"In the classic tale, Devdas was an addict. But we elaborated on that and used the term as a metaphor to equate it with the addiction to power in a broader sense," the director told PTI on the sidelines of the Kolkata Literature Festival.
The film features Richa Chaddha, Aditi Rao Hydari and Rahul Bhat of "Ugly" fame in lead roles.
At the inaugural session of Kolkata Literature Festival being held in the Kolkata Book Fair, Mishra recalled how he was initiated to the films of Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen and Satyajit Ray among others in his childhood.
"The woman's character in 'Meghe Dhaka Tara' struck me, more particularly the line 'Dada Ami Banchte Chai' (Brother, I wish to live)," Mishra said, adding apart from Ghatak's craft of cinema, he was much influenced by his sound design.
More From This Section
Mishra also named "Bhuban Som", "Calcutta 71" and "Interview" of Mrinal Sen as films having cast indelible impression on him as a director.
"Our job is to confront when and where anyone is wrong, including left or right. We are not propagandists, we are filmmakers," Mishra said.
Mishra said he will make a sequel of his "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi" by 2018.