdled with shiny sequins)and the acting is commercial (when it isn't mind-numbingly loud), but nothing in the film bears any resemblance to any of the deep, spiritual longings we have come to associate with this tragic story. Do I expect a literal retelling of the story? Of course not. Bhansalli had every right to interpret the story as he deemed artistically relevant. The sad result is that this film has no artistic relevance. It is simply an exercise for gross, peurile hedonism. Shah Rukh Khan is sadly miscast as the title character, and puts up one of the worst (if not the worst) performances of his career. There is no tenable conviction here. Perhaps it's because the director is obsessed with presenting Aishwariya Rai as the Ultimate Goddess of Ethereality under the guise of Paro. Aishwariya steals the show (such as it is) and delivers the sole moments of 'greatness' in the film's climax. Madhuri is competent as the courtesan Chandramukhi, but overshadowed by the much more ably-developed Paro. Jackie Shroff is especially wasted as the drunken whoremonger Chunnilal. Worst of all, there is no direction given to the story: it is simply coddled together as a mish-mash of dances, weddings/funerals/parties, and confrontations. Western audiences will 'ooh' and 'aah' at the plethora of songs and dances, but those of us who expect something more concrete in terms of acting/story/plot/theme will be sorely disappointed. Far better introductions to the true potential of the greatness that lies within the Hindi Film Industry are 'Lagaan', 'Asoka', and 'Company'. Do not waste your time with Bhansalli's overpriced mess.
  
  
• Visually Stunning Portrayal Of The Travails Of Love
  By A9E7JZ1328JC on 2004-01-29
  Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Devdas", a movie adaptation of an Indian literary classic of the same name, is a sumptuous visual spectacle. As eye candy goes, Bollywood cinema doesn't get any sweeter than this. The sets are extravagant, the costumes lavish to their minute details, and the dance sequences are some of the best choreographed in the genre. It is unfortunate that the cinematography does not reach its fullest potential because it is too focused on housing sets, when sweeping scenic shots interspersed throughout the film would have given the movie the epic feel that it was undoubtedly striving for.

  "Devdas", in a manner similar to "Romeo and Juliet", strays away from the formulaic and optimistic romance plot, and does not make the attempt to affirm the cliché that "love conquers all." "Devdas" seems to suggest that in some cases love not only does not conquer all, but it may, in some cases get conquered, and in that process, irreparably damage those who are in love.

  The story commences with the matriarch of the Mukherjee family waiting in anticipation for Devdas (Shahrukh Khan), her son, who was sent away for a 10-year stint in England to be educated. Aside from family, Devdas return is also being expected by Paro (Aishwarya Rai), a childhood friend of Devdas, who accompanied by her mother, is of lower stature and wealth than Devdas' family. How is it that a childhood friendship, which is not strengthened by faithful communication during the separation period, could ever have grown into such a strong bond by the time Devdas returns, is part of the myth of "Devdas" that audiences have to swallow at the outset of this picture. Granted the notion becomes hard to swallow when Paro tells Devdas about the candle she has kept lit continuously for ten years in homage of him and how she has kept track of the hours, days, and minutes of their separation. It was at that point that I wanted to roll my eyes and tell this seemingly pathologically obsessed girl to get a life. Once you get past this, or at least ignore it, you easily get swept into this drama.

  As the story unfolds, it is clear that Paro and her mother have designs to get Paro married to Devdas. Though Paro's mother and Devdas's mother have a long friendship which is blind to their differences in social stature, the machinations of Devdas's sister-in-law plants the seeds of mistrust in Devdas's mother and causes her to use the difference in class as a means to cruelly reject Paro's mother's proposal. In retaliation Paro's mother seeks to marry Paro off to an older man who surpasses the wealth of Devdas's family. Paro, in desperation, urges Devdas to marry her despite family squabbles, but Devdas being submissive to parental authority and tradition, rebuffs her, and spends the rest of the film regretting the fact that he did, and Paro ends up consigned to a loveless marriage. Devdas's guilt for not seizing the opportunity sets him on the road to an alcohol induced self-destructive period. The bulk of this film focuses on that period.

