Reimagining Bhansali's Devdas 21 years later: Who'd play Devdas, Paro, Chandramukhi today?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Devdas" is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of audiences with its grandeur, passion, and tragic tale. The film has seen several adaptations over the years, but today, let's explore a reimagination of the cast, bringing together a new ensemble that could infuse the iconic characters with fresh energy and depth. Here, we present a carefully selected cast and delve into the reasons behind each actor's selection, considering their talent, versatility, and potential chemistry.

1. Devdas Mukherjee - Ranbir Kapoor:

In the titular role of Devdas, we envision Ranbir Kapoor, an actor who has consistently impressed with his ability to portray complex emotions. Kapoor has displayed vulnerability and intensity in films like "Rockstar" and "Tamasha," making him an ideal choice to embody the troubled and tormented Devdas. His nuanced acting style would allow him to capture the essence of the character and bring a new dimension to his internal conflicts.

2. Paro - Alia Bhatt:

Alia Bhatt's natural acting skills, charm, and innocence make her a perfect fit for the role of Paro. Bhatt has proven her versatility in movies like "Highway" and "Raazi," effortlessly portraying characters with depth and emotional range. Her ability to evoke empathy and connect with audiences would lend authenticity to Paro's journey, making her a strong counterpart to Ranbir Kapoor's Devdas.

3. Chandramukhi - Deepika Padukone:

Deepika Padukone, with her grace, elegance, and expressive eyes, would bring a captivating interpretation to the role of Chandramukhi. Padukone has showcased her acting prowess in films like "Padmaavat" and "Bajirao Mastani," delivering powerful performances that resonate with audiences. Her ability to convey strength, vulnerability, and unrequited love would add depth and complexity to Chandramukhi's character, making her a memorable part of this reimagined cast.

4. Chunni Babu - Vicky Kaushal:

Vicky Kaushal's ability to breathe life into his characters, combined with his charm and versatility, makes him an excellent choice for the role of Chunni Babu. Kaushal's performances in films like "Masaan" and "Uri: The Surgical Strike" have garnered critical acclaim, highlighting his talent for portraying layered characters with authenticity. His nuanced portrayal of Chunni Babu would offer a fresh perspective, capturing the complexities of this pivotal supporting role.

5. Kaushalya - Tabu:

Tabu, a powerhouse performer, possesses the gravitas and emotional depth required to portray the role of Kaushalya, Devdas's mother. With her powerful screen presence and versatility showcased in films like "Maqbool" and "Haider," Tabu would infuse the character with a potent mix of maternal love, strength, and agony. Her ability to evoke empathy and portray intricate emotions would create a poignant portrayal of Devdas's mother.

6. Bhuvan - Rajkummar Rao:

Rajkummar Rao, known for his exceptional acting skills and chameleon-like ability to transform into diverse characters, would breathe life into the role of Bhuvan. With his performances in films like "Newton" and "Stree," Rao has showcased his talent for blending humor, intensity, and depth. His portrayal of Bhuvan would bring forth the character's complexities, adding an intriguing layer to the dynamics between the characters.

Reimagining the cast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Devdas" presents an opportunity to inject new life into this classic tale while retaining its inherent grandeur and passion. The selected ensemble of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Vicky Kaushal, Tabu, and Rajkummar Rao brings together a diverse group of talented actors, each possessing the necessary skills to portray the complexities and emotions associated with their respective characters. Their unique interpretations would infuse the narrative with fresh energy, while their potential chemistry would create compelling dynamics that resonate with audiences. As with any reimagination, this cast selection aims to pay homage to the original while offering a unique and captivating experience for both new and existing fans of the timeless story of "Devdas."

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI. The former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.