tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post6891786026203354397..comments2024-03-18T23:23:28.279+01:00Comments on Old is Gold: Devdas (1955)Bollyviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-61119142848289578382018-10-16T15:49:58.818+02:002018-10-16T15:49:58.818+02:00Devdas movie is fine.Do write about Aandhi sometim...Devdas movie is fine.Do write about Aandhi sometime stumbled no blog while seaching no suchitra san.ISHTIAQUE AHMADhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14163801066859243428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-39690477128876387312013-10-26T19:55:18.565+02:002013-10-26T19:55:18.565+02:00I love your sardonic style of narration :)
Do wri...I love your sardonic style of narration :)<br /><br />Do write about Aandhi sometime. Stumbled on your blog while searching on Suchitra Sen. <br /><br />Here is my version :)<br /><br />http://dimpsdawns.blogspot.in/2012/06/aandhi.htmlDimpsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-12491455577178928842012-04-18T22:45:45.061+02:002012-04-18T22:45:45.061+02:00Hi Bollyviewer, I just wanted to let you know that...Hi Bollyviewer, I just wanted to let you know that I was inspired by some of your comments to write an appreciation of Devdas, and wanted to thank you!<br />cheers!yves.1000ounoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-37165392108721068752012-01-25T23:33:47.913+01:002012-01-25T23:33:47.913+01:00We do have pretty good musicians and directors tod...We do have pretty good musicians and directors today too, but film making styles are so different now that I doubt that even a reborn Bimal <i>da</i> could recreate his 60s films today.Bollyviewerhttp://bollyviewer-oldisgold.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-64677044864146127942012-01-13T15:58:24.657+01:002012-01-13T15:58:24.657+01:00When the old producers, Musician, Directors, I mea...When the old producers, Musician, Directors, I mean like Bimal Roy Nausadji,S.D.Saheb (Burmandaji) and of course old actors will reborn?Vishnu Harshnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-42021255712994601982011-11-23T06:52:20.630+01:002011-11-23T06:52:20.630+01:00v p singha, thanks for that aside on Wajid Ali Sha...<b>v p singha</b>, thanks for that aside on Wajid Ali Shah. If Satyajit Ray's depiction of him (<i>Shatranj Ke Khiladi</i>) was faithful to history, the Nawab was very keen on music and poetry. I did not know that he was exiled to Calcutta, though. By the way, one of the commentors above had already pointed out that <i>Babul mora naihar</i> is not from <i>Devdas</i> but <i>Street Singer</i>.Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-75867309962116090242011-11-16T13:55:37.684+01:002011-11-16T13:55:37.684+01:00'Babul mora naihar chhooto hi jaye'is not ...'Babul mora naihar chhooto hi jaye'is not from KL Saigal's Devdas at all, but from his film'Street Singer'(1931.)<br />It is an original thumri set to music in raag Bhairavi, by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh himself, composed under his takhallus (nom de plume) 'Akhtar Piya.'<br />'Mora naihar' was a reference to his beloved kingdom, Awadh, which was taken away from him by force by the British E. I. Co.in 1856 and he was exiled to Metia Burj (Calcutta) where he died 30 years later.v p singhanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-57503177744797694322010-10-15T07:12:23.287+02:002010-10-15T07:12:23.287+02:00Hehe I must admit that I do not try to be fair to ...Hehe I must admit that I do not try to be fair to him, even though I dislike him so. The moral of the story, as far as I am concerned, is that the moment you see the faintest Devdas resemblance in a person, RUN!!!! :DBollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-30188767482226684712010-10-12T04:43:47.956+02:002010-10-12T04:43:47.956+02:00@Bollyviewer,
Lol @ "silly twit". No d...@Bollyviewer, <br /><br />Lol @ "silly twit". No disagreement there. <br /><br />I wrote above as "tradition" vs "love" because I consider this vacillation in Devdas is between his inherent prejudice against marrying someone poor and missing Paro as a person. He wants her but not at the cost of going against his family and his social status. It is too late by the time he makes up his mind. <br /><br />I try to be fair to Devdas because I hate him so much :). Especially, since he expects Paro to stick around even after his rejection. <br /><br />The only moral of the story is NOT to be like him :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-60124299109487447632010-10-11T09:07:51.780+02:002010-10-11T09:07:51.780+02:00Devdas comes across as a man caught between wantin...Devdas comes across as a man caught between wanting Paro and not wanting her, not somebody caught between tradition and personal love! He likes her well enough until she declares her love - then he does not want her. But the moment he decisively breaks up with her, he wants her again - very much like a child wanting a toy only when he cannot have it!