  It's during this period of self-destruction that he lives with a carefree friend and they frequent a brothel. At this brothel Devdas meets a courtesan by the name of Chandramukhi, brilliantly played by veteran actress Madhuri Dixit. Dixit acting is superb, not to mention her beauty is spellbinding - far more so than the overrated Aishwarya Rai (I can name numerous Bollywood actresses that far surpass her in both poise and beauty, so I never understood why she gets so much credit). Chandramukhi's character is probably the most multifaceted character of the whole "Devdas" ensemble. She embodies sexiness, subversive zeal, iconoclasm, flirtatiousness, maternal caring, and virtue, which are an odd mix of traits for someone who is supposed to be a prostitute. The fact that Dixit can flesh out these traits in the portrayal of one character, whose very occupation would cause most, including Devdas, to judge her harshly, says much of Dixit as an actress.

  Chandramukhi impulsively falls in love for Devdas. I suppose she is one of those types that gravitate towards broken men, and Devdas is as broken as they come. For all her beauty, charm, grace, and love for Devdas, he rejects her (by now I am thinking he has to be gay...just kidding) because he is fixated on his loss of Paro, and because his own self-righteousness bars him from falling for Chandramukhi, even though his instincts rightly incline him to want to be with her. The interplay between both Chandramukhi and Devdas is probably the most interesting dynamic in the film in that ironically, as a prostitute, she teaches the sanctimonious Devdas, with all his status oriented bourgeois morality, that sometimes acting by ones heart serves a greater moral purpose and yields the most happiness as opposed to subscribing to the strictures of tradition and puritanical morality. After all, if Devdas accepted Paro's plea to marry her as impetuously as Chandramukhi lives her life, both Devdas and Paro's life would not be in the shambles that they are in.

  Despite Chandramukhi's nurturing of Devdas, her efforts cannot save him. Ultimately, he takes the impulsive leap that he should have taken in the beginning, but his effort is too late to save his relationship to Paro and the gates of opportunity literally close on both of them.

  Many may walk away from the film seeing this purely as a sad tale that offers a cynical valuation of love. Yet, even in this film, which is inundated with tears and lamentation, love works in some redemptive capacity in that it transforms Devdas from a weak man who could not act on his love, to a man who could act on his love because he was loved, unconditionally, by another. So I suppose, in some sense, love did conquer after all.
  
  

• Romeo & Juliet with a side of Curry
  By A3U9K5DUA8R3VH on 2003-05-09
  What I like best about Devdas is that it is so unlike other Bollywood fare. In this film you will not find cute children, cute dogs, shameless use of 80's western clothing like Gap and Polo or strange Swiss and Scottish settings for the musical numbers. You will find one of the best looking and best-produced movies in Bollywood history (it is the most expensive Bollywood movie made to date). You will find Shahrukh Khan, the James Dean of Bollywood, (because no one in Bombay cries better on screen that him), giving a solid dramatic performance that differs in it's maturity from his other roles. The best part about this film was the amazing performance of Madhuri Dixit in a supporting role as Chandramukhi the courtesan. Her dancing is perfect as always, especially in the scene with Aishwarya Rai. Her acting matches her dancing especially in the scene with the "slap". And what a slap it is! Overall I think this would be a great movie to see for someone just being introduced to Bollywood because it lacks some of the more cheesy elements that may endear these films to Western audiences but can otherwise turn people off. May films such as Devdas reach a wider American audience.
  
  
• Good but a little too long
  By AXFI7TAWD6H6X on 2005-07-01
  After seeing Aishwaraya Rai in "Bride and Prejudice" (which I loved her in), I thought I should check out her other movies. My first full length Bollywood film starring Aishwaraya Rai that I decided to rent is "Devdas". The film also stars another big name Bollywood star Shahrukh Kahn.
  
  Shahrukh Kahn stars as Devdas, the son of a wealthy landlord. Aishwaraya Rai plays Paros, his childhood playmate. Paro comes from a family who is harshly looked down upon by Devdas' family because of class status. The bond between Devdas and Paro was close but it quickly grew to love although it was never expressed. When Devdas returns to India, he and Paros quickly re-kindles their friendship and eventually starts falling in love. Sumitra (Paro's mother) notices this and at a gathering at Devdas' home, suggests that the couple gets married. Devdas' parents immediately rejects this notion and humiliates Sumitra because of her family isn't good enough for their family. Unable to convince his parents that he wanted to be with Paro, Devdas moves out and writes to Paro that they can only be friends. His letter sends Paro into a loveless marriage with a much older, wealthier man. Unable to forget Paro, Devdas starts drinking his sorrows away. He also meets a beautiul courtesan named Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit), who immediately falls in love with Devdas. Unfortunately Devdas cannot return her affection. Despite playing mother to a group of grown children and performing her other wifely duties, Paro cannot forget Devdas.
  
