I first saw Dev D in the early spring days, late at night. The copy wasn't good and I had to re-run thru some of the scenes.
but love at first sight had happened.Since then I've watched the movie almost 20 times, and it has become a part of me now. Yet I can't get enough of it. There are some very original and Indian themes in this movie.
Songs - The movie is narrated in songs. Songs convey the expressions, emotions and in case of Chanda- most of her life. Unlike the typical Bollywood movies, Songs do a wonderful thing here; they create a link with the characters. Paro initially tells her story thru "dhol yaara dhol" and "Hiknaal". Dev's bitterness is revealed thru "Mahi menu" and "Emosanal Atyachar". Dev's swirling ride in drugs and alcohol takes place via "Pardesi"(most beutiful of the lot). "saali khushi". his moments of truth come in "Duniya" and "ek halchal". Chanda's story is entirely told by the songs - "Yehi meri zindagi", "payaliya", "Dev and Chanda theme" etc. The songs become one with the movie. They set an example how songs should be used in a movie.- Use Local settings - A deliciously picturesque Punjab unfolds the initial half of Dev D. the characters speak mixed Punjabi-hindi. As Dev moves to Delhi, the underbelly of old Delhi is uncovered thru each passing moment. Small time characters like Lodge owner, the receptionist, vendor at steaming Momos and The cheap lodge itself - help revealing Dev's downfall. All of this is accomplished using set pieces of Dev's lodge, Old Delhi and Chanda's penthouse(!).
- Pinchful of randomness - the Scene in the bus where Dev eats the old lady's bus ticket, Dev's goggles, Lodge owner and chunni's conversations, Entire "Duniya" song. Or the trio of performers watching Dev's life like Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh! Things like this bring an eerie notion to the movie. Dev's life balances on the borders of sanity and insanity, and these scenes provide us a glimpse of Dev's insane dreamy world.
- Camera work - I think this is self explanatory. I find it epitomized in the "Pardesi" song. The song gives me high without getting drunk. Masterpiece!
Dev D symbolizes a major milestone in Bollywood and sets a record so high that it's worth attempting to break.
Which, no doubt will be broken soon, so I hope sincerely.
