Dev.D

Dev D is a modern-day interpretation of the classic novel "Devdas" by Sarat Chandra. Dev (Abhay Deol), Paro (Mahi Gill) and Chanda (Kalki Koechlin) of Dev D reflect the sensibilities, conflicts aggression, and independence. Free thought, exuberance and recklessness of the youth of today. A generation that is jammed between eastern roots and western sensibilities. Dev D is set in the rustic and colorful Punjab and also explores the dingy, morbid, dark underbelly of Delhi. From sprawling mustard fields to a riot of neon. Now we have come through various versions of the novel "Devdas", but "Dev. D" is way different than all the others. It's not actually the remake of Devdas, yet it can be said as it has been just inspired by it. There are minor similarities yet the characters are similar in a way. The new Devdas likes to have his vodka with Coke, asks Paro for some nude pictures of herself, chats with Paro through IM, likes to have sex, smokes even during pissing after waking up in the morning & does other various stuffs according to the current trend of Indian Youth. There are so many reasons why "Dev. D" strikes hard on it's viewers. It's a coming of an age cinema of Bollywood. Bollywood never did witnessed any stuff like Dev. D ever before. The soul of the movie lies within it's characters, specially "Dev.D" along with Paro, Chanda & Chunni. The movie also depicts Delhi in a superior way. Anurag Kashyap always trying to do something new & creative with each of his movies. First it was Black Friday, which portrayed some stunning reality behind the blasts in Mumbai in the year 1993, which also made it highly controversial & then it was "No Smoking", which was an attempt of a cult movie, though it failed to express the real message behind the movie. Anurag Kashyap this time does it in a Tarantino style. A love story in a Tarantino way. Now that's something really innovative! He gives an extra-ordinary direction, with keeping in mind to entertain the viewers. The humor of the movie with it's witty one liners keeps the viewers hooked during the first half. Though the second half looses it's momentum a bit, the movie still strikes in a powerful way. Now if we talk about the performances, Abhay Deol is one of the most talented actors in Bollywood. Not only he performs well, but what he did in this movie is called "Class Act". Top class act by Abhay. Also the performances by the two of the new-comers is refreshing & amazing. Adding to all the factors above is the music or the score of the movie. That's something different yet again for Bollywood. The track "Emotional Atyachar" is already famous. But the best tracks of the movie are "Ek Hulchul Si" & "Emotional Atyachar (Rock Version)". It would simply blow the mind of the lovers of rock music. Excellent songs & score by Amit Trivedi. The unusual cinematography of the movie gives the movie a different look, yet a dark look. Dev.D is a fantastic movie to be made in Bollywood history. A never before experienced love story with sex, drugs, drinks & lot many stuffs. A classic love story with fantastic performance by Abhay Deol.

There are very few movies that make you wait for their day of release just like a torn lover waits for its lost love for that one last glance and Dev.D was certainly one of them. I just knew I had to watch it the moment I saw breathtaking visuals(The snorricam shots inspired from classics like Requiem for a Dream, Trainspotting) in the trailer itself. The fact that the movie was directed by Mr. Maverick (of new age Indian cinema) got me even more excited. So now when I have seen the movie I am ecstatic because I got more than what I expected.

This movie is all about your sense of perception of art. If you find charm in innovative screenplay, extraordinary photography, symbolic scenes and realistic acting you got to love this cinematic masterpiece and if you have a thing for colors, its an icing on the cake! But if you want to see an entertainer which is going to generate temporary emotions, unfortunately, its not for you. All those who find the story unrealistic must understand it is not the portrayal of what happens in love but the most beautiful depiction of what is going through one's mind when one gets/doesn't get love. So, either you will crave for the movie to go on till forever or wait for it to end.

Of course, the story line is based on the original Devdas but this contemporary version has its own twists and turns and you better not expect the expected. Abhay Deol is absolutely fantastic.There is not a single scene where one can doubt the authenticity of the character he is playing. Both the new actresses are equally good. Mahie Gill deserves all the applause for doing many a tough scenes with calming ease and expression that can light a fire. Kalki's eyes never lose the innocence in the truest sense thanks to the beautiful portrayal even though her character transcends into one of the highest zones of maturity.

I just fell in love with the movie and wanted to see more of the unpredictable series of events through extraordinary musical narration.The only thing which I missed in Dev.D was a bit of soul but that is exactly how it was meant to be.