  "Devdas" is a heartbreaking film. To a certain extent the film is similiar to "Romeo and Juliet". I enjoyed the film quite a bit. This was my first full length Bollywood film I have seen.
  
  The good: while I did think that everyone put in an excellent performance in the film, Madhuri Dixit's performance as Chandramukhi was truly the breakthrough performance in this film for me. Her unrequited love for Devdas was heart-wrenching. You just could literally see her heart breaking when Devdas continued to spiral out of control with his drinking problems and unable to reciprocate her feelings for him. I also liked the burgeoning friendship between Chandramukhi and Paro.
  
  The bad: the movie is 3 hours long. At the most the film should have been at 2.5 hours, preferably 2 hours long. The music was a bit annoying at times which probably made the film a bit longer than it needed to be.
  
  Overall synopsis: despite the length of the film, I sincerely enjoyed this film. There was a lot of warmth and heartache in the film. The film also gave me a glimpse into Indian culture which I know so little about which I found to be quite fascinating, especially the wedding ceremony (which I wished "Bride and Prejudice" went into detail about). If you have the time and enjoy Bollywood films, "Devdas" is worth checking out.
  
  
• Great movie but a piece of junk DVD
  By A3EJMOASAGKIZH on 2007-12-08
  I highly recommend the movie Devdas for anyone who loves Bollywood or is even just beginning to learn of Indian cinema. The camera work and scenery are dazzling; the songs and dance are fantastic. It has top stars who do not disappoint. That said I cannot recommend this specific DVD. I still wonder if I got some pirated version. The video transfer was terrible as if done by some cheap hack: colors are erratic and the image shifts around. This is particularly true during a couple of dance sequences. It is unacceptable and the sole disappointment I have ever had with an Amazon purchase over the years. Do buy the movie, but not this version....choose one of the DVD's with a different cover. A great movie deserves something better than this DVD publication.
  
  
• OH. MAN. WOW.
  By A3D5CRPAB07DS2 on 2004-05-29
  If you don't like sad endings, you'll somehow manage to save a place in your heart for this spectacular tragedy. I'll tell you up front, it's a massacre of emotions at the end. You will cry. You will think yourself unable to bear watching this movie again.

  And then you remember the cute little song at the beginning. You watch that. Then you skip forward to the powerhouse dance number, "Dhola Re". Then you catch the awesome dance just before the half-time intermission. And then... you start over and cry through it all one more time.

  This movie will haunt you. Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan start off powerfully enough, but then Madhuri Dixit starts hoofing and before you can say, "Didn't she play a prostitute in that movie?", you're whipping out your copy of Munna Bhai MBBS to check out the freshman hazing scene to see how they match up with Aishu and Madhuri.

  BUY THIS DVD. It will kick your butt and paint you purple with pleasure. Way more than that Linkin Park CD you were considering purchasing as a doorstop. Worst case, you got an exotic Indian doorstop, but I think not. Get over it being in Hindi and BUY IT! Then buy all the other movies with Shah Rukh in 'em. Except Ye Lamhe Judaai Ke. That one reeked. How it got released is another story. THIS ONE IS AWESOME! FOCUS ON THIS MOVIE, FOOL MORTAL!
  
  

• Two of Bollywood's most ravishing beauties
  By A1A535W556ROBQ on 2007-01-11
  I bought Devdas mostly because of the lovely Aishwarya Rai, but it was Madhuri Dixit who really caught my eye as the mischievous Chandramukhi. The story itself is nothing special but the movie is so full of color and movement and vitality that it is really a pleasure to watch, even when the title character, played by Shahrukh Khan, grows too tiresome to endure. The action pretty much swirls around Devdas' inability to cope with his upper class life, passing over the beautiful Paro and proceeding to live a life of debauchery, which he ultimately blames on Chandramukhi. She is no femme fatale, but a ravishing and wonderfully complex character. I think Madhuri Dixit stole the show from Aishwarya Rai, who was a bit too sugary for my tastes in this movie. The story could have used a little less drama and much more comedy, as Devdas' excrutiating self pity tended to bring this movie down.
  
