Anurag Kashyap reveals he cried at Dev D premiere after Vikramaditya Motwane said he hated the ending

Anurag and Vikramaditya

Anurag Kashyap’s emotional reaction to the premiere of Dev D reveals the depth of his creative investment and the toll criticism can take on an artist. Released in 2009, Dev D was Kashyap’s modern retelling of the classic novel Devdas, featuring Abhay Deol, Mahie Gill, and Kalki Koechlin in lead roles. The film was hailed for its innovative storytelling and gritty portrayal of human emotions. However, not everyone was impressed with the final product, including Vikramaditya Motwane, Kashyap’s close friend and collaborator.

Kashyap recently opened up in an interview, recalling the premiere of Dev D and how a candid remark from Motwane left him in tears. He shared, “I wept like a child.” While the film received glowing reviews, including a five-star rating from one publication, Motwane’s feedback overshadowed the initial praise. Motwane, who had worked on the first draft of the script, strongly disagreed with the changes Kashyap had made, particularly the ending. Kashyap recounted calling Motwane excitedly after reading the review, only to hear his friend bluntly say, “Shove those five stars up your a**; the film could have been better.”

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The harshness of Motwane’s critique hit Kashyap hard, especially because it came from someone whose opinion he deeply valued. “I started crying, howling at the premiere,” Kashyap admitted. The reaction highlights the vulnerability creative professionals often feel when presenting their work to the world, especially when it’s scrutinized by those closest to them.

Despite the tension, the relationship between Kashyap and Motwane remained intact. In fact, Kashyap credits Motwane for shaping some of his most celebrated works. Speaking about Gangs of Wasseypur, Kashyap revealed how Motwane played a pivotal role in editing the seven-hour-long film. “When you are making a film, it’s your baby, and you don’t want to throw the baby out. I won’t let anyone touch it. But I know if Vikram comes in, he will do something, and we will start fighting.” Kashyap added that after stepping away to let Motwane take over, the film was eventually trimmed to four hours and became the masterpiece audiences know today.

The dynamics between Kashyap and Motwane demonstrate the complexities of creative partnerships. While disagreements and emotional conflicts are inevitable, they also serve as opportunities for growth. Kashyap acknowledges that Motwane’s insights, however brutal, often push him to do better. Their collaborations, including the critically acclaimed Sacred Games, are a testament to their ability to channel creative tension into impactful storytelling.

Kashyap’s anecdotes about Dev D and Gangs of Wasseypur provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes struggles of filmmaking. They also underscore the importance of honest feedback in the creative process, even when it’s painful to hear. For Kashyap, Motwane’s unfiltered opinions, though difficult to accept at times, have played a significant role in his journey as a filmmaker.

Ultimately, Dev D stands as a milestone in Kashyap’s career, celebrated for its bold vision and narrative style. While the premiere may have been an emotional rollercoaster for the director, the film’s lasting impact proves that even harsh criticism can lead to greater achievements.