Pakistani actor calls Bollywood's Devdas 'overrated'

Pakistani actor Dananeer Mobeen has recently voiced her opinion that the iconic Bollywood film Devdas is 'overrated,' sparking a considerable online discussion. She expressed her views during a conversation with Mashion, where she was asked to name a classic film she found overrated.

Mobeen articulated her critique by questioning the film's narrative and thematic elements. She specifically pointed to the portrayal of characters and the potential glamorization of alcoholism, wondering about the story's appeal and classic status.

Her comments quickly disseminated across social media platforms, notably X, where they garnered diverse reactions. While some users supported Mobeen's perspective, a significant portion of netizens defended Devdas, a film often lauded for its grand visuals, music, and performances.

Released in 2002, Devdas is an adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1917 novel. The film, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, is considered a landmark in Bollywood cinema, with multiple previous screen adaptations existing.

The ensuing online debate saw users defending the film's literary and cinematic merits, with some criticizing Mobeen's take as lacking understanding of tragedy or literary classics. This has brought renewed attention to the enduring legacy of Devdas.