Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Depiction of Women in Movies - Part 2
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is undeniably one of the most celebrated and visually ambitious filmmakers in modern Indian cinema. His films are grand visual spectacles filled with breathtaking sets, intricate costumes, and memorable musical scores. I have always admired the great work, effort, and thoughts that have gone into making those fictional characters come to life, but at the same time, some characters break that real connection and convince me that it is just a fragment of imagination.
In the previous post we saw the inspiring, larger than life characters and here I would like to shed some light on the characters, who were visually appealing but far away from reality. While Bhansali deserves praise for bringing powerful historical figures and dramatic heroines to the silver screen, his lens often views womanhood through a romanticized, traditional prism that can feel disconnected from contemporary realities.
- The Spectacle of Bhansali Cinema
- Lack of Vulnerability and Modern Relatability
- The Myth of Enduring Self-Sacrifice
- Sisterhood vs Rivalry in Historical Romances
- Entertainment Versus Realistic Portrayal
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Spectacle of Bhansali Cinema
Watching a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film is an immersive experience. Every frame is meticulously composed, resembling a classical painting brought to movement. From the haunting romance of Devdas to the royal opulence of Padmaavat and Bajirao Mastani, his worlds are enchanting. Yet, this high-art aesthetic often dictates how his characters behave, prioritizing emotional melodrama over psychological authenticity.
As cinema evolves, audiences increasingly look for characters they can relate to on a human level. Exploring how directors craft their stories is fascinating, much like analyzing the incredible vision found in Anurag Kashyap directing style, which takes a completely different, gritty approach to filmmaking. Bhansali, however, remains deeply rooted in a theatrical tradition where grand gestures replace nuanced character development.
Lack of Vulnerability and Modern Relatability
I would also like to add that Sanjay Leela Bhansali on one hand portrays the strength, tranquillity, and bold side of women, but on the other hand, it fails to show today’s women. Modern female protagonists in cinema are allowed to be flawed, confused, and openly vulnerable without losing their core strength.
When I see Paro and Chandramukhi dancing together for Devdas, or Kashi Bai and Mastani matching feet for Baji Rao, I fail to understand if two women deeply and madly in love with the same guy will dance together happily in today’s world. This artistic choice elevates the scene into a sublime musical masterpiece, but it strips away the raw, messy jealousy and complex rivalry that naturally occur in such human situations.
The Myth of Enduring Self-Sacrifice
I think somewhere Bhansali is stuck in the old era and the women he depicts do not fit in the shoes of the modern woman. The modern woman would not share her husband or male counterpart. The modern woman will fight for her rights and, if time comes, she would not hesitate to remove the rotten raw nerve of her body, if that is what the male counterpart has become for her.
Those women were bold, beautiful, strong, and independent, but in between the transition, the modern woman cannot actually relate to them much. For example, no girl is going to light a lamp for 12 long years in the hope that her boyfriend will return to her. No husband will ever accompany his wife to go and search for her lover. No woman will welcome her husband or lover’s lover with open arms.
Not just in some village but in metro cities, where women have learnt the value of education and career, nobody will ever follow these women as literal ideals. True empowerment in cinema means showing characters who make independent choices for their own growth rather than perpetual martyrdom.
Sisterhood vs Rivalry in Historical Romances
Bhansali frequently attempts to showcase profound bonds between women, even when they are positioned as romantic rivals. While the idea of graceful coexistence is poetic, it often borders on the surreal. In historical dramas, the sociopolitical constraints of the era meant women had little agency, making their compliance or graceful acceptance a matter of survival rather than choice.
However, modern storytelling thrives on addressing complex social dynamics, similar to how contemporary narratives explore why women navigate complex emotional relationships outside traditional boundaries due to shifting societal expectations and a lack of true emotional intimacy. When historical epics gloss over these deep emotional struggles in favor of synchronized dance sequences, they miss an opportunity to present genuinely layered female psychology.
Entertainment Versus Realistic Portrayal
So with the mix of positive and negative portrayals of women being presented by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, I think when we go to see a movie, it is a give-and-take relationship. I try to take some learning or life lessons from the span of 120 minutes. I also look forward to getting entertainment as it is meant for the purpose, and SLB does justify the entertainment part.
Cinematic art does not always have to mirror reality step-for-step; often, its magic lies in presenting an idealized dream world. Just as audiences appreciate timeless romantic tragedies, they also cherish inspiring real-life journeys, much like the legendary resilience seen in Amitabh Bachchan film career achievements that shaped generations of viewers. Bhansali's heroines remain unforgettable cultural icons, even if their choices belong to a bygone age of myth and fantasy rather than the modern world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sanjay Leela Bhansali portray women in his films?
Bhansali portrays women as visually stunning, regal, and deeply passionate figures who often display immense resilience, though their character arcs lean heavily toward traditional self-sacrifice and theatrical melodrama.
Why are Bhansalis female characters considered unrealistic by modern standards?
His characters often accept extreme situations, such as sharing partners or enduring decades of waiting, which clashes with the independent, rights-driven mindset of contemporary women.
Do Sanjay Leela Bhansali movies promote female empowerment?
While his heroines are visually bold and emotionally intense, their empowerment is frequently tied to tragic martyrdom rather than modern autonomy and practical self-liberation.
What is the difference between part 1 and part 2 of Bhansalis female character analysis?
Part 1 focuses on the inspiring, larger-than-life strengths of his heroines, while Part 2 critiques their lack of vulnerability and modern psychological relatability.