"Why are we glamorising alcoholism?"
The iconic Bollywood film Devdas has sparked fresh debate online after being heavily criticised by a Pakistani celebrity.
Actor Dananeer Mobeen shared her controversial views during a recent promotional interview with the popular digital platform Mashion.
The young starlet openly questioned why the acclaimed romantic film continues to receive such massive praise from global audiences.
She expressed deep confusion regarding the core themes and character motivations portrayed in the famous silver-screen adaptation.
The celebrity targeted the narrative choices made by the visionary Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in his work.
She questioned the artistic merit of the plot while acknowledging the beauty of the grand sets and outfits:
“What is the story? There’s an alcoholic, there’s a woman who has no self-respect, there’s a dad who is a (beep sound), and there is another woman who is forced upon the man…
“What is happening and why is it a classic? Why is everyone going gaga?
“I get the sets, the grandeur, outfits, but the story? Why are we glamorising alcoholism?”
Her outspoken criticism quickly migrated to the discussion platform Reddit, where it surprised many passionate Indian cinema lovers.
Many netizens immediately came forward to defend the complex emotional layers of the celebrated cinematic masterpiece online.
One user argued that the actress failed to understand the underlying social critique presented within the tragic plot, saying:
“She could’ve just said that the movie is overrated. But Devdas, at its core, is a story that questions social classism and the fickle nature of human ego.
“And while SLB’s version seemed more focused on the sets, clothes and scale, it also captured these things, albeit not in the best way.
“I’m surprised how someone as smart as Dananeer could say such things about the story.”
Another forum member pointed out that the central theme of the movie is definitely not about promoting alcoholism.
They said: “Devdas isn’t about alcoholism!
“If she is talking about SLB’s Devdas, then the critique is more on the unrealistic grandeur (which she seems to be okay with), which sometimes takes the centre stage, instead of the story.”
The original 2002 film remains one of the most expensive projects in Indian cinema history.
It initially premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival before achieving massive financial success at the box office.
The romantic drama was adapted from the classic literary novel originally written by the author Sarat Chandra.
Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai delivered memorable performances that completely captivated the minds of millions globally.
Legendary actress Madhuri Dixit also starred in the project, which won universal acclaim for its incredible musical numbers.
International viewers went completely gaga over the intense romantic narrative and the beautiful presentation of Indian culture.
It is still widely considered to be one of the finest achievements of modern Bollywood filmmaking today.
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