Dev(2004)
Dev is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed, co-written, and produced by Govind Nihalani. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, and Kareena Kapoor. The story follows Joint Commissioner of Police Dev Pratap Singh, a strict officer, and Farhaan, a law graduate who turns to violence after his father is killed during a police shooting. The film explores communal tension, political manipulation, and personal redemption in a city torn apart by riots. It won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film and Best Actress for Kareena Kapoor. The film released on 11 June 2004.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, Plex, Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2004
- Director
- Govind Nihalani
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 35m
- Rating
- 5.8/10
Storyline
A young law graduate named Farhaan watches his father die in a police shooting. Blinded by rage, he joins a corrupt politician and plans to kill the police officer he blames. But when his actions spark deadly riots, Farhaan must choose between revenge and the truth.
“He chose to walk the razor's edge”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dev
Cast reunions in this film: Amrish Puri & Om Puri (12 films together), Amrish Puri & Amitabh Bachchan (10 films together), Amrish Puri & Govind Nihalani (7 films together), Om Puri & Kareena Kapoor (7 films together), Om Puri & Govind Nihalani (7 films together), and Rati Agnihotri & Amrish Puri (6 films together).
Trivia
- The film was inspired by the 2002 Gujarat riots, with the character of Chief Minister Bhandarker loosely based on then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
- Actor Om Puri, who played Tejinder Khosla, was initially hesitant to take the role because of the film's politically sensitive subject matter.
- The movie's climax was shot at the Gateway of India in Mumbai, a location rarely used for such intense, dramatic sequences in Hindi films at the time.
- Director Govind Nihalani used a distinct color palette, with cooler blues for Dev's scenes and warmer tones for Farhaan's, to visually contrast their worlds.
- Despite its critical acclaim, the film was a commercial failure, struggling at the box office due to its heavy, serious theme.
- Actress Kareena Kapoor, who played Aalyn, reportedly prepared for her role by meeting with social activists to understand the emotional trauma of riot victims.
- The character name 'Dev' is a Sanskrit word meaning 'god', which ironically contrasts with the morally complex and flawed nature of the police officer he plays.