Dev D

One of the oldest Bollywood tales told in a very contemporary style is Dev D. Interspersed with numerous frescoes of a not-so-distant take on the original drama, this one has several twists in the tale.

I found it very enjoyable – it tugged at my heart, and it tickled me. It made me cry and it made me want to hug. It made me sad and it made me hopeful.

The educated yet rooted, rustic Paro who moved on when she realized that Dev was stuck up with himself, is played out well by a newcomer. The turn of events that turned Lynet into Chanda seemed a bit far-fetched but was inspired by truth. Abhay, who conceptualized the movie, plays Dev convincingly. The eternal loser keeps on losing and inspires disgust and fondness – you feel like reaching out to him and set him right while he keeps on dithering between life and loss.

The movie has a feminist angle – may be not intended but very subtle. The way the two women are strong about their feelings and make choices is rarely visible in cinema. Paro puts Dev in his place. She seems to derive a devout pleasure by straightening up his mess, reeking of unfulfilled desires; or did she craft an invitation to pull Dev and then push him away, avenging the rejection? Chanda checks his feelings and doesn’t make tall claims when she is told that the feelings are not for her.

And Dev finally gets his act straight, leaving me with a smile at the very end.

Good enjoyable cinema. Good audio track as well.