  
• Devdas: The story of a century
  By on 2002-08-26
  Based on it's bengali form, Devdas is a hit with the world! Powerful dialogues in hindi make it touching, and the cast is amazing. Who better to put then Aishwariya, Shahrukh, Madhuri, Smita, Kiron and Jackie! And the music is the best, especially Maar Dala & Kaahe Chhed Mohe! SEE IT!
  
  
• Why fuss over the Narmada?
  By A2KLOTEBB1HZRB on 2002-09-23
  It takes talent to turn a good story into a terrible movie and add sheer hard work and will power to that to make a muck of a classic. What terrible acting!! The volume of tears shed in shoddy movies like this and K3G can solve all of India's water problems for the next 100 years. Why fuss over the Naramada; send the activists to collect the unnecessary water shed over this ridiculous farce and we wouldn't have to fight about anything. Please don't watch it, instead donate your $ to the closest animal shelter. The music is the only thin thread holding the movie together. Caught within the safety net of the incredibly lavish [not a compliment!!] sets, the actors jump and loop to their own tune and gave not a step to the classic. The director should have worked more on the acting skills than Ash's 10 yard sari.
  
  
• AMAZING!!
  By A1HQI5VFJDB4LD on 2003-05-17
  Let me start by saying I LOVE Shah Rukh Khan. This is the THIRD TIME this movie has been made over, and this is the best version so far. Shah Rukh Khan as usual was excellent and preformed each scene with passion and intensity. Aishwarya Rai was great as Paro, and gave real emotion to the role. But of course Madhuri Dixit was awsome as Chandramukhi. All of her dance scenes were excellent. Both actresses were excellent dancers and the songs were awsome and so fitting for each scene. Dola Re Dola was the best song and both danced magnificently. Shah Rukh Khan made me cry over and over, and his scene in Hamesha Tumko Chaha with Aishwarya made me cry because of their magnificent acting. Overall i think this is a great movie, and one i definately reccomend to others
  
  
• Devdas: A Bollywood Masterpiece
  By on 2004-02-10
  Devdas is simply incredible. The plot is quite straight forward and does not offer the viewer alot of twists and turns in terms of story. It sticks to its period with its simplicity however. The directing, cinematography, choreography, acting, costumes, locations and musical directing are all outstanding. You will be most fortunate if you ever in your life see another movie as beautiful as this.
  
  
• Worst Interpretation of sharat chandra's classic
  By A16ZAB26XI02JL on 2005-03-13
  This is a very poor interpretation of sharat chandra chatterji's
  classic novel.Earlier version directed by Bimal Roy with Dilip Kumar and Suchitra Sen was like poetry on celluloid.This new
  version is a crude movie,there is not a single moment of silence in the movie and every character keeps screaming all the time.
  Gaudy sets and gaudy costumes does not make a movie great.What you see is not the small quaint village of bengal as described in the novel.
  
  
• Powerful Love Story and Dancing!
  By AHKP7P4T2QDU5 on 2005-08-23
  The 5 stars are not an exaggeration. This movie is superb. I enjoyed every minute of it. And being a 3 hour film that's a pretty bold statement. All the acting is top notch and the subtitles are perfect. The story is so enthralling but it's also pretty darn tragic when Devdas loses the love of his life and ends up a drunkard living a brothel. Yes, there is music in this sad love story but it truly helped the story along. It was like watching a classic MGM musical. The scene where Paro (the true love) dances with Chandramukhi (the other woman) is breathtaking. Though tragic the movie has plenty of light moments, enchanting supporting characters, and a lesson that true love is not hindered by class or titles. Great buy.
  
  
• Powerful love story
  By A34I0SAJA1R201 on 2002-08-15
  This is my first foreign film i watched and i cant praise it enough! I was told by a friend to go see this movie and being a little skeptical about it I was hesitant ... BUT glad 100% I took his advice. Coming from a girl that only watches AMERICAN MOVIES, I tried looking at the film from a fresh prospective but u dont need that because it just touches anyone persons heart and carries u away in the twist of the love be tween Deva (Devdas) and Paro. THIS IS A MUST SEE!! You will Laugh and Cry any movie that can do that to u is worth seeing. AHHA JUST LOVED IT!!
  