A movie so great that it simply blows your heads off. Every character is Grey. No one is moral and every body is a victim of circumstances. the film is the pinnacle of movie making. the sheer audacity, rawness, and unrealistically realistic treatment creates magic on screen. and believe me one time is not good enough. songs are unbelievable as well. the characters of paro and chanda are so well written that before dev falls in love with them; u will fall in love with them. and both the ladies have done a remarkable job. mahi gill looks so elegant and an epitome of femininity. kalki has an amazing screen presence. with her earthy and next door girl looks, she will win ur heart and her school girl sexuality is incomparable. anurag is THE BEST director in this country and with a girlfriend like kalki he is a lucky bastard as well. and now we come to the real reason of watching the movie. abhay deol. he has become a cult figure for a lot of his fans. the concept is his and he has completely overshadowed and other devdas that ever was. from now on if anybody will be remembered as devdas, he will be abhay. after 7 movies he has overshadowed many heavyweights in the industry. he looks so natural and confident on screen. and how chilled this guy is can be judged from the fact that at the time of his biggest ever release he is rite now in new york for a welding course.

Well I had been waiting for over two months for this film to release. And It has been worth the wait. Anurag Kashyap's Dev.D is a contemporary take on the immortal Devdas, whose boldness will dazzle you, to say the least. The direction and screenplay, as expected, are top-notch. The music is terrific, and has been used creatively to take the story forward. The performances are excellent too, with Abhay Deol delivering a brave, powerful performance that won't be easy to forget. Mahie Gill and Kalki are very impressive too. Watch this movie also for some gems- Paro going in the fields to get laid with Dev with mattresses tied to her bicycle and Chanda and Dev in the sauna-there are many more I promise. AK has successfully ironed out the flaws in the original Devdas, and that's what makes this dark film also a feel-good film at times. AK has handled sexuality and some real-life incidents (MMS scandal, BMW hit- and-run case) in a very mature manner, without being sensationalist. Don't miss it for anything. Watch it for its sheer audacity.

"I give a 10/10 and two thumbs up for AK's newest piece of art."

Let me helm AK as the new czar of motion picture extravaganza ...

With a conforming applaud to the concept visualization by Abhay Deol himself , AK and co-writer Vikramaditya Motwane concoct a tale foretold adding the backdrop and zing of contemporary Ludhiana , Delhi !

The beauty of narrative is that it doesn't speak in dialogs but rather gratifies on the senses of the viewer . The editing is brisk and is noteworthy of its nuances to help add the necessary twists in the plot.Fresh music with loads of it helps to contemplate the emotions of the protagonist.

It isn't banal or prudish ..the dialogs are witty and minimalist !

For those who have watched the archaic DevDas , it's overwhelming to match "loosely based original characters " to our new era real life DevD( trying to empower his childhood love or trying to understand what love really is ), Paro ( Very Indian but yet liberating and sexually charged and also at par with the ultimate Indian "aadarsh" Bahu agnostics ) , Chandramukhi ( A thumbs up to the Sex industry which preaches what the whole world tries to echo in darkness and unlike the world which then raises fingers of indignation and loathe - CMon India did preach Kamasutra long back )not to forget Chunni( an amiable friend but a pimp of the sorts ).

The ensemble has done a worthy job . Newcomer : Mahie Gill easily transitions from a vulnerable lover girl to a mature responsible lady , Kalki Koechlin epitomizes the naiveness of a teenage girl whose social stigmata con-volutes her essence of life into an awry ordeal which she readily accepts and moralizes as a state of "Trying to move on .." And Abhay ( I read him being at someplace learning Wood Carving during the release of this movie ) - ( is purely a treat to watch ..the way he triumphs in being a sole loser who worships Vodka and doesn't chastise himself rather acclimatizes himself to the corner of the world called "SELF" -- the virility shown by his hairy bod -- a pungent antonym to chest waxed embellishments -- 10 kg's lost for this role -- shows the kind of efforts put on screen )

All of this with a maverick Director's surreal vision ( trademarks being his liking for water and snow .. he uses them as props and landscaper's to unearth the beauty of the far .. No Smoking had loads of it) is a cinematic milestone in itself ...

If your above 18 then go with a heart of redemption, lust , despair striving to the ultimate nemesis with oneself --- you shall be a winner !!!