Watch Dev.D

Dev.D is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Anurag Kashyap and released in 2009. The movie is inspired by the classic novel "Devdas" by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, but it modernizes the story and sets it in contemporary India. The film revolves around the character of Dev, played by Abhay Deol, a rich and privileged young man who falls in love with Paro, played by Mahie Gill, a girl from a lower social class. Dev and Paro have a passionate love affair, but their relationship is cut short by Dev's father, who disapproves of Paro and arranges his son's marriage to someone else.

Heartbroken and disillusioned, Dev turns to alcohol and drugs to numb his pain. He becomes a reckless and self-destructive person, consumed by his own despair. At this point, the movie introduces a new character, Chanda, played by Kalki Koechlin, a young woman who works as a prostitute. Dev meets Chanda, and they form an unlikely bond. Chanda becomes his confidante and his source of comfort, and the two of them embark on a journey of self-discovery.

The film is divided into three parts, each one focusing on a different aspect of the central character's life. The first part, titled "Childhood", introduces us to Dev and Paro as children and shows us how their friendship turns into love as they grow up. The second part, "Youth", is where we see Dev's downfall and his descent into addiction. The third part, "Maturity", is where Dev finds redemption and learns to love again.

One of the most striking features of the film is its unconventional style. The filmmakers use a mix of techniques, including jump cuts, split-screen, and handheld cameras, to create a raw and gritty aesthetic that reflects the characters' inner turmoil. The movie also features a non-linear narrative, jumping back and forth in time to highlight important moments in the characters' lives.

The performances in the film are outstanding. Abhay Deol delivers a nuanced and powerful portrayal of Dev, capturing both his charisma and his vulnerability. Mahie Gill is equally impressive as Paro, displaying a range of emotions that make us feel invested in her story. Kalki Koechlin gives a breakout performance as Chanda, imbuing the character with a mix of toughness and tenderness.

Another notable aspect of the film is its soundtrack. The movie features a mix of traditional Indian music and contemporary western influences, creating a unique sound that matches the film's eclectic style. The song "Emosanal Attyachaar" became a popular anthem for the movie, highlighting the film's subversive and irreverent tone.

In summary, Dev.D is a bold and innovative take on a classic story. It explores themes of love, addiction, and redemption, using unconventional techniques to create a raw and emotional experience for the viewer. The film features outstanding performances and a unique soundtrack, cementing its place as one of the most memorable Indian films of its time.

Dev.D is a 2009 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.