As the sun set on February 24, a poignant memory lingers over the film industry, marking the death anniversary of the legendary actress Sridevi in 2024. It’s been a journey through time, recalling the era when cinema was dominated by an array of violent films; an era that witnessed a significant shift with the 1989 release ‘Chandni’. Directed by the eminent Yash Chopra, this film was not only a cinematic marvel but also a bold statement against the prevailing trend. This shift was embodied by Sridevi— a name synonymous with formidable drama and whimsical humour— who became a pivotal force in the renaissance of Yash Raj Films (YRF).
The flashback commences with the screen sensation, Sridevi, whose acting voyage began while she was merely a child. Over years, she became a celebrated Pan-Indian actress, accumulating numerous prestigious awards. This trajectory of success, however, came to an untimely end with her tragic demise in the UAE.
Revisiting conversations with Karan Johar, the yesteryear voice of Yash Chopra resonates profoundly, “Our industry had reached a saturation point of violence. I said, ‘Okay, I’ll do the biggest gamble of my life. Whatever happens, I won’t make a film with a formula. I’ll make a film which touches my heart.” Such was the gamble with ‘Chandni’, a film that diverged from the norms of its time.
The documentary series ‘The Romantics’ delves into the legacy of Yash Chopra and elucidates how ‘Chandni’ transformed the landscape for YRF, an impact in which Sridevi played an integral role. Until then, Chopra and Sridevi had never collaborated, yet her stellar performance in the Tamil film ‘Moondram Pirai’, which came to his notice through Amitabh Bachchan, left him impressed. As Anil Kapoor recalls, the challenge was approaching the top actress of that era. Taking on the task, Boney Kapoor, Anil’s brother, journeyed to Chennai to negotiate terms with Sridevi’s mother, but Sridevi herself was not swayed by Chopra’s esteemed reputation; her focus was unapologetically commercial.
Once Sridevi was on board, the challenges did not cease. Commencing with the artistic choice of attire, Yash Chopra faced resistance from Sridevi who questioned his preference for an all-white wardrobe on account of it appearing ‘dull’. Amid these creative clashes, it was trust that paved the way to consensus; Chopra’s wife, Pamela, recounts how trust in the director’s vision ultimately won over Sridevi’s mother.
Co-star Rishi Kapoor shared his own insights, revealing his apprehension regarding ‘Chandni’, as it was perceived to be Yash Chopra’s final attempt to save his studio. Despite this pressure, the film’s premiere launched an unexpected aftermath. Initial industry feedback was underwhelming, with complaints surrounding its length and music dominating discourse. Moreover, a distributor even backed out fearing a flop.
However, against all forewarnings, ‘Chandni’ was wholeheartedly embraced by the audience, going against the grain of industry predictions as noted by Karan Johar. This embrace wasn’t just a win for YRF; the film benefitted immensely from Sridevi’s stardom, and in an almost serendipitous exchange, it facilitated a resurgence for the banner.
Reflecting on Sridevi’s illustrious career and untimely passing, ‘Chandni’ stands as a testament to her indelible mark on Indian cinema and her role in the revival of YRF. As the narrative unfolds, we’re left to ponder on the transformative power of a single film and the immortal legacy of a screen legend whose contribution continues to shine, illuminating the annals of Bollywood history.
