31 January, 2025; Shahid Kapoor takes center stage in Deva, an engaging thriller that thrives on his powerful performance. Director Rosshan Andrrews, making his Hindi film debut, reimagines his own 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police with a screenplay that adds masala elements and caters to the persona of its lead actor. While the original was led by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Deva is crafted to showcase Shahid Kapoor’s action-packed intensity.
A Story of Memory, Redemption, and Crime
Deva delves into the mind of Mumbai police officer Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a brooding yet fierce cop who lets his fists do most of the talking. After a brutal motorcycle accident, Dev suffers from memory loss, leaving him with only his instinctive muscle memory to navigate the high-stakes world of crime and corruption. As he grapples with his fractured past, he must untangle the threads of a high-profile case that has gone awry.
The film masterfully blends multiple action subgenres—visceral action, psychological intrigue, and procedural crime—while maintaining a gripping narrative. Despite its 157-minute runtime, Deva rarely feels sluggish, thanks to sharp editing by A. Sreekar Prasad, gripping cinematography by Amit Roy, and an electrifying background score by Jakes Bejoy.
Stellar Performances and Character Arcs
Shahid Kapoor dominates every frame, effortlessly portraying Dev’s pre-amnesia arrogance and post-amnesia vulnerability. His transformation from an impulsive, rage-driven officer to a more measured investigator forms the emotional crux of the story.
Supporting characters provide depth to the narrative. Pravesh Rana as Dev’s boss and brother-in-law Farhan Khan plays a significant role, particularly in a major plot twist that challenges Dev’s understanding of past events. Pavail Gulati as Rohan D’Silva, Dev’s childhood friend and fellow officer, shares a strong camaraderie with the protagonist, with one of his actions serving as a turning point in the film.
Pooja Hegde’s Diya Sathe, an investigative journalist, is woven into the narrative as Dev’s romantic interest, though her role diminishes as the film progresses. Similarly, Kubbra Sait’s Deepti Singh, a police officer, struggles to find prominence in the heavily male-dominated storyline.
A Familiar but Engaging Action Thriller
Memory loss is a familiar trope in cinema, but Deva uses it effectively to shape its protagonist’s journey. The film constructs an intricate puzzle that slowly unravels, revealing Dev’s moral dilemmas and the gray areas within law enforcement. The action sequences are well-executed, and the film maintains a balance between high-octane stunts and psychological depth.
While Deva delivers plenty of intense moments, it also embraces the mainstream Bollywood formula with a wedding song sequence that feels out of place. The film’s second half revolves around a crucial revelation involving a staged encounter, adding layers to the suspense.
Verdict: A Must-Watch for Shahid Kapoor Fans
Deva is a solid action thriller elevated by Shahid Kapoor’s commanding performance. Though it follows a conventional cop-drama template, its well-crafted screenplay, strong technical execution, and engaging storytelling make it a worthwhile watch. For fans of Shahid Kapoor and gripping crime thrillers, Deva is a ride worth taking.
Rating: 3/5
