Sanjay Leela Bhansali Reflects on Devdas’ Reception at Cannes Film Festival on His Birthday

Celebrating his 61st birthday, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali reminisces about the Cannes Film Festival reception of his 2002 movie, Devdas. The Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai-starrer premiered at Cannes and continues to be one of Bhansali’s most acclaimed works. In a 2002 interview with Rediff, Bhansali shared his thoughts on the film’s Cannes reception.

Bhansali on Devdas’ Cannes Reception:

Bhansali expressed happiness and surprise at the positive reception of Devdas at Cannes.
From the selection for Cannes screening, he believed the film would work, but the actual reception was a big and happy moment.
Bhansali was initially anxious about how the audience would perceive the film, considering it was the first screening at a major film festival.
He recalled having doubts about the film’s length and whether it might make people uncomfortable.
The director decided to go with the flow and wait for the audience’s response, ultimately experiencing a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.
The presence of Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai added to the significance of the premiere at Grand Theatre Lumiere at Cannes.
About Devdas (2002):

The period romantic drama, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and produced by Bharat Shah, featured Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit.
Based on the 1917 novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, the film portrays the story of Devdas Mukherjee, a wealthy law graduate returning to marry his childhood friend, Parvati ‘Paro.’
The rejection of their marriage by Devdas’s family leads to his descent into alcoholism and emotional deterioration.
The film explores Devdas’s relationships with Paro and the golden-hearted courtesan Chandramukhi, played by Madhuri Dixit.
Devdas, known for its grand sets, emotional storytelling, and stellar performances, received acclaim for its portrayal of love, tragedy, and intricate characters. The film’s success at Cannes marked a significant moment in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s illustrious career.