If you have one indian movie to watch, you have to watch: Devdas (2002 version).
Devdas is the story of a love beyond all else…even life.
The saga of a man called Devdas who loved, loved and just loved…
Devdas shared a magnetic childhood with his lovely playmate Paro where supreme love was felt before it was understood. When youth beckoned, the loved intensified. But, alas, a fateful moment of weakness on the part of Devdas created a permanent wall of seperation between him and his beloved Paro. On one side of the wall was a heartbroken Paro who became the wife of another. And on the other, was a completely shattered Devdas.
Unable to bear the agony of a life without Paro, Devdas made alcohol his constant companion. But that could not make him forget the piercing pain. Even the unflinching devotion of a beautiful courtesan Chandramukhi, did not ease the heartache of losing Paro. It was only when his eyes closed to a permanent sleep, did the pain begin to fade.
But even before losing the light of life, all Devdas urged, was to see his Paro just once …
Thus giving his love the greatest dignity …
It was at Paro’s doorstep, that the doors of heaven opened for Devdas.
He left behind a testimony of true love,that was pure, chaste, undemanding…
and thus immortal. Indeed, love was his life…
love makes him live on…
SHAHRUKH KHAN as DEVDAS
The transition of Devdas from a man who did not fully understand love, to a man who understood nothing but love, marked a fateful journey. A journey, during which the restless, unexpressive lover in Devdas commanded love and yet did not demand it. Indeed when Destiny gave him pain, he made pain his destiny. He remained pure and chaste in a worldly world till his end. It was an end for which the heavens did not cry. For they were regaled by a unique soul who only understood the language of love.
It is not everyday that actors such as Shahrukh Khan are born. Hindi Cinema welcomed the storm created by his talent and energy as he revolutionalized the scope and form of the hero with his unique and diverse portrayals. His is a path laden by virtual acclaim and hysteric popularity. The array of Awards that adorn his table of achievements, stand as testimony to the effect of his unquestionable histrionics. In Devdas, the energy and fervour is effectively internalized and suppressed emotions speaker louder than words. As the passionate actor gets into the skin of a passionate character in Devdas , it seems as it was always meant to be.
AISHWARYA RAI as PARO
From the innocence of childhood to the indiscretion of youth, she loved only one man - Devdas . Such was her intensity, that she gave before she could get. Such was the conviction that she cared not for the world. But the heart that unflinchingly loved, also understood the call of duty. Once wedded to another man, she played her role as a wife with devotion. But the wife had to constantly fight a silent, losing battle with the little girl and the demure woman who had always loved her Devdas.
With her hypnotic eyes, enviable grace and intelligent mind all that lacked was a crown for her pretty head. And before long Aishwarya Rai earned the title of ‘Miss World’ and secured a name in the International Hall of Fame. Unveiled at that time, was her supreme prowess as an actress. She reached one of her pinnacles of acting with a brilliantly played, multi-award wining role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in which subtleties and complex emotions were depicted with elan. The director-actress duo come together again with Devdas in which the beautiful Aishwarya Rai does not merely play Paro, but is Paro.
MADHURI DIXIT as CHANDRAMUKHI
A peerlessly beautiful courtesan, Chandramukhi ironically made the world dance at her feet. She revelled in the gravitation of admirers and wealth galore. Indeed, she had everything until she met Devdas (and then she got peace) She gave it all up for the love of a man who could never be her’s and yet feels enriched with the legacy of loving him.
Here is an actress who was born to be one! Hindi Cinema became richer as it got bedecked by the intense performances, stunning looks and plethoric expressions of Madhuri Dixit. Saluting her talent, author-backed roles were written especially for her. For her winning awards has graduated from being a happening to a habit. Her expertise in classical dance holds her in good stead as she gets all set to dazzle as Chandramukhi. Giving her role the same devotion that Chandramukhi gave Devdas.
Devdas official web site
