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Devdas: Breaking all barriers

After the failure of his debut venture Khamoshi (silence), he didn't remain silent. He made Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam which stunned the critics and common movie-goers. The success and confidence he had got from HDDCS definitely inspired him to make another gem. Devdas is the third film from Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and it is bigger than ever.

The story has nothing new in it. The director probably didn't want to play with the original storyline though he has tried hard to present it in a different way. Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan) and Paro (Aishwarya Rai) are childhood friends, separated, when Devdas is sent to boarding school in London. Their friendship develops into love on his return.

His family however, consider his relationship with Paro beneath him and he's forced to make the ultimate choice - it's her or them. He chooses the latter, only to regret his decision when it's too late. This is when Devdas's spiral of self destruction begins landing him in the arms of charming Chandramuki (Madhuri Dixit).

The courtesan falls in love with him at first sight and worships him just as intensely as Paro does. Unfortunately for her, Devdas is as unobtainable to her, as Paro is to him, and spends most of his days whether with her or not, intoxicated.

The main theme in the movie - Love - is shown in it's most interesting forms, unrequited and forbidden. The film also delves deeper into the psyche of each character especially Devdas, making you understand why he's a spoilt rich kid, who acts before he thinks.

Devdas is a treat to watch, it completely justifies it's title as the most expensive Indian film ever made. The cinematography is breathtaking, the locations and sets exquisite, and vintage costumes and jewelry highly elegant.

There are many tender and touching scenes in the film but the picturisation to the 'Hamesha Tumko Chaha' song gives you a lump in your throat.

Aishwarya is dainty and delicate in her portrayal as Paro. She is entirely believable as a young woman who solely exists for her lover.

Madhuri is equally good and gives a sensitive and sympathetic performance as Chandramukhi. Both women dance like dreams, and make you feel like their roles have never been played before hence created just for them.

Shahrukh Khan is known for his passionate performances. He's willed us to 'fall in love' before and has won countless awards for his portrayals but even after considering films like 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham', it has to be said that Devdas is by far the best of his career.

Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai, Jackie Shroff
Producer: Bharat Shah
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

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