From music, visuals, and performances to Storytelling, music, and backdrops, he aces it all. His films are a visual treat with grand sets, exemplary lighting, and heavy and detailed costumes combined with big dance sequences.
Apart from entertaining and serious films, the Hindi film industry has always been popular for making grand films. The iconic Mughal-e-Azam (1960) was an example of it. However, this trend was declining until SLB stepped in. As a filmmaker, he has kept the legacy of authenticity and magnificence alive in Bollywood to date.
If you are an admirer of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, you must watch these five films by Sanjay Leela Bhansali-
1. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
What happens when someone loves one person and is forced to marry another? If you are interested to know about it then you must watch Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. It is a romantic musical film that took the box office by storm. The film was based on Rashtriyashayar Jhaverchand Meghani’s play “Shetal ne Kathe”.
The story explores the life of Nadini, who falls in love with Sameer. But her family forces her to marry Vanraj, who is unaware of her past. Situations change in their lives when Vantaj comes to know about this and decides to reunite with his wife and former lover.
The film stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead roles. It was shot across different locations, including Budapest, Hungary, Gujarat, and parts of Rajasthan. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was praised for its storyline, performances, and music.
2. Devdas (2003)
Devdas is a romantic period drama based on the 1918 novel of the same name. A film at the same time was made in Bollywood several years ago. Its plot explores the class divide, zamindari culture, and insights into Bengal under the British.
The story is based around the character of Devdas Mukherjee. He is a rich law graduate who returns from London and wants to marry his childhood friend, Parvati “Paro” (Rai). But his family does not support it due to the class divide. So, he dips into alcoholism and is emotionally shattered, taking refuge at a courtesan Chandramukhi (Dixit).
It gathered praise for its set design, visuals, costumes, performances, and direction. Further, the songs and dance sequences of Devdas were loved by the audiences. Made on a big budget, it emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of that year.
3. Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram Leela (2013)
If you want to watch an intense romantic film you must go for Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram Leela. It explores the life of Ram and Leela, who love each other. However, cannot come together as their families have a 500-year-old rivalry. They try to make ends meet in various attempts, but this ends with their sacrifice.
It is loosely based on the Novel Romeo and Juliet, which turned out to be a big box-office success. The film skyrocketed the career growth of both Deepika and Ranveer.
Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram Leela received praise for its direction, performances, and music that topped the charts. Further, the big, colorful sets and heavy costumes with intricate designs became a major trend among the people.
4. Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Since Sanjay Leela Bhansali specializes in making grand romantic films, the historical plot of Bajirao Mastani was perfect for him. He wanted to make this film for a long time, but he could not find an ideal cast. After the success of Ram Leela, he repeated its lead cast in making this film.
It is the story of heroic Peshwa Bajirao, who was married to Kashibai. But he falls in love with Mastani, a warrior princess in trouble. However, they have to face conflict from his family.
It is a romantic yet tragic story. The film had a high production cost that included the creation of twenty-two highly detailed sets. In addition, numerous costumes and expensive props were prepared for the film to reflect opulence.
5. Padmaavat (2018)
Padmaavat was based on the story of Rajput Queen Padmavati. Before the release of the film, there were many protests by several religious groups who claimed that the film included misleading historical facts.
The plot is based on the story of Queen Padmavati, who is happily married to a Rajput ruler. However, a ruthless ruler, Alauddin Khalji, is obsessed after listening to her. So, he declares war on their kingdom when the Queen makes the ultimate sacrifice.
Summing Up,
Every director is a visual storyteller, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali has nailed this business. He spends a considerable amount of time making every film and works in every aspect of filmmaking himself, from music to set design and costumes. His hard work, reflected in his success, has kept fans waiting to watch his next release.
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