Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is widely known for creating visually rich films mounted on elaborate sets and centered around strong female characters. Over the years, critics and audiences have often asked why his storytelling repeatedly returns to grandeur and powerful women. Industry observers and past interviews with the director point to a combination of artistic training, personal influences and thematic choices rooted in Indian culture.
Bhansali’s films, including Devdas, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Gangubai Kathiawadi, are marked by detailed production design, large-scale sets and dramatic lighting. His recent streaming series Heeramandi continues that visual tradition with expansive recreations of period settings.
A Background in Theatre and Music
Bhansali has frequently cited his early exposure to theatre and classical music as shaping his cinematic language. Before directing, he trained in music and worked in film production, which, according to film scholars, contributed to his emphasis on composition, rhythm and visual scale.
His films often resemble stage productions, with carefully choreographed sequences and meticulously constructed interiors. Production designers and cinematographers who have worked on his projects have described his approach as detail-oriented, with significant attention given to costumes, architecture and color palettes.
Industry analysts note that such large sets are not merely decorative. They are designed to immerse viewers in a specific historical or emotional world, particularly in period dramas.
Focus on Powerful Female Protagonists
Another defining feature of Bhansali’s cinema is his focus on women at the center of the narrative. From Paro and Chandramukhi in Devdas to Mastani in Bajirao Mastani and the titular character in Gangubai Kathiawadi, female characters often drive the emotional core of the story.
In interviews, Bhansali has spoken about his admiration for resilience and emotional strength in women. Observers say this perspective may be influenced by his upbringing and his long-standing interest in stories set in historical or socially restrictive contexts, where women navigate power, tradition and personal agency.
Film critics have noted that while his stories are set against large political or cultural backdrops, the emotional arcs frequently revolve around women asserting identity and dignity within patriarchal systems.
The Role of History and Culture
Many of Bhansali’s films draw inspiration from literary works or historical narratives. Devdas was adapted from a novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, while Padmaavat was based on the epic poem by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
These source materials often contain strong female figures, which, according to film historians, naturally place women at the forefront of cinematic retellings. The grandeur of the sets is also linked to his preference for period storytelling, which requires recreating historical environments.
Experts in Indian cinema suggest that Bhansali’s elaborate production style aligns with a tradition of spectacle in mainstream Hindi cinema, where visual scale plays a significant role in audience appeal.
Commercial and Creative Considerations
Large-scale productions also serve commercial purposes. Lavish visuals and dramatic storytelling can attract wider audiences domestically and internationally. Trade analysts point out that Bhansali’s films often position themselves as event cinema, relying on scale and star power.
However, the director has maintained in past public statements that his primary focus remains storytelling rather than spectacle alone. He has described his films as emotional journeys, where music, visuals and performance combine to heighten drama.
A Consistent Signature
Over more than two decades, Bhansali’s filmmaking approach has remained stylistically consistent. While each project differs in theme and setting, recurring elements — opulent design, classical music influences and strong women navigating complex social realities — form what critics describe as his cinematic signature.
As Indian cinema continues to evolve with digital platforms and changing audience tastes, Bhansali’s work stands out for its commitment to scale and traditional storytelling forms. For many viewers and scholars alike, the recurring grand sets and powerful female characters are not incidental choices but central to his artistic vision.
