Pakistani Actress Questions 'Devdas' Legacy; Says SLB Film Glorifies Alcoholism

Dananeer Mobeen has triggered a major social media debate after calling Devdas an “overrated” film and questioning why audiences continue to celebrate it as a cinematic classic. Her comments were made during a conversation with Mashion and quickly went viral online. The actor criticized the film’s storyline and said she does not understand the obsession surrounding it. Her remarks drew both support and criticism from users across social media platforms. Many fans of the film strongly defended its legacy and cultural significance.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the 2002 adaptation of Devdas featured Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit in lead roles. The film became famous for its grand sets, music, emotional storytelling, and elaborate costumes. Over the years, it has earned a massive fan following and is widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s visually iconic films. However, Dananeer said the film’s actual narrative does not deserve the level of praise it receives today. She questioned the themes and relationships portrayed in the movie.

During the interview, Dananeer openly criticized the film’s central character and emotional themes. “What is the story? There’s an alcoholic, there’s a woman who has no self-respect, there’s a dad who is a (beep sound), and there is another woman who is forced upon the man,” she said. The actor added that while she admired the film’s grandeur, costumes, and visual presentation, she could not understand why alcoholism was being glorified. Her comments immediately went viral and divided opinions online. Several users accused her of disrespecting a classic film without fully understanding its literary background.

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Many social media users pointed out that Devdas was originally based on the famous Bengali novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, one of India’s most celebrated writers. Critics of Dananeer’s remarks argued that the story reflects social realities and emotional tragedy rather than glorifying destructive behavior. One user wrote that reducing the film to “casual commentary” showed a lack of understanding of cinema and literature. Others claimed she was seeking attention through controversial statements. Some users also defended her right to express a personal opinion about a widely celebrated movie.

At the same time, a section of users agreed with Dananeer’s criticism and said films should be re-evaluated through modern perspectives. Some argued that older movies often romanticized toxic behavior and unhealthy relationships in the name of tragic love stories. Others praised the actor for speaking honestly about how younger audiences may interpret such films today. The debate quickly expanded into a wider discussion about changing cultural standards and how classic cinema is viewed by modern viewers. Discussions around representation, emotional dependency, and alcoholism became central points in the online reactions.

Despite the backlash, Dananeer’s comments have once again highlighted the lasting influence of Devdas in South Asian pop culture. More than two decades after its release, the film continues to spark passionate discussions among audiences across generations. While some view it as a timeless masterpiece of Indian cinema, others believe certain themes in the story feel outdated today. The controversy also reflects how social media has amplified celebrity opinions and public reactions around iconic films. The viral debate surrounding Dananeer’s remarks shows that Devdas remains one of the most talked-about films in Bollywood history.

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