DEVDAS has been selected for a special screening at this month's Cannes film festival.

The fourth Bollywood remake of Sarat Chandra's classic novel stars Shah Rukh Khan as the tragic title character who goes on a downward spiral after he can't have the woman he loves.

This is ample reward for director Sanjay Leela Bhansali after the many obstacles, mostly financial, that he has overcome to complete the film.

He says: "I am very honoured, It is a big moment of pride for all those who have been associated with the film, which we completed against all odds.

"I am happy our efforts have been acknowledged. It is also a triumph for Hindi commercial cinema that a film in the popular format gets a world honour."

It is the biggest budget film of the year and broke its first record two months before its release.

The music rights for the film starring Shah Rukh, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai were sold for more than £1.7 million. And it has been money well spent, with the stunning collection of songs selling fast.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's follow up to his 1999 mega hit Hum Dil Deh Chuke Sanam features 11 great songs from music director Ismail Darbar.