Devdas

| 2002

Directed by: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Main Plot

"Devdas," directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is a tragic love story set in early 20th-century India. The film follows Devdas, a wealthy law graduate who returns to his ancestral home after studying in London. He rekindles his childhood love with Paro, a beautiful and strong-willed woman from a lower social class. Despite their deep affection, societal norms and family pressures prevent their union. Devdas spirals into self-destruction, seeking solace in alcohol and the company of Chandramukhi, a compassionate courtesan who falls in love with him. The narrative explores themes of unfulfilled love, societal constraints, and personal downfall, culminating in a poignant and heart-wrenching conclusion. The film is renowned for its opulent visuals, elaborate sets, and powerful performances, making it a significant work in Indian cinema.

Characters

  • Shah Rukh Khan plays Devdas Mukherjee, a wealthy law graduate who spirals into alcoholism and despair after being forbidden from marrying his childhood love, Paro.
  • Madhuri Dixit plays Chandramukhi, a courtesan who falls in love with the protagonist, Devdas, and supports him through his emotional turmoil.
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan plays Paro, Devdas's childhood love, whose unfulfilled romance with him drives much of the story's emotional conflict and tragedy.

Ending Explained

In the movie 'Devdas,' directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the tragic conclusion unfolds with Devdas Mukherjee's demise. After a series of personal downfalls and succumbing to alcoholism, Devdas, portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, becomes a shadow of his former self. His unrequited love for Paro (Aishwarya Rai) and the societal constraints that kept them apart drive him into a destructive spiral. In the final scenes, Devdas, severely ill and weakened by his excessive drinking, decides to fulfill his promise to Paro by visiting her one last time. He travels to her mansion, but collapses just outside the gates. Paro, now married and living a constrained life, hears of his arrival and rushes to see him. However, her husband orders the gates to be closed, preventing her from reaching Devdas. As she desperately tries to reach him, Devdas breathes his last breath outside her home, symbolizing the ultimate separation and the tragic end of their love story. The film concludes with Paro's anguished cries, underscoring the themes of love, loss, and societal constraints that define the narrative.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali Drama Musical Romance Shah Rukh Khan Madhuri Dixit Aishwarya Rai Bachchan