Visual Aesthetics and Cultural Representation in the Set Designs of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Films
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58966/JCM2025427Keywords:
Visual aesthetics, set design, cultural representation, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, historical accuracy, cinematic storytelling, production design, audience perception, artistic grandeur, Indian cinema.Abstract
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films are known for their breathtaking set designs, which play a pivotal role in telling the story and capturing cultural essence. This study explores how the visual beauty of Bhansali’s sets connects to deeper cultural meanings, focusing on how they shape the audience’s perception. Through a survey, the study looks at how viewers, including film enthusiasts, design professionals, and scholars, perceive the historical accuracy, artistic brilliance, and emotional impact of his sets. The aim is to understand whether these stunning sets are just visually striking or if they also enrich the narrative and cultural themes of the films. The findings suggest that audiences see Bhansali’s sets as more than just beautiful backdrops — they believe the sets deeply enhance the story and cultural representation. This research contributes to the wider conversation on how production design influences film and shapes cultural storytelling.