Books
ON BEAUTY : THE CINEMA OF SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI By Prathyush Parasuraman
From Gangubai Kathiawadi to Padmaavat, DevDas to Guzaarish, Bhansali’s films are known for their breathtaking aesthetics and intricate storytelling
Prathyush Parasuraman’s On Beauty is a groundbreaking monograph that dives deep into the visual extravagance and thematic brilliance of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s cinema. From Gangubai Kathiawadi to Padmaavat, DevDas to Guzaarish, Bhansali’s films are known for their breathtaking aesthetics and intricate storytelling. But beyond the sheer beauty of the visuals, what deeper truths do these films reveal about politics, philosophy, and the very nature of beauty itself?
On Beauty asks a central question: What do we really mean when we call a movie “beautiful”? Through thoughtful analysis, Parasuraman challenges conventional frameworks for understanding beauty in cinema, presenting a provocative way of “seeing” that is unique to Bhansali’s work. Drawing inspiration from John Berger’s Ways of Seeing, the book explores whether there is a distinctively “Indian” way to see cinema that modern audiences may have forgotten.
Packed with interviews from Bhansali’s closest collaborators, this book goes beyond surface-level analysis to uncover the philosophies that drive his filmmaking. This is a must-read for cinema lovers, scholars, and anyone curious about the intersection of art, beauty, and storytelling.
About The Author
Prathyush Parasuraman is a well-known film critic and writer, offering fresh and insightful commentary on cinema. His work seeks to explore the deeper connections between film and society, through philosophical and cultural lenses.
The book is scheduled for October 2024 release
