Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a name synonymous with opulence, grandeur, and artistic brilliance (and even controversy at times), stands as one of the most revered filmmakers in the Indian film industry.
Born in Bollywood's birthplace Mumbai, Bhansali has left an indelible mark on Bollywood through his distinctive cinematic vision, unparalleled storytelling, and a penchant for creating visual spectacles. His films are not merely narratives; they are immersive experiences that transport the audience into a world where emotions are heightened, visuals are breathtaking, and storytelling is elevated to an art form.
A Man of Visuals
One of the defining characteristics of Bhansali's filmmaking is his unwavering commitment to aesthetics. Each frame in his movies is a meticulously crafted canvas, where every detail, from costume design to set decoration, is carefully considered. This meticulous attention to visual detail is evident in films such as the BAFTA-nominated Devdas, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, and Padmaavat. The elaborate sets, vibrant costumes, and intricate choreography contribute to the visual splendor that has become synonymous with Bhansali's directorial style.
Emotional Narratives
Beyond the visual extravaganza, Bhansali is a master storyteller who weaves narratives that resonate with emotion and passion. His films often revolve around themes of love, sacrifice, and societal norms, portrayed through characters who undergo profound transformations. In Devdas, he explored the tragic tale of unrequited love, while Black delved into the world of a visually impaired and deaf girl's journey toward self-discovery. Bhansali's ability to delve into the human psyche and extract powerful performances from his actors is a testament to his storytelling prowess.
Bhansali the Musician
Music is another integral component of Bhansali's cinematic universe. Acting as a music producer in most of his projects, Bhansali's collaborations with renowned composers like Ismail Darbar, Monty Sharma, and Shreya Ghoshal have resulted in soul-stirring soundtracks that complement the narrative and contribute to the emotional depth of his films. The music of Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Padmaavat not only topped the charts but also played a pivotal role in enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
Bringing out the Artistic Best from Mainstream Stars
In addition to his visual and narrative brilliance, Bhansali is known for his ability to extract extraordinary performances from his actors. Deepika Padukone's portrayal of Mastani in Bajirao Mastani, and Hrithik Roshan's enigmatic turn as the eponymous character in Guzaarish stand as testimony to Bhansali's directorial acumen.
Similarly, some of Ranveer Singh's best movies were directed by Bhansali. The aforementioned Bajirao Mastani found the otherwise energetic performer explore a more nuanced performance as a medieval ruler while Bhansali's period drama Padmaavat allowed him to play around method acting as the megalomaniac invader Allaudin Khilji. Even a mainstream Bollywood icon like Shah Rukh Khan subverted his previous romantic roles with a more painfully tragic turn as the titular tragic lover in Bhansali's Devdas.
Why Gangubai Kathiawadi is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's best movie?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2022 venture Gangubai Kathiawadi proved that the director still hasn’t lost his visual eye and storytelling touch, years after he began his filmmaking career. Featuring a career-best performance by Alia Bhatt in the titular role, the period drama recounts the life of a sex worker who became an influential socialite and champion of sex work rights in the country. Regular collaborator Sudeep Chatterjee’s cinematography brought alive the Gothic grandeur of post-independence Mumbai while Bhansali sensibly tackled a sensitive story, showcasing his ability to convey social messages with mainstream cinema. With the movie’s critical and commercial success, the auteur proved that he only gets better with age.
Where can you stream Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s filmography?
Netflix, Prime Video, Voot, Jio, and others.
