Actor and Member of Parliament Dev has commenced shooting for his upcoming film Desu 7, following months of debate surrounding work culture and professional exclusion within the Telugu film industry, Tollywood. This project holds significance as it marks the return of actor Anirban Bhattacharya to the shooting floor after a period of professional uncertainty.
Dev's Stand Against 'Ban Culture'
Dev, who has consistently spoken against what he describes as a 'ban culture' within the industry, had earlier made it clear that this film would not proceed without Anirban. After Anirban's performance in his last film with Dev, the actor remained firm about casting him in his next project and publicly reaffirmed this decision through social media posts.
Shooting Commences
On May 14, Dev shared photographs from the sets, announcing the start of filming with a simple caption: 'Shooting mode on.' The post received positive responses from fans, many of whom welcomed Anirban's return and expressed anticipation about seeing him back on screen.
This film also marks Dev's directorial debut and stars Shubhashree Ganguly as the female lead alongside Dev, marking the return of the on-screen couple after Dhumketu.
Industry Context
Industry observers note that the film begins shooting at a time when the Bengali film industry is witnessing organizational changes, with new responsibilities being assigned to several figures following recent developments. Against this backdrop, the commencement of the film's shoot has drawn attention.
Dev's stance against professional exclusion had earlier sparked controversy, particularly when he issued a public challenge calling for action against restrictive practices in the industry. The issue was also raised during discussions surrounding the demand for justice in the death of Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, at a time when the Artistes' Forum was holding multiple meetings. While Dev faced criticism for his approach and was questioned for raising the matter publicly, he maintained his position.
Professional Milestone
With the shoot now underway, the development is being seen by many as a professional milestone for both Dev and Anirban, and a notable moment in the ongoing conversation around work practices in the Bengali film industry.
Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026, and Telugu movies.
