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Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment acquires rights to ‘Devdas’
A timeless classic returns home
Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan recently announced that his production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, has acquired the rights to the 2002 film Devdas. This film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is an adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1917 novel and has been a significant part of Khan’s illustrious career. The announcement was made during a special screening at the Locarno Film Festival, where Khan was honored with a career achievement award.
A rich history of adaptations
The story of Devdas has been adapted numerous times, with the 2002 version being one of the most opulent and memorable. Khan acknowledged the long lineage of adaptations, stating, “By the time I got to see the film, I think they’d made 18 films based on the same novel, or 20, and lots of other plays and songs.” This rich history adds layers of depth to Bhansali’s rendition, making it a standout in the annals of Indian cinema.
The tragic tale of Devdas
The narrative follows Devdas Mukherjee, a wealthy law graduate who returns from London to marry his childhood sweetheart, Paro. However, societal and familial pressures lead to the rejection of their union, plunging Devdas into a spiral of alcoholism and despair. He finds solace in the company of a courtesan named Chandramukhi, creating a tragic love triangle that explores themes of societal expectations, unfulfilled love, and self-destruction.
The 1955 classic and its influence
Among the many adaptations, the 1955 version directed by Bimal Roy and starring Dilip Kumar is particularly influential. Khan reminisced about watching this classic with his parents, who were ardent fans of Dilip Kumar. This earlier version set a high bar, making Bhansali’s decision to remake the film in 2002 a bold move.
Challenges and triumphs of the 2002 adaptation
Bhansali’s Devdas faced initial skepticism due to its timing. “By the time Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted to make this film, I think everybody in the country felt it’s a bit dated,” Khan recalled. However, the film’s opulent production design and intricate costumes presented unique challenges and ultimately contributed to its success. Khan shared his experiences with the period-accurate clothing, particularly the difficulties of wearing a dhoti, which led him to use a zipper—a blasphemous but necessary modification.
Stellar performances and technical achievements
Khan credited Bhansali’s vision and the stellar performances of co-stars Aishwarya Rai as Paro and Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi for the film’s success. He also praised Jackie Shroff, who played Chunilal. The film’s technical achievements were noteworthy, with Khan mentioning that at one point, “there were no other generators left in the whole city of Mumbai” due to the lighting requirements.
International recognition and legacy
Devdas received international acclaim, screening at Cannes and earning a BAFTA nomination. Khan described it as “a modern-day masterpiece” that exemplifies the grandeur of Indian cinema. “It actually does define a lot of Indian cinema [through] its opulence and its beauty, and its larger-than-life-ness, its theatrics,” he said. The film’s dramatic musical elements and outstanding dance sequences have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
A personal favorite
Expressing gratitude for the continued interest in the film, Khan remarked, “The choice of Locarno, I think it’s one of the nicest films they’ve taken in my career, one of my favorite films of my own.” This enduring love for Devdas underscores its significance in Khan’s career and its place in the hearts of cinema enthusiasts.
Final thoughts
The acquisition of Devdas by Red Chillies Entertainment marks a significant moment in the film’s journey. It not only brings the film back to its star but also ensures that this timeless classic will continue to be cherished by future generations. For those who have yet to experience this masterpiece, now is the perfect time to dive into the opulent world of Devdas and witness the grandeur of Indian cinema at its finest.
