The Indian film industry beheld the dawn of a cinematic revolution when ‘Dev.D’ graced the silver screens 15 years ago. Directed by the avant-garde filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, the movie redefined the norms of storytelling and established a cult following. As the film reaches its 15th anniversary, veteran actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya looks back with a touch of nostalgia at the promises made during the film’s inception and the remarkable turn of events that unfolded thereafter.
In an intimate recollection, Dibyendu Bhattacharya brings to life the anticipation and uncertainty that surrounded his casting in the film. The juxtaposition of hope and doubt was tangible when Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Black Friday’ was caught in the cobwebs of legalities, with a stay order jeopardizing its release, casting a shadow over the future projects of the director. It was then that a confident Bhattacharya approached Kashyap to voice his interest in playing the character Chunnilal in ‘Dev.D’.
Kashyap, caught in a conundrum, had to consider alternative plans in case ‘Black Friday’ remained cloistered away from the public eyes. He expressed to Bhattacharya that if ‘Black Friday’ failed to secure a release, he might resort to casting a more widely acclaimed actor to ensure the commercial success of ‘Dev.D’. However, if fortunes favored and ‘Black Friday’ was released, he would honor Bhattacharya’s wish.
Fortune did smile upon them, and after an arduous wait of three years, not only did ‘Black Friday’ come to light, it also triumphed. True to his word, Anurag Kashyap announced to newspapers the casting of Abhay Deol as Dev.D and Bhattacharya as Chunnilal, a testament to his integrity and commitment.
The milestone served as a harbinger of hope for many actors who found themselves in the tumultuous tides of the industry, striving for recognition and success. Bhattacharya recalls how Nawazuddin Siddiqui, himself now an esteemed actor, joined in the chorus of congratulations at the time.
The acclaim that ‘Dev.D’ garnered upon its release solidified Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s reputation as a versatile and dependable actor. Subsequent to ‘Dev.D’, Bhattacharya’s career trajectory took an upward swing, showcasing his talent in various successful series such as ‘Undekhi’, ‘Rocket Boys’, ‘The Gone Game’, ‘Jamtara’, and ‘Maharani’. Audiences can eagerly anticipate his performances in upcoming ventures including ‘Poacher’ on Amazon Prime, a Bengali feature titled ‘Bonobibi’ among numerous substantial projects queued for release.
Meanwhile, Abhay Deol took to social media on February 7th to join in the film’s commemorative celebration, offering his own perspective on ‘Dev.D’s journey. The thought of pitching a modern, musical retelling of the classic tale of Devdas to Kashyap at Juhu Marriott still stirs in him a blend of shock and delight.
The actor mused over his vision for the conclusion of the film; a stark contrast to the final cut which saw his character, riddled with flaws and vices, ultimately redeemed. Deol playfully ponders on the alternative narrative where his character, a drug-dealing incarnation of Devdas, meets a grisly end by the law rather than achieving absolution, suggesting a finale further steeped in darkness.
Concluding his reflections, Deol entertains the thought of re-engaging with the creative process, hinting at the prospect of pitching new ideas, and revisiting the development phase that birthed the iconic ‘Dev.D’.
‘Dev.D’ stands not merely as a film but as an enduring monument to the unstoppable creative spirit that defines Indian cinema. The story behind its making, replete with promises fulfilled and challenges overcome, will continue to inspire many future storytellers and actors. As we celebrate the 15-year legacy of this path-breaking work, one can only look forward with a sense of anticipation towards the new narratives and innovations that will chart the next chapter of this vibrant industry.
