Twenty-one years after its release, ‘Dev,’ directed by Govind Nihalani, remains a powerful cinematic examination of the communal riots. Amitabh Bachchan plays a key role as a police officer, navigating the complexities of religious conflict. The film explores Dev Pratap Singh’s evolving understanding of communal politics against the backdrop of Tejinder Khosla’s rigid communal views.
Mr. Bachchan discussed his experience, emphasizing Nihalani’s ability to capture social realities. He highlighted the film’s exploration of the isolation of a community and the dialogue-driven nature of the film. Bachchan indicated that the scenes and situations guided his performance.
The film’s portrayal of violence was deeply disturbing, capturing the reality of the situation. The film addresses difficult topics, and offers a look at the post-Gujarat scenario. The film covers the politicization of the police force. Meenaxi Sharma’s screenplay is well-written, and effective in its impact. The film explores how religious divisions are exploited by the powerful.
The film contrasts Dev Pratap Singh and Tejinder Khosla. Tejinder stands for staunch communalism, while Dev embodies the film’s conscience. The film illustrates that oppression isn’t limited to any particular group. The film places blame on politicians. Nihalani lets his characters develop and grow. A love story unfolds within the context of the communal riots. Kareena Kapoor and Fardeen Khan enhance the film’s emotional depth. Bachchan and Puri’s performances anchor the film. Puri’s portrayal is unsettling. Bachchan’s performance speaks volumes, and the riot scenes are vivid and graphic. The ending of the film is a hallmark of Nihalani’s narrative style.