Devdas (2002)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali who made fabulous movies like Khamoshi and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam gas made "this"!??? Was he out of his mind? Well what to say about the acting.... Hard-core overacting, too much "Shahi" behavior... SRK as Devdas can be ones worst nightmare... Ash as Paro is just irritating! Only Madhuri as Chandramukhi does a bearable job. With a running time of 185 minutes is just a pain... Mediocre songs like Kahe Chhed Mohe, Maar Dala, Chhalak Chhalak, Morey Piys have no use in the film but just to make it longer.. Everything in this film seems loud, irritating and over-the-top. Lavish sets and Promotions are the main ingredients of a "Hit" movie and that's all in Devdas. I remember my friend telling me that he slept within the first 10 minutes of the movie and got up at the intermission. I don't recommended this movie... Its awful

Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan) has been abroad getting educated for ten years. Now, he's finally returning and his beloved Parvati (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) awaits him and hopes they'll marry. However, although the two are in love, his mother and sister-in-law decide rather coldly that he should marry someone even richer than Parvati. Now Parvati is NOT poor--just not quite as fantastically rich as Devdas' family. So, when her family rejects this union, Devdas stomps off BUT he does NOT take Parvati with him. She is naturally hurt but reluctantly agrees to marry a super-wealthy guy (who, sadly, is a total jerk). Devdas finally decides to defy his family and comes for her--but it's too late. For the rest of the film, Devdas whines and whines and whines--and drinks LOTS of wine. During this time, oddly, a courtesan, Chandramukhi, Madhuri Dixit loves Devdas and cares for him but he refuses to marry her or accept her into his heart. Ultimately, Devdas drinks himself to death and the film ends...after almost three hours of Devdas' whining and mooning about and drinking.I am probably NOT the best person to be reviewing "Devdas". While I have probably seen more international films than anyone NOT currently undergoing psychiatric care, I have only seen a few dozen Indian films and am by no means an expert. And, certain clichés might be adored by fans of the Indian cinema, but as a bit of an outsider, I see them a bit differently. Now I am NOT saying I dislike Indian movies or their unusual style. I have adored and praised films such as "Three Idiots", "Kandukondain Kandukondain" and "Aparahito" in my reviews, I just did not enjoy "Devdas" and I'll try to explain why.As I sat and watched "Devdas", I thought of an appropriate metaphor for this film. It was like giving me a gigantic bowl of whipped cream to eat. Now I like whipped cream--but after eating gallons and gallons of it, I want some substance. "Devdas" is full of sumptuous sets, gorgeous actors (particular Aishwarya Rai Bachchan---who, apart from my wife, is probably the most beautiful woman on the planet). It has lovely camera-work and singing. However, the story itself seemed like a collection of children's "Disney Princess" fairy tales that most guys cannot relate to. Now it is NOT because I am not a romantic--I love a good romance. But, I also want one with depth. And, sadly, "Devdas" is sadly lacking depth and too often I just wanted to slap the title character and tell him to 'stop whining and man up!'. After all, although he lost his childhood sweetheart, he was incredibly rich and well-educated--unlike 95% of his countrymen. I am sure a lot of folks in Mumbai would have a hard time feeling all that sorry for this guy! I just thought the story looked great and gave me characters I really didn't care for or like.

This classic is really well re-made.One can not say more of the story-line as this has been remade so many times. I was surprised that the first version was made in 1925. The setting and costumes are really classical and the acting by all three lead actors tugs on one's emotional strings. The two mothers also had their share of fine performance.The dancing in this movie is one of the best. The solo classical dancing of Chandramukthi is exquisite; every movement of her body down to the fingers and eye movements tells something. Ash really look beautiful here. The coupled dancing by Ash and her later on was also very well done and enjoyable. No wonder MJ went to India to learn dancing! He really had a thing or two to learn from India.

This version of the famous literary novel Devdas is extremely opulent, so much so that caste and class differences suddenly make little sense when both families are so incredibly wealthy. Apart from this misstep, and some overacting in the first half-hour, the film is definitely worth watching. All three leads Shahrukh, Aishwarya and Madhuri are in top form. Kirron Kher is good though she tends to overact. There are some dazzling musical numbers including "Dola Re" which is a tremendous show-stopper. The film is essentially a tragedy and Bhansali brings this point home (MINOR SPOILERS) in the heart-breaking climax. Recommended.Overall 8/10