Why Did Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Devdas’ Take 2.5 Years to Make? Box Office Records Shattered After Release!

In 2002, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s direction of the film Devdas took the box office by storm. This grand cinematic masterpiece, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. At the time of its release, Devdas was the most expensive Indian film ever made, leaving an undeniable mark on Indian cinema.

The film tells the tragic story of a wealthy Bengali man, Devdas, played by Shah Rukh Khan, and his deep emotional journey. The connection between Devdas and his childhood love, Paro, portrayed by Aishwarya Rai, along with Madhuri Dixit’s role as Chandramukhi, added layers of emotional depth to the narrative. The film’s larger-than-life sets and the emotional performances of the lead actors resonated with audiences worldwide.

The Struggles Behind 'Devdas'

Despite its success, Devdas faced multiple challenges during production. The movie took over two and a half years to complete, with many delays due to unforeseen events. Bharat Shah, the film’s producer, was arrested by Mumbai police under accusations of receiving funding from the underworld for the film. Additionally, the set of Devdas caught fire three times, leading to significant setbacks.

As if the production struggles weren’t enough, tragedy struck when two crew members died in separate accidents during the shoot. These incidents added to the emotional toll on the film’s cast and crew, yet they persevered, determined to bring this timeless love story to life.

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Devdas is based on the 1917 Bengali novel of the same name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. The 2002 version is the third Bollywood remake of the novel, with the first adaptation released in 1936, featuring K.L. Saigal and Jamuna Barua. The second adaptation came out in 1955, starring Dilip Kumar, Suchitra Sen, and Vyjayanthimala.

Each iteration of Devdas brought its own flavor, but Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s version stood out for its extravagant sets, intricate costumes, and soul-stirring music. The romantic drama deeply touched audiences, making it a defining film of the early 2000s.

A Box Office Blockbuster

Upon its release, Devdas made waves at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, premiering on May 23. The film was later released worldwide on July 12, 2002. With a box office collection of approximately ₹168 crore worldwide, Devdas became a blockbuster, cementing its place in the annals of Indian cinema history.

This film not only broke records but also captured the hearts of millions. Despite the challenges, the entire cast and crew’s hard work paid off, proving that emotional perseverance can create timeless art that lives on for generations.

Devdas remains a beloved film, remembered not just for its grandeur but also for the passion and dedication behind its creation.