<br /><br />The only tragedy about Devdas is that Paro AND Chandramukhi love that silly twit! As to Paro and Chandramukhi learning to want more from life after encountering Devdas, I'd like to think that it's because they must surely realise that life MUST hold something better than him in store for them! ;DBollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-9959832743834533632010-10-10T22:28:00.829+02:002010-10-10T22:28:00.829+02:00I think Devdas appeal, as a story, is in two thing...I think Devdas appeal, as a story, is in two things.<br />1) Devdas is caught between tradition and his personal love. He isn't self-aware enough to balance these two aspects. It could be easy for others not in that position to ask him to have a spine. But, for people who intrisically believe that tradition is better than personal decisions, it is a hard struggle, and he took the coward's way out.<br />2)Paro and Chandramukhi have less freedom about what they can do outside the society dictates. But I think they admirably bear their cross. While they may not be particularly liberating role models, they are still willing to walk the walk rather than being escapists (like Devdas). <br /><br />I like the Telugu version the best. The SLB version's major flaw is not understanding the subtleties of the story and leaving the audience unmoved. I think the meeting of Paro and Chandramukhi completely defeats the purpose of their struggles agianst love and social constraints. It somehow indicates that Devdas is someone great enough to be fought over rather than showing that Devdas was an instrument to make them realize they could be different than what they are bred/expected to be in their respective lives. <br /><br />Anyways, I don't particularly like tragedies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-61259952913833773442010-07-07T19:57:37.015+02:002010-07-07T19:57:37.015+02:00harvey, Dilip's drunkenness was hilarious. His...<b>harvey</b>, Dilip's drunkenness was hilarious. His first drunk scene was really hammy, but he improved as he went along "because of practise" (as my watchalong companion <a href="http://antarrasramblings.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Gebruss</a> put it!). And I agree that Devdas can be many things but it never is. WHY is it so enduringly popular in the public mind?Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-69514822867657442462010-07-06T22:46:12.856+02:002010-07-06T22:46:12.856+02:00I exactly have the same emotions for Devdas like y...I exactly have the same emotions for Devdas like you.<br />And I saw the movie few years back again, but was not really very much enthusiastic about it.<br />The best part of the film was Dilip's drunkenness, Vyjayanthimala's dancing and the song 'aan milo' song.<br />Everything else was lost on me.<br />I think that Devdas could have become a scathing commentary on the caste system and the society's failings, but it doesn't!<br />But I am still curious of Saigal's Devdas. The only good thing btw of Bhansali's Devdas were the dances, everything else was overboardharveyhttp://harveypam.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-35168781105599462362010-07-05T08:42:56.144+02:002010-07-05T08:42:56.144+02:00Beauty Tips, I had no idea that Devdas was dubbed ...<b>Beauty Tips</b>, I had no idea that <i>Devdas</i> was dubbed in other languages. I thought everybody made their own! :D<br /><br /><b>Pessimisissimo</b>, that is certainly a great way to look at SLB's <i>Devdas</i>, and I am sure you are not in a minority in loving the film (all my SRK-loving friends adore it). I might have been less critical of it if I could bring myself to like the songs, or even the picturisation. I just found all that opulence very oppressive (I disliked <i>Jodha Akbar</i> for the same reason)! Plus, while I'm no thrifty soul, all that money spent on prettying up my least favorite tale does feel like extravagance on a grand scale. But I AM glad that somebody appreciates SLB's labor of love while so many of us don't! :D<br /><br /><b>Filmbuff</b> if you are interested in <i>Devdas</i> screen adaptations, you really should watch this...Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-82356278267283635302010-07-05T01:58:45.575+02:002010-07-05T01:58:45.575+02:00Very good arguments in defence of Bhansali's D...Very good arguments in defence of Bhansali's Devdas Pessimisissimo! I have only seen Bhansali's version and while i do feel that he has OTT in some aspects, i agree with you about needing this kind of direction to digest a story like Devdas. I think the original Devdas versions - what ever the language ie telugu or bimal roy's hindi would have been too full of pathos.<br /><br />Bhansali's Devdas had awesome music by Darbar and of course the picturisations were good too.<br /><br />Bollyviewer, thanks for the eaddress. will send you an email<br /><br />cheersFilmbuffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-53705391541696853212010-07-04T05:27:03.861+02:002010-07-04T05:27:03.861+02:00Since everybody hates the Sanjay Leela Bhansali ve...Since everybody hates the Sanjay Leela Bhansali version, I feel I have to say a few words in its defense. <br /><br />Say what you will about SRK in the thankless title role--I'm not sure any approach will make this character fully sympathetic. After all, Devdas is callous, abusive, self-pitying, and self-destructive. Given those elements, going operatic makes as much sense as any other approach (someone underplaying the role would have gotten lost in SLB's outrageously lush visuals). <br /><br />But what makes the 2002 version so special for me is Ismail Darber's music, and the way that the songs are so carefully woven into the narrative. In fact, the songs convey absolutely crucial information, particularly in the sequence "Bairi Piya," "Morey Piya," and "Kahe Chhed Mohe." Then there's the astounding dancing of Madhuri and Aishwarya--not to mention how mind-boggling SLB's picturizations are.<br /><br /><i>Devdas</i> was the second Bollywood film we saw, and we were mesmerized by it (I realize that we're in a distinct minority). I know it's a film that people love to hate; but it's so obviously a labor of love for everyone involved that I just can't share that disdain.<br /><br />Bimal Roy is, of course, one of the greatest directors of not only Indian, but world cinema. I do, though, feel that the story of Devdas requires larger-than-life emotions, something that the SLB version provides.<br /><br />Give me a moment to get under cover, and then you can start throwing things!Pessimisissimohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04223566131580795337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-5747257018652081342010-07-03T10:09:15.078+02:002010-07-03T10:09:15.078+02:00This is an ever green movie and even its dubbed in...This is an ever green movie and even its dubbed in many languages.<br /><br />But this movie made a buzz in <a href="http://www.telugu-news.com/cinema" rel="nofollow">Telugu Cinema</a> industry.Beauty Tipshttp://www.home-remedies.in/beauty-tips.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-17603533569170187602010-07-03T07:21:42.203+02:002010-07-03T07:21:42.203+02:00Filmbuff, you can contact me at bollyviewer_at_gma...<b>Filmbuff</b>, you can contact me at bollyviewer_at_gmail_dot_com. Would love to hear from you!<br /><br /><b>sophy</b>, <i>Shatranj Ke Khiladi</i> was certainly Amjad Khan's best film - his performance was superb. Who'd have thought "Gabbar Singh" could express anguish so subtly and believably, and without any loud dialogues! When I saw Wajid Ali Shah's portrait, I realised that Ray must have cast him because of his looks. I've been meaning to write up that film, but so far I haven't been able to get beyond gushing over it!<br /><br />Madhuri's dancing in <i>Devdas</i> was very filmi, and she looked like she was too weighed down by her heavy costume and jewels to move much! I once saw a stage performance of hers on TV (it was for some awards function, if I recall correctly), where she did very good Kathak (NOT the filmi kind!). Even her filmi dances earlier on were so much better - just see how fluidly she moves in <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J11mJ29jZEg" rel="nofollow">Chane ke khet mein</a></i>.Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-56231379148672980242010-07-02T12:55:25.122+02:002010-07-02T12:55:25.122+02:00Bollyviewer, yes, I like Sangeeta Nerurkar's &...Bollyviewer, yes, I like Sangeeta Nerurkar's "babul mora" too. She's very confident and a good copy. About Wajid Ali Shah, Satyajit Ray was so good at casting-- Amjad Khan in Shatranj ke khilari really does look like Wajid. I'll have to see the movie again but I think this might have been Amjad's best role outside of Gabbar Singh. It will be nice to hear your take if you review the movie.