Review of Devdas (2002) by Leo L — 05 Dec 2009

Here is an interesting movie that centralizes around the greatest component most tragedies/epic-dramas are made of: unrequited love. Here is a story that circulates the various intertwining components: Self-sacrifice.

Denial. Misery and anguish. Paro (Parvati) and Devdas have always been the best of friends, despite being from different caste. Inseparable from childhood, the two have a deep form of love that survives the ten years Devdas had been sent away to London.

Paro, knowing that he would return one day, has always kept a candle lit each and every day. On his return, they hoped to cement their love and marry. A jealous sister-in-law, and a bitter mother separates the two indefinitely by embarrassing Paro's mother and her family at a formal celebration.

Paro's mother decides to marry her daughter to a wealthier family which further deepens the separation. Devdas refusing to obey the wishes of his family, is cast out and leaves Paro behind. Forsaking their love in a letter, Paro decides to obey her mother?s wishes and marries.

Realizing his great mistake, Devdas hurries home to find that Paro is about to marry and tries to convince her to break off her engagement. Insisting it is too late, Paro marries and moves off to the home of her new family.

Devdas leaves, and with the help of an old college friend, begins to drink heavily to forget Paro. After a near-death experience, Devdas is saved by a beautiful courtesan named Chandramukhi. She is initially entranced by Devdas, and empathizes with his despair.

Willfully patient, Chandramukhi continues to help Devdas. Knowing that Paro and Devdas still love each other deeply, Chandramukhi continues to hope that one day Devdas could return her love. Amazingly beautiful music! Remarkable dance sequences.

Great cast- Aishwarya Rai, Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Kiron Kher, and Jackie Shroff. Worth seeing!