Shahid Kapoor’s New Movie ‘Deva’ – Does It Live Up to the Hype?

The much-awaited Bollywood action thriller Deva, starring Shahid Kapoor, finally hits the screens. From the directorial desk of Rosshan Andrrews, the film is an adaptation of his own Malayalam blockbuster Mumbai Police of 2013. With steely action sequences, a snappy whodunnit narrative, and a layered version of a flawed yet determined cop, Deva sets out to be more than just another remake. Does it succeed? Let’s dive in.

The Story of Dev Ambre

Shahid Kapoor plays Dev Ambre, a Mumbai police officer who operates on the fringes of the system, letting his fists do most of the talking. Right from the beginning, Deva establishes its protagonist as a man tormented by his past, navigating a web of crime and corruption while being haunted by his own moral dilemmas.

The story sets off with a spectacular motorcycle crash that leaves Dev with partial amnesia. As he struggles to piece together his memories, he is also on a high-stakes investigation into the murder of his closest friend and colleague, Rohan D’Silva, played by Pavail Gulati. However, with a department full of detractors and criminals constantly looking for an opening, Dev finds himself more cornered than ever.

With his identity at stake and an evil plot afoot, Deva follows the path to regaining his lost past, lost honour, and lost justice in favor of his deceased friend.

Shahid Kapoor: The Heart and Soul of Deva

Make no mistake—Deva is entirely Shahid Kapoor’s film. He delivers an intense, brooding performance that draws from classic Bollywood antiheroes while infusing his own brand of smoldering charisma. His portrayal of Dev Ambre is reminiscent of Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic “angry young man” roles, bringing to mind shades of Deewaar and Zanjeer.

He brings together action sequences with moments of raw vulnerability that make Dev a relentless force as well as a deeply troubled man. The transition between Dev A, pre-amnesia, and Dev B, post-amnesia, is so seamless that one gets to see how his loss of memory transforms his perception of himself and people around him. If you’re a Shahid Kapoor fan, this movie is a feast. Even if you’re not, his gripping performance is reason enough to watch.

Supporting Cast: Who Stands Out?

While Kapoor dominates the screen, the supporting cast adds depth to the narrative.

Pooja Hegde as Diya Sathe: This is an investigative journalist in her character. While initially touted as Dev’s best and perhaps all-important ally, she eventually takes a backseat and remains more of a romantic interest than a fully fleshed-out player in the mystery. Still, Pooja Hegde does the best she can with what she is given.

Pavail Gulati as Rohan D’Silva: Being Dev’s childhood friend and fellow officer, Pavail Gulati makes the role warm and honest; hence his death is much more impactful.

Pravesh Rana as Farhan Khan: The brother-in-law and senior officer of Dev, Farhan has been an asset to guide Dev through tough situations and creates a conflict as well. He features in crucial parts of the movie.

Upendra Limaye: The actor appears with the briefest of glimpses on the screen, yet upends his comedy timing for well-timed laughs in what would otherwise have been a dourly dark storyline.

Direction and Cinematography

Rosshan Andrrews is known for his gripping narratives in Malayalam cinema. Deva, he says, is an ambitious Bollywood debut. He keeps intact the premise of the original film but waters down the story a bit to fit Shahid Kapoor’s star persona and a broader Bollywood audience.
While pondered a bit too much, it sets the perfect foundation for an explosion that will take place in its second half. However, such meandering will test the patience of some viewers. Post-interval the movie picks its pace and gets into action, with the pieces of Dev’s past fitting into their respective places.

Amit Roy cinematography is rich in the grain and the filth of the city of Mumbai. The film is not merely a backdrop, but it becomes a living character that forms and shapes the life of Dev. The nightfall sequences enhance the moody flavor of the movie, thereby emphasizing danger and suspense.

Action and Music: A Mixed Bag

The choreography of action sequences in Deva is harsh and realistic. From hand-to-hand combat to high-speed chases, the film delivers a well-satisfying dose of adrenaline-pumping moments. Dev’s raw, unpolished fighting style matches his character temperament, making the violence authentic rather than over-the-top.

Musically, Deva has one standout track: “Marji Cha Maalik“, composed by Jakes Bejoy and Shreyas Puranik. This high-energy song adds a much-needed spark to the otherwise intense film. However, the placement of the wedding dance sequence featuring Shahid Kapoor feels forced and out of sync with the film’s tone.

A Climax That Divides Opinions

Without giving away spoilers, the climax of Deva takes some bold narrative choices. While the twists keep audiences engaged, the rushed execution leaves some questions unanswered. The original Mumbai Police was lauded for its tight, unpredictable storytelling, and while Deva tries to replicate that, certain gaps in logic make it less impactful.

The major flaw is the knowledge Farhan has of an important incident he realistically couldn’t have witnessed. This is just a small plot hole and will not spoil the movie, but some people will scratch their heads over this.

Shahid Kapoor New Movie Deva: To Watch or Not to Watch?

Deva will not redefine the cop-thriller genre for sure, but it is going to be a gripping, full-throttle action ride powered by Shahid Kapoor’s great act. It integrates action, mystery, and the psychological depth beautifully and keeps its audience interested in the journey of the flawed hero.

If you enjoy gritty, character-oriented thrillers with slick action and a compelling central performance, then Deva is the film for you. But if you are a fan of pacey, tight crime dramas that never take any detours from the plot, then you will be frustrated with the slow burn of this movie.

Rating: ½ (3.5/5)