<br /><br />About Madhuri Dixit, I haven't seen her in anything other than Devdas. I like the dancing eyebrows in "kahe chhed"sophynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-18106710948767902452010-07-01T06:40:54.475+02:002010-07-01T06:40:54.475+02:00Do you have an email address to discuss movies tha...Do you have an email address to discuss movies that you haven't reviewed here?Filmbuffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-60232026054193705302010-06-30T08:02:57.248+02:002010-06-30T08:02:57.248+02:00Filmbuff, Apne Paraye is a family story about misu...<b>Filmbuff</b>, <i>Apne Paraye</i> is a family story about misunderstandings in a joint family. I remember liking it a lot when I saw it, years ago.<br /><br /><i>Saransh</i> got a big build up on DoorDarshan and even though I saw it more than two decades ago, I remember it pretty well. <i>Mammo</i> is in my to-watch pile because I pick up any movie directed by Shyam Benegal! I know its a pretty touching story of the human cost of partition and haven't yet worked up the courage to watch it.<br /><br /><b>dustedoff</b>, Devdas does seem to have that effect on people - women, mostly! ;-)<br /><br /><b>bawa</b> and <b>sophy</b>, looking for K. L. Saigal on youtube, I found the videos of one Dr. Sangeeta Nerurkar singing Saigal songs - very VERY beautifully! If you haven't already seen them, here's her rendition of <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF2deS_ujv0" rel="nofollow">Gham diye mustakill</a></i> - its amazing.Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-57077946477410300892010-06-30T07:31:16.372+02:002010-06-30T07:31:16.372+02:00The SWami DVD also has Mahes Bhatt's "Sar...The SWami DVD also has Mahes Bhatt's "Saransh" and Shyam Benegal's "Mammo". Both these are excellent movies. A young Anupam Kher portrayed the role of an old father very well in Saaransh - it also had a touching story (humane). Farida Jalal was superb in Mammo. Again it is a touching humane story reflecting the after effects of partition (note the story is not set in the partition days). I would strongly recommend these two movies if you haven't seen them already.Filmbuffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-9793842613069903622010-06-30T07:01:40.802+02:002010-06-30T07:01:40.802+02:00Ouch, I missed that last screen cap! I guess I was...Ouch, I missed that last screen cap! I guess I was just so absorbed in reading what you'd written, I stopped paying attention to the pictures. *blush*Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-82233564927901531512010-06-30T06:49:06.388+02:002010-06-30T06:49:06.388+02:00Yes I have heard of Apne Paraye but haven't se...Yes I have heard of Apne Paraye but haven't seen it. I have seen only lovely song on DVD - Shyam Rang Ranga Ra Har Pal Mera Re" Amol Palekar, Shabana and a bunch of kids - seems to be a family story.<br /><br />BTW, both Shabana and Girish karnad did a great job in SwamiFilmbuffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-56734256569286465342010-06-30T06:12:33.190+02:002010-06-30T06:12:33.190+02:00sophy, I didn't much care for Madhuri's da...<b>sophy</b>, I didn't much care for Madhuri's dancing in <i>Devdas</i> - she is capable of much better dancing and has done it in earlier movies and stage performances. Unlike Madhuri, Vyjayanthimala is not a Kathak dancer, and it shows in her dancing, but she is so graceful and charming that it doesn't matter a whole lot!<br /><br />And thanks for that info about <i>Babul mora naihar chhooto jaye</i>. I had no idea that was Wajid Ali Shah's writing.<br /><br /><b>Filmi Geek</b>, I can completely understand your sentiments - I watched this one last Sunday, after a lifetime of avoiding <i>Devdas</i>, and only because it was made by Bimal Roy. If you dislike the story (as I do!) you won't like the movie any better for being more faithful to the book, but you may like it because it is a very well made film.<br /><br /><b>theBollywoodFan</b>, Dilip Kumar was pretty believable as the spineless Devdas. If I was ever going to be sorry for any Devdas it would be this one, though I am usually of the opinion that the only good thing Devdas ever did was to self destruct and leave the world a better place without him! :D<br /><br /><b>Filmbuff</b>, I've seen <i>Swami</i> a very long time ago. Its there in my to-watch pile so I should get it to it sometime. Didn't realise that it had all those great songs in it. I only remembered <i>Ka karu sajni</i>.<br /><br />I love <i>Khushboo</i> in spite of not liking the story too much - that happens to me with all Gulzar films! And I love Basu Chatterji's films, too. He made another Sharat Chandra adaptation - <i>Apne Paraye</i> - also with Shabana Azmi.Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.com