When Anurag Kashyap got slapped for 'vulgar' 'Dev D' script
What's the story
Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently shared some intriguing anecdotes about his cult 2009 film Dev D at the Marrakech International Film Festival.
He revealed that he faced significant challenges during the film's pre-production phase, including a physical altercation with an actor's boyfriend over the script.
"Girls refused to audition for the film when they read the script. I got slapped by one actress' boyfriend, who said, 'How dare you send the script to my girlfriend?'"
Film inspiration
Kashyap's unconventional approach to 'Dev D' adaptation
Kashyap, known for his unconventional storytelling, decided to adapt the popular novel Devdas but with a unique twist.
Despite his intense dislike for the source material, he chose to subvert most of its themes in his film.
"India's favorite love story is a book called Devdas... It's a very bad book... His personal life story was more interesting, so I borrowed more from his personal story and picked up contemporary issues for Dev D."
Production challenges
'Dev D' faced resistance due to its bold narrative
The filmmaker also disclosed that his bold narrative approach for Dev D was met with resistance.
He stated, "I made the two women the protagonists of the film, and I didn't hold back on the language or anything."
This decision led to several female actors refusing to audition for the central roles of Paro and Chandramukhi.
Even his producer initially rejected the script, calling it vulgar.
Character subversion
Kashyap's subversion of 'Dev D' characters shocked audiences
Kashyap further explained his decision to subvert the characters of Devdas in Dev D.
He stated, "What really shocked people was that the two female characters in the most misogynistic book had agency."
This bold move led to criticism from men who accused him of spoiling India's culture.
Despite these challenges, the film found success and developed a cult following among youth.
Film's origin
'Dev D' was born out of anger, revealed Kashyap
Kashyap admitted that the success of Dev D surprised him as he had envisioned it in a state of anger.
He also clarified past disagreements with lead actor Abhay Deol over who conceived the idea for Dev D.
While Deol claimed to have approached Kashyap to direct, Kashyap accused Deol of being difficult to work with.
The female leads in the film were played by Kalki Kanmani and Mahie Gill.