Govind Nihalani’s ‘Dev,’ a film that courageously tackled the subject of post-Godhra communal riots, has completed 21 years. Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of a conflicted cop stands as a pivotal performance in the film. The story contrasts Dev Pratap Singh’s journey towards understanding communal politics with Tejinder Khosla’s rigid, communal stance.
Bachchan described working with Nihalani as a revealing experience, highlighting the director’s ability to capture the social reality. He acknowledged the film’s exploration of the isolation of a community, which is rarely discussed. He also defended the dialogue-driven approach, crucial for conveying complex ideas in such a film. For Bachchan, the performance was dictated by the gravity of the scenes, not requiring any special methods.
The depiction of violence in the film was disturbing, yet essential, capturing the reality of the events. The film probed recent wounds, and the audience’s response to the film is something to be considered. The film’s exploration of the politicization of the police force and the difficult situation for Indian Muslims is a major theme. Meenaxi Sharma’s screenplay is remarkable, avoiding sensationalism. The narrative emphasizes how religious divisions are exploited by power structures, regardless of religious affiliation.
The film centers on the contrasting perspectives of Dev Pratap Singh and Tejinder Khosla. Tejinder represents unwavering communalism, while Dev is grappling with his conscience. The film illustrates how oppression isn’t confined to a single group. The film’s narrative attributes the communal strife to two politicians, one Hindu, and one Muslim. Nihalani skillfully portrays his characters, allowing them to evolve. A love story adds a layer of tenderness amidst the violence. Fardeen Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s performances enhance the emotional impact. Bachchan and Puri’s performances are central to the film. Puri delivers a shocking portrayal of a communal cop. Bachchan’s acting conveys a range of emotions. The riot scenes are powerful. The film concludes with a twist, marking Nihalani’s distinctive narrative style.