RANKED: Every Movie Sanjay Leela Bhansali Has Ever Directed
Updated : March 19, 2019 02:55 PM IST
Though it may appear that making movies is an easy job, but it's not. Also, it may appear directors have it easy these days, with all these excellent technicians working with them. But telling a story in a feature film is one helluva a nuanced job that requires the directors to both have vision and technical prowess.
Which brings us to Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
As the director's highly-anticipated project falls into further trouble, we thought it is only befitting to give a reminder of what a talent he is. One of the best directors working today, he has made both intellingent and entertaining cinema that will live on very a long time.
Here are all his films, from the not-so-good (yet ambitious) to downright pathbreaking...
#9 Saawariya
Despite having an excellent soundtrack and two above-average debutants, this is probably the only major cinematic failure of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. This is probably because the director's efforts to create an affecting story were frustrated by his own desire to create an overly ornate production design.
#8 Guzaarish
Guzaarish, by no means, falls in the category of a bad film. Bolstering excellent performances (especially Hrithik's), the film also has some fascinating plot points. But the film feels like a missed opportunity, especially in the way the director doesn't do many things to elevate the good things in the project.
#7 Padmaavat
This period film was plagued with problems from it's very beginning. From fringe groups attacking the sets, to censor board troubles, to multiplexes refusing to screen it. Sanjay Leela Bhansali saw it all with this film. But once it released, it seems it was worth the struggle as audiences flocked to see the epic unfold in all it's glory. It also brought out the best from its cast members and continues to do good business at the box office even today!
#6 Goliyon Ki Leela Ram-Leela
This modern update of the William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet is bold, inventive and has an irresistible pair of lead actors. However, the film falls short of the best the director has done because at times, he chose heavy-handedness over subtlety.
#5 Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
The reason this film is a Bollywood classic is because instead of shirking Bollywood cliches, it adopts them and uses it to its advantage. Another way to put this: it has everything a typical Bollywood blockbuster has, but it manages to be more poignant and thus, deliver more than what can be expected of it.
#4 Khamoshi
The director's debut film is particularly known for its intelligent narrative, good soundtrack and exceptional performance by Manisha Koirala and Nana Patekar.
#3 Devdas
This modern iteration of a classic is rich with grandeur, top-notch performances and assured story-telling from its talented director.
#2 Bajirao Mastani
If Devdas was grand, Bajirao Mastani is one of the most expensive-looking films that Bollywood had ever seen. Bolstered by supreme acting, the film is both a worthy biopic and an entertaining feature.
#1 Black
One of the most profound, sensitive and affecting films to ever come out of mainstream Bollywood, Black is a fine example of what happens when a brilliant director has all the tools at his disposal. The film, defying all the odds, not only became a critical darling but also a commercial success. And that is what you call a good story!