Get ready for a trippy throwback, because Dev.D is heading back to theatres. It has been announced that Anurag Kashyap’s cult classic will be re-released on April 24, giving audiences a chance to relive its raw, genre-defying storytelling on the big screen.
Originally released in 2009, Dev.D is a modern retelling of Devdas. Backed by Star Studio18, the re-release aims to bring the film’s unique cinematic experience back to theatres.
About Dev.D
Set against the backdrop of contemporary Punjab and Delhi, the film stars Abhay Deol, Mahie Gill and Kalki Koechlin. It follows Devendra Singh “Dev” Dhillon, a privileged young man whose life spirals into substance abuse after his relationship with childhood love Paro falls apart.
Dev’s journey takes a turn when he forms an unlikely bond with Chanda, an escort navigating her own emotional battles. Together, their stories unfold in a gritty, contemporary take on love, heartbreak and self-destruction.
Upon its release, Dev.D was both a critical and commercial success, and has since earned cult status. Its music, composed by Amit Trivedi, became a cultural phenomenon, with tracks like Emosanal Attyachar and Pardesi continuing to resonate with audiences.
Anurag Kashyap on the film’s re-release
Reflecting on the film, Anurag Kashyap said Dev.D was his attempt to break away from the romanticised portrayals of Devdas seen in earlier adaptations featuring KL Saigal, Dilip Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan. He described his version as flawed, impulsive and rooted in a more realistic form of self-destruction.
Abhay Deol, who conceived the project, called it a deeply personal success. He noted that the film challenges Devdas’ misogyny while highlighting the strength and agency of its female characters, all through a distinctive musical narrative.
