Dev D re-released today at PVR cinemas
As Dev D returns to the big screen, the cult classic finds itself at the center of nostalgia, celebration, and cinematic legacy. Seventeen years since its original release, the film continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences and for Dibyendu Bhattacharya, it marks a deeply personal milestone.
The actor, who brought the unforgettable character of Chunnilal to life, looks back at the journey with immense gratitude and emotion.
Calling Dev D “a very special film,” Dibyendu shared how his association with director Anurag Kashyap played a crucial role in shaping this opportunity. Having previously worked with him on Black Friday, Dibyendu expressed his eagerness to be part of Dev D the moment he learned about the project.
However, the journey wasn’t without uncertainty.
“Kashyap said he would love to cast me as Chunnilal, but only if Black Friday released and worked well. Otherwise, the production house wanted a celebrity for the role,” he recalled.
When Black Friday finally released and received appreciation, Kashyap stayed true to his word. In a moment Dibyendu describes as unforgettable, the filmmaker publicly announced that he would indeed be playing Chunnilal. “I was ecstatic that he kept his promise,” he shared.
What followed was history in the making. With Abhay Deol stepping in as Dev, and the film taking shape under Kashyap’s distinctive vision, Dev D went on to redefine storytelling in Hindi cinema, eventually earning its status as a cult classic.
For Dibyendu, stepping into the shoes of Chunnilal a character previously portrayed by legends like Motilal and Jackie Shroff was both humbling and overwhelming.
“At that time, we weren’t in a position to demand anything. It was overwhelming just to get the opportunity to work with such an iconic director,” he said candidly.
One of his most cherished memories remains watching the film with a live audience at Mumbai’s Chandan cinema.
“People were whistling, clapping, enjoying the film thoroughly. I still remember the film received a 5 star review. It was a surreal experience. In fact, there were people who watched it 17–18 times,” he revealed.
Since his breakout as Chunnilal, Dibyendu Bhattacharya has continued to build an impressive repertoire of layered characters most notably as the sharp and composed DSP Barun Ghosh in Undekhi, Raza Mehdi in Rocket Boys, Biswa Pathak in Jamtara, Neel Banerjee in Poacher, Layak Talukdar in Criminal Justice, and Kailash Shubhkela in the recently released Mamla Legal Hai 2, apart from numerous others. For his fans, comes another delight as Undekhi Season 4 is about to be released soon. Each role has further established him as an actor who brings authenticity and quiet intensity to the screen.
As Dev D returns to theatres, it’s not just a film making a comeback, it’s a celebration of characters that have stood the test of time.
