THE only Bollywood film to be considered at this year's Cannes Film Festival will become the first Hindu film to be shown at the Worcester Odeon.

Devdas had its first incarnation as a book back in 1917, written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhay and became an instant success. It was then made into a film nine times.

This latest incarnation was made this year by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and is the first Hindi Devdas film for 47 years.

The film tells the story Devdas and his childhood sweetheart Paro. Under the command of his wealthy father, Devdas leaves to study in London. He returns a decade later as a sophisticated young man to find that Paro has become a beautiful woman, and they rekindle the flame.

Their plans to marry are dashed by Devdas' father and the star-crossed lovers are driven further and further apart.

Paro falls into a loveless marriage and Devdas turns to the bottle and a courtesan called Chandramukhi.

Chandramukhi falls for Devdas, but he cannot love her because his heart belongs to Paro.

The cast includes Bollywood favourite Shahrukh Khan as Devdas, and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai as Paro.

The film follows the traditional Bollywood formula in that it is made for families, runs at three hours and has a 10-minute interval.

Carolyn Baker, general manager of the Odeon of Foregate Street, said if this film does well then an entire Bollywood season will be shown at the cinema on Foregate Street.

"It is a very exciting time for the team at Odeon, Worcester," she said.

"Devdas was one of the first films sent to the Cannes Film Festival, this year, where it played to appreciative audiences. We hope that it will be as well received in Worcester."

There will be three showings of the film on Friday at noon, 4pm and 7.30pm.