  
• Awesome Hindi Movie!!
  By A3L4Q2QZCVSAU on 2002-08-26
  I just recently saw this movie with my parents. I didn't really know what to expect, but the film was absolutely spectacular. The set designs, costumes, songs, story line.... all of it make this film a FILM. Luckily for me, there were subtitles throughout. If you enjoy the story of Romeo and Juliet, you'll definitely appreciate this one as well. Enjoy!
  
  
• THE MOST OTT FILM OF ALL TIME!!!
  By A3L2A9VOEJRNZ0 on 2002-09-11
  The new version of Devdas is visually stunning, but otherwise one of the most worst movies I have seen in a very very long time. Not because of the actual story, but because of the liberties taken with it. The characters are all amazingly over the top, with awful performances coming from almost everyone except the lead three stars. Jackie Shroff in particular irritates amazingly. The film does not reflect the Bengali culture at all - and the actors or director have made absolutely no effort to ensure the few Bengali dialogues in the movie are spoken correctly - the pronunciation is generally wrong. The music is amazing, but the sets are loud and garish, and Mr Bhansali seems to have an obsession with Aishwarya Rai running with 3 metres of sari flowing behind her.

  If you want to watch a good Hindi film, then watch the vastly superior Lagaan instead, rather than this.
  
  

• Fabulous Introduction to Hindi Cinema
  By AEX5FAN2E52R9 on 2002-10-20
  I'm a native California girl who doesn't speak a word of Hindi and I absolutely adored this lavish, tragic romance about missed opportunities, regrets and the sacrafices people make in the name of duty.

  I had read that "Devdas" is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, but every penny is on the screen. Everything--the sets, the costumes, the music--creates an almost otherworldy atmosphere to this well-acted story. The only thing I didn't like about it was having to read the subtitles. There was just so much to look at that I'm missed some of it. I guess I'll just have to see it again.
  
  

• Boring
  By on 2002-10-30
  This movie ... so much, i went to see it with this guy and it was the most boring movie i ever seen, even the simpsons is better than this stuff, it was so stupid seeing those ugly indian girls dancing and singing and sounding like chipmunks the whole time,
  a total waste of my time
  
  
• There are better movies
  By AO6L0M8BV5O0R on 2004-05-16
  Devdas is a lot like any other indian movie. A farfetched love story, weak plot, and stupid acting. The characters can be clearly defined under a catagory of good or bad. Sharukh Kahn's acting is predictable and sappy. Aishwariya Rai's acting seems to lack in depth. As for Madhuri, she sticks to her usual routine of smiling and acting innocent. The jewelry,clothing and decor is lovely. However if you notice, in the song DOLA RE DOLA, the curtains are off center. On the plus side, the songs are absolutly magnificent, with great choreography (esp. in DOLA RE DOLA). If u really want to watch a good indian movie, I suggest Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. It's beginning may be cheesy, but the ending is magnificent.
  
  
• Great movie but amazon is selling copies CD's!
  By A59EOSJGEC5M on 2007-09-15
  This movie is great (I've seen it before and wanted a copy). But I am surprised to find out amazon is selling copies DVD-R's! It will not play in your machine unless you have one that will play copies DVD-R's. Mine does but the disk also plays poorly. I think either amazon or the distributer should be ashamed. I bought it too long ago to reurn it but I think amazon should address this!
  
  
• Sweet and Sour
  By A1HRVOCFVVL5Z8 on 2008-02-23
  It's an amazing jewel of indian cinema, but offensively recorded in a low quality DVD!
  
  Let's pray for the original being sold (some day the near future) in Amazon.
  
  
• The Best Romantic Saga I have ever seen
  By AVY4P6A1PLOJP on 2002-10-01
  I dont' know why a few people have given this bad reviews. To me, its not a movie, its an experience which only a critic can appreciate. Every scene is filled with talent, not only by the actors, but the direction, screenplay, dialogues..Every aspect of this film is marvelous, I recommend it to everyone-including people who would only understand it through subtitles. I have watched it a million times and its an absolute treat for a movie lover. Enjoy it!!
  
  

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