Dev D is certainly a unique take on the Devdas story, but that alone is not enough to warrant this film getting more than 7 stars, tops. It is brash, explicit, and shows Indian youth in a way not often portrayed in Indian cinema (rude, obnoxious, disrespectful). But that doesn't make this a good film. Just different.
The acting is passable. I don't think that anyone is grossly miscast, but at the same time, there is very little call for real acting in this film. The biggest problem lies in the script, which never creates any emotional connection between the characters. The only character we develop any sympathy for at all is Chanda. Frankly, making the film from Chanda's point of view, and discarding the ties to the Devdas story, might have been a better direction to go with this.
Technically, it is decent work. The use of the Snorricam is unique in Bollywood, but it doesn't break any new ground. Same with the underwater shots. The lighting is excellent, but the direction and cinematography aren't memorable. Most of the songs are forgettable, although one theme is used very well. The songs are not well-integrated, often rendering them an annoying distraction.
Overall, this can only be rated an above-average film, at best. I don't think I'd watch it more than twice.
The acting is passable. I don't think that anyone is grossly miscast, but at the same time, there is very little call for real acting in this film. The biggest problem lies in the script, which never creates any emotional connection between the characters. The only character we develop any sympathy for at all is Chanda. Frankly, making the film from Chanda's point of view, and discarding the ties to the Devdas story, might have been a better direction to go with this.
Technically, it is decent work. The use of the Snorricam is unique in Bollywood, but it doesn't break any new ground. Same with the underwater shots. The lighting is excellent, but the direction and cinematography aren't memorable. Most of the songs are forgettable, although one theme is used very well. The songs are not well-integrated, often rendering them an annoying distraction.
Overall, this can only be rated an above-average film, at best. I don't think I'd watch it more than twice.