Shah Rukh Khan announces acquiring rights to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Devdas’, recalls financial struggle

Actor Shah Rukh Khan recently made waves at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, where he was honoured with the Pardo alla Carriera (Career Leopard) award for his significant contributions to cinema.

This accolade is a milestone, making him the first Indian to receive it.

At the event, SRK heightened the excitement by announcing that his production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, has acquired the rights to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 epic, ‘Devdas’. He revealed this during a masterclass just before the film’s screening, which features Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit Nene, and Jackie Shroff.

‘We, as a production company, have reacquired the rights to this film, and I’m very proud that it now belongs to us,’ Shah Rukh Khan said, expressing his pride in the acquisition.

Reflecting on the film’s lasting impact, Shah Rukh Khan discussed the significant challenge of reviving this epic love story. With over 18 adaptations already made, including the renowned version with Dilip Kumar, the pressure on Khan and his team to offer a new and engaging take was substantial.

‘By the time I saw the film, I think there had already been 18 or 20 adaptations, along with numerous plays and songs,’ he remarked.

Despite the perception that the story might seem outdated due to India’s shift toward modern and commercial cinema, SRK was committed to the role.

‘When Sanjay Leela Bhansali decided to make this film, the prevailing sentiment in India was that it felt outdated. The country was moving towards a more liberalized culture, with audiences leaning towards lighter, commercial content like college musicals,’ he explained.

Shah Rukh Khan also discussed the major challenges faced during the film’s production, including severe financial difficulties and extensive delays. Despite these obstacles, he found the experience profoundly rewarding, particularly as it was a tribute to his late mother, who adored the original story.

‘It was the most expensive film ever made in India, so it faced numerous troubles—money issues, disappearing producers, and we had to finish it in a tight timeframe. It went over budget and overtime, but I enjoyed working on it because it felt like a tribute… a memory to my mother who loved the film. Many actors in Mumbai advised me against doing it, saying it wasn’t my usual style and that I was more suited to pop culture. But I was determined to take it on, as it felt like fulfilling an unfinished dream and honoring my mother’s love,’ he said

He also mentioned that he showed the film to the legendary Dilip Kumar, who appreciated their efforts. ‘I give all the credit to the director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali,’ SRK concluded.

Also Watch | 'Mufasa The Lion King': AbRam Khan set for big screen debut, SRK-Aryan return for the Hindi adaptation