So, is it about love? Is it about intimacy? Is it about passionate self proclamation? Is it about pure, unadulterated lust? Is it about ‘halaat ki majboori’?
Forget ‘The’ Devdas that has been written and portrayed so far by different filmmakers. Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D is just about one’s self. His Devdas is alienated from the rest of the world with an unprecedented amount of indignity, his Paro is jaw droopingly passionate, articulate, vivacious and at the best of her sexual self. His Chandramukhi is demure, bitten by the societal apathy and self assuredly free.
Dev D boils with the living bodies of these three people with the soul that they have almost lost. A word of advice for Devdas, the tragic hero lovers – do not expect a heart warning, ‘I have lost my Paro and now is the time to gulp the sorrow’ kind of picture. The idea remains as is, but the rendition is way different. It is much more of – let me say this – itching Paro and Devdas for whom dil ka milan has taken place long back and now it is time to do some serious stuff which you can do only while lying in the bed (does not matter where the bed is, because Dev D’s Paro goes to the extent of arranging one in Ganne ka khet!)
So, Dev D is your brutal self. Self destructive? Yes. For Dev (Abhay Deol), it is self destructive by all means. Doubting Paro’s (Mahie Gill) virginity, he leaves her and then repents. Accompanied by bottle and beauty (Chanda - Kalki Koechlin) he starts an inward journey and finally lands in the prison following accidental killing of a few people. The movie is shot superbly with all the technical finesse, the scene of accident being one of such instances.
Mahie Gill is great to watch. She is super possessive about Dev and turns equally destructive when Dev insults her. The chemistry between them before break-up and then watching her ego superseding her love makes an engaging story. Mahie Gill does full justice to the character that has been conceived. She places everything at the right place – let it be her love for Dev, her lust, her anger or her practicality. She is actually a ‘good mix’!
Abhay Deol is first rate. But he actually does not have much to do. He is of course not made to cry loudly in Paro’s yaad nor he has to deliver yawn full of dialogues about dard-e-dil. He is mostly shameless and edgy looking man demanding booze and babe. He is not a bad guy but what to do when bad is so attractive? Only his relation with Chanda, his nascent love for her gives him a softer shade. What is remarkable about Dev D is Dev finally goes to Chanda and says that he does not love Paro. His admittance actually does not elevate his character (in fact, for some, it may add to his disgrace), but it creates an intrigue for the viewer and makes him wonder as to what does he mean by that? It may easily be called as ‘one more sin’ by a drunkard, but it also points at love – past, present and future. It is much of a present ‘tensed’ statement. You know that this guy is hopeless, but you feel that he might be somewhere around your own self!
I have only one problem and that is with Chanda. I have always liked this character for its sheer attitude, but Kalki Koechlin, may be because of her phirangi looks, does not find a place in your heart. She has a story to share but again her appearance is a disconnect. I understand that from the perspective of the entire plot, she is shown as the one from a non Indian family, but still the need is not clearly understood. Professionally managed sex trade (in which she gets engaged) with its innovative ways might be one of the reasons.
And then there is ‘the’ music. Amit Trivedi rock once again after Aamir. While the lyrics, (especially ‘Emosanal Atyaachar’ being the team’s creative best) are wonderful, Amit Trivedi’s captivating compositions make up to every mood of the situation. After so many years, with brilliantly written and composed Emosanal Atyaachar, I have heard whistles in the theatre and that too in a multiplex!
Dev D is an irresistible latest addition to new age Hindi cinema which is in the league of Aamir or Oye Lucky Lucky Oye. A bindaas take by Anurag Kashyap with that ruthless ‘wow’ embedded in it. Looks like we have found Quentin Tarantino!
Do watch Dev D. The emosanal atyaachar is worth the money you would pay for the ticket. There is pleasure in the pain!
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