The complex shades of Devdas are intriguing to say the least. Like a curious riddle or a petulant, indulged child, Devdas is tormented by his own reluctance to conform or confront the truth. He's difficult yet loving, defiant yet defensive and devastated yet proud.
The escapism, inebriation, regrets and longing of a man who loses his soul mate to his own conceit and impulsiveness is portrayed intensely by Dilip Kumar. A performance so potent in heart, body and soul, it's impossible not to feel the wounds and feverish agony of his legendary character. Despite all the accolades and awards that followed, playing the lovelorn hero took its toll on the actor, leading him to take professional help to tackle the after effect of such roles.
Even as Dilip Kumar's performance continues to rule the roost, Shah Rukh Khan's version keeps it strictly trademark. Considering his preference for romantic roles, Devdas is almost a dream come true. And so there's lot of hamming, quivering, style, charisma and King Khan-aura to his rendition of the celebrated loser. There's a touch of method acting too. To get the drunk bit right, SRK had a swig of Bacardi before he swung in action-mode.
In its latest edition, the immensely talented and restrained Abhay Deol lets himself loose to play the upgraded, out-of-control and dope-dependent model of Devdas.
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