Zafar Iqbal
Shahid Kapoor is back with another intense role in Deva, a gripping action thriller directed by Rosshan Andrrews. A remake of the Malayalam film Mumbai Police, the movie explores the life of Deva Ambre, a fearless cop with mafia-like tendencies. While Shahid Kapoor’s performance is undoubtedly the highlight, does the film succeed in keeping the audience hooked? Let’s dive into the details.
Plot Overview
Deva revolves around Deva Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a ruthless police officer who does not hesitate to bend the rules to get the job done. His two closest allies are his senior and brother-in-law, Farhan Khan (Pravessh Rana), and his childhood friend Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati), who follows in his footsteps and joins the police force. However, tragedy strikes when one of his closest friends is murdered. Determined to uncover the truth, Deva embarks on a dangerous mission, facing deception, political influence, and personal struggles along the way.
Performance Analysis
Shahid Kapoor as Deva Ambre
Shahid Kapoor once again proves his versatility by delivering a power-packed performance. His character, Deva, is an unpredictable mix of aggression and charm, similar to his role in Kabir Singh but with a police uniform. From executing action sequences with ease to commanding attention in emotional scenes, Kapoor’s presence keeps the film engaging.
Supporting Cast
While Shahid dominates the screen, the supporting cast, including Pooja Hegde as journalist Diya, Pravessh Rana as Farhan Khan, and Pavail Gulati as Rohan D’Silva, add depth to the narrative. However, their roles feel underutilized, as the story primarily focuses on Shahid’s character.
Direction and Screenplay
Rosshan Andrrews, who directed the original Mumbai Police, brings a similar approach but alters key elements. Unlike its predecessor, Deva lacks the shocking twist that made Mumbai Police a cult classic. While the film’s action sequences and emotional depth keep the audience engaged, the absence of that major plot twist reduces its impact.
Cinematography and Action Sequences
The film excels in visual storytelling, with high-octane action sequences and intense chase scenes. The cinematography captures the essence of Mumbai’s crime world, making every frame visually compelling. However, the pacing is inconsistent, with certain parts dragging unnecessarily.
Music and Background Score
The soundtrack of Deva is energetic, with Bhasad Macha setting the perfect tone for Shahid’s introduction. The background score heightens the tension in action scenes, but it lacks the memorability of other recent Bollywood thrillers.
Key Strengths of Deva
- Shahid Kapoor’s Performance: A compelling and intense portrayal.
- Action Sequences: Well-choreographed and visually striking.
- Stylish Cinematography: Enhances the film’s overall appeal.
- Mass Appeal: Designed for audiences who enjoy high-energy action thrillers.
Drawbacks of Deva
- Lack of Originality: Strays away from the most impactful elements of Mumbai Police.
- Weak Character Development: Supporting characters lack depth.
- Uneven Pacing: Some parts feel rushed, while others drag.
Comparison with the Original (Mumbai Police)
| Feature | Mumbai Police (2013) | Deva (2024) |
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran | Shahid Kapoor |
| Director | Rosshan Andrrews | Rosshan Andrrews |
| Plot Twist | Shocking revelation | Predictable mystery |
| Action Level | Moderate | High-octane |
| Character Depth | Well-developed | Focused on lead only |
| Cinematography | Dark and moody | Glossy and stylish |
| Impact | Memorable and gripping | Entertaining but lacks shock value |
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Deva?
Deva is an entertaining action thriller that heavily relies on Shahid Kapoor’s charisma. If you enjoy masala Bollywood films with intense performances and gripping action, this film is worth a watch. However, for those who have seen Mumbai Police, the lack of a strong twist might leave them underwhelmed.
Rating: 
☆ (4/5)
Conclusion
While Deva delivers on action and entertainment, it misses the brilliance of Mumbai Police. Shahid Kapoor’s dynamic performance saves the film from being just another predictable remake. If you’re a fan of high-energy Bollywood thrillers, Deva won’t disappoint. However, if you were expecting a shocking mystery, you might want to lower your expectations.
