Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose 2002 romantic drama Devdas was screened at the 70th Cannes Film Festival 15 years after its release, said that Indian films are now being increasingly embraced internationally due to the warmth they exude with their heavy dose of emotions.
Bhansali said that Indian cinema is being appreciated for its melodramatic warmth. Even in the West people are now eager to express themselves more openly.
He further said, ‘’They aren't bashed by open expressions of emotions. Indian films exude a lot of warmth. At a time when the world is clogged with bitterness it's reassuring to experience a cinema where the smallest of emotions matter. Also Indian cinema is celebratory in mood.’’
Notably, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan presented Devdas at Cannes 2017. Talking about International viewers Bhasali said that they find great fun to watch Indian cinema.
He said, ‘’ When I showed Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in Berlin they called it a 'dancycle'. They were thrilled to see the musical celebration of universal emotions.’’
Bhansali consider it as lucky moment of his life and said, ‘’ I had to move at twice my original speed to get the film ready in time for Cannes. We were caught completely by surprise. We had sent them an almost-finished film on BETA video. But there was no time for fine tuning. "Devdas" was meant to be seen on the large screen. That the Cannes jury appreciated it on the small screen is a miracle. When the e-mail arrived from Cannes, it was a very important moment in my life. I felt happy from deep down in my being. For the first time in two and a half years, I was excited about something other than making the film.’’
Bhansali added that Indian film representing our country abroad which creates an impact, makes a difference to the way our cinema is perceived internationally.
However, when the Cannes representatives saw the film, Lagaan hadn't become a big event outside India.
‘’Today when we look at Lagaan, we feel it created a space abroad for Indian cinema. We now feel our content style and mood of moviemaking are being given a fair chance abroad. Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Shahji Karun and "Lagaan" did get our cinema recognition,’’ he said.
