8 Sanjay Leela Bhansali films made before the storm of Love & War
These eight films not only showcased Bhansali's mastery over visuals and music but also his growing ambition to push Indian cinema onto a broader canvas. Each one served as a stepping stone to the cinematic storm that is Love & War — a film expected to redefine the boundaries of Indian filmmaking once again.
Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) Bhansali’s soulful debut told the story of love, music, and disability with a poetic restraint rare in commercial cinema. With haunting melodies and emotional intensity, Khamoshi laid the groundwork for his signature style — emotionally rich, music-driven, and visually tender.
2/8
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) A passionate triangle of love, sacrifice, and tradition, this Salman Khan–Aishwarya Rai starrer cemented Bhansali’s arrival in the big league. The film became a global sensation for its exotic locales, unforgettable songs, and emotional storytelling — particularly resonating with the Indian diaspora.
3/8
Devdas (2002) Perhaps Bhansali’s most iconic work, Devdas brought Indian cinematic opulence to the global stage. It was screened at Cannes, received a BAFTA nomination, and was India’s official entry to the Oscars. The film’s aesthetic — rich in color, scale, and sorrow — became a visual reference point for filmmakers around the world.
4/8
Black (2005) With Black, Bhansali turned inward — offering a minimal yet emotionally thunderous tale. Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, the film drew global critical acclaim, making it to Time Magazine’s Top 10 Films of the Year and praised by international critics for its daring treatment and layered performances.
Saawariya (2007) Though divisive, Saawariya remains a visual marvel — the first Bollywood film co-produced by a major Hollywood studio (Sony Pictures). It introduced Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor and showcased Bhansali’s risk-taking, theatrical ambition, and commitment to cinematic experimentation.
6/8
Guzaarish (2010) Starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, Guzaarish explored themes of dignity, death, and art. It received a standing ovation at international screenings and was praised for its bold subject — euthanasia — and its operatic style, echoing European arthouse cinema.
7/8
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) Bhansali reimagined Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with fire and folk. The film was a turning point in modern Bollywood aesthetics — blending sensuality, folk art, and violence with stunning visuals. It won acclaim at international festivals and marked the beginning of Bhansali’s collaboration with Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.
8/8
Bajirao Mastani (2015) A historical epic with heart, Bajirao Mastani blurred the lines between war and poetry. From the sets to the soundtrack, it screamed ambition and refinement. The film was a global hit, featured in international publications like Variety and The Guardian, and won praise for bringing Indian history alive with grandeur and grace.
