Anurag Kashyap sets the record on Dev D

[ilovetv]

Director Anurag Kashyap, whose forthcoming Dev D is a modern-day take on Sarat Chandra's novel Devdas, says that his film is not like Sudhir Mishra's Aur Devdas as it is currently being rumoured.

"Dev D is very different from Sudhir's Aur Devdas. The only similarity is that we both have drawn parallels from the classic novel. Otherwise, his film is based on politics and mine is on youth and their life," says Kashyap.

Kashyap says he was actually given the idea of making Dev D by the film’s lead actor Abhay Deol.

"Abhay narrated a story to me regarding a man in London and suggested making a modern take on Devdas. That thing hit me very hard. I got interested in the subject and hence Dev D was born.”

"I then scripted the film on the basis of news headlines on the Gen X because I wanted to take the angle of today's youth in the film," adds Anurag.

Asked about the cast of his film, Kashyap explains his choice. “Abhay as the protagonist was an obvious choice, not only because he had given me the idea but also because he's a fantastic actor. He's an intelligent man and his body of work defines him completely. The kind of roles and films he has done proves his acting prowess."

"I decided that Mahi Gill will be Paro when I saw her at a party. I later went on to see her work in some Punjabi films," adds Kashyap, "I had to delay the film because I wasn't able to find someone appropriate to do Chandramukhi's role. It is a complex and complicated character. My hunt ended when I auditioned Kalki who was one of the last girls to be auditioned," he added.

According to Kashyap, Dev D is an all-out commercial venture that would break his art house image.

"I have made this film with a completely commercial approach. The film has 15 songs including Punjabi and Rajasthani numbers. I can't get more close to commercial cinema," he said.

The film, which is scheduled to release in February, has been shot in Manali, Chandigarh, London and New Delhi.