January 31, 2025: DEVA Movie Review 3.5/5 – Intense, Gritty, and Unpredictable, Must watch
Deva is a high-octane thriller that takes you deep into the mind of a cop battling his inner demons, delivered with style and precision by Shahid Kapoor in a role that seems tailor-made for him. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, this Hindi adaptation of the 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police marks his debut in Bollywood, and he’s crafted a film that is both familiar yet fresh, thanks to a healthy dose of masala, and the gritty edge of psychological drama.
The film’s premise isn’t groundbreaking—an intense cop with a dark past, dealing with amnesia, and caught in a high-stakes case—but the execution stands out. Shahid Kapoor is undoubtedly the heart of Deva, bringing depth to the scarred and often volatile cop Dev Ambre. His transformation from a no-holds-barred police officer to a man struggling to piece together fragments of his lost memory is portrayed with remarkable emotional intensity. Kapoor anchors the film from start to finish, ensuring that the audience stays engaged, even during the movie’s 157-minute runtime.
The Plot: After a motorcycle accident leaves Dev with severe memory loss, he is forced to piece together the mystery of a case he was once working on. His sharp instincts help him get back into action despite his mental fog, and in doing so, he must confront both the criminals of Mumbai’s underworld and his own fractured psyche. Deva skillfully blends elements of action and psychological thriller, offering a multi-layered narrative that keeps you on edge.
DEVA Review: What stands out in Shahid Kapoor’s DEVA : Intense, Gritty, and Unpredictable
What stands out about Deva is how it evolves from a typical action thriller into something more profound. The film works with the classic trope of memory loss but adds a unique twist by diving into the psychological toll on Dev. His quest for redemption, combined with the suspense of uncovering a criminal conspiracy, unfolds with precision.
Supporting Cast & Performances: While this is primarily a Shahid Kapoor show, the supporting cast also contributes significantly. Pravesh Rana as Dev’s friend and colleague, Farhan Khan, offers a strong supporting presence, while Pavail Gulatie as Rohan D’Silva, Dev’s childhood friend, brings depth to the emotional core of the story. Pooja Hegde, though relegated to a mostly romantic subplot, does her part as the investigative journalist helping Dev uncover the case’s mystery. Kubbra Sait’s role as Deepti Singh, a fellow cop, however, feels underutilized.
Direction & Cinematography: Rosshan Andrrews succeeds in retaining the core appeal of his original Malayalam film, while adapting it to suit Shahid Kapoor’s persona. The film is beautifully shot, with cinematographer Amit Roy capturing the gritty, raw essence of Mumbai. The camera work, combined with A. Sreekar Prasad’s sharp editing, helps maintain a fast pace, even during slower moments. The background score by Jakes Bejoy complements the action, building tension in the right moments.
Box Office Performance: Despite strong expectations for Deva, the film had a lukewarm start at the box office, grossing ₹1.67 crore in advance bookings for its first day. While the film struggled to pull in large opening numbers, its performance in tier-2 and tier-3 cities gives it hope for a strong word-of-mouth recovery. Given its mass appeal and the growing buzz around Shahid Kapoor’s performance, Deva could gain momentum as it continues its run.
Final Thoughts: Deva is an intense, action-packed ride that benefits from a compelling lead performance, solid direction, and a unique narrative that blends psychological depth with thrilling action. It’s a film that will keep you engaged, even if you are familiar with the original Malayalam version. Despite some predictable moments and a few underdeveloped secondary characters, Deva is well worth a watch for fans of gritty thrillers, action-packed dramas, and, of course, Shahid Kapoor’s stellar portrayal of a flawed, determined cop.