Review: 'Deva' thrives on a smashing and badass Shahid Kapoor

Bollywood has long been fascinated with cop dramas, and Deva is yet another addition to the genre. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews in his Hindi directorial debut and starring Shahid Kapoor in the lead, along with Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati, Pravesh Rana, and Kubbra Sait, the film is an official remake of the 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police. Does it have a similar approach? Does it stand out? Does Shahid Impress?! We've got you covered to have the answer to these questions.

A Thriller with a Twisted Memory Game

Deva follows the journey of Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a rebellious and intense police officer, who finds himself in a precarious situation when his close friend and colleague, ACP Rohan D'Silva (Pavail Gulati), is mysteriously murdered. Just as he inches closer to solving the case, Dev meets with a severe accident, leading to partial memory loss. The twist? Before the accident, he had already uncovered the identity of the killer but has now forgotten everything. What follows is Dev's gripping and frustrating journey to piece together the investigation he once led. As he retraces his steps, shocking secrets within his own department start to unravel, keeping the audience hooked until the climax.

Screenplay and Direction: A Mixed Bag of Thrills and Lags

Rosshan Andrrews, known for his gripping storytelling in Mumbai Police, tries to recreate the magic with Deva. The film starts with an attempt to capture the essence of Mumbai, interspersed with Dev’s introduction in an oddly shot green screen sequence. The first half struggles with pacing issues, often feeling disjointed, as it focuses on setting up Dev’s character and his relationship with his team. However, the film finds its footing post-interval. The investigation sequences are compelling, and the tension escalates with a brilliantly choreographed action sequence leading into the climax.

The biggest strength of Deva is its second half, where the stakes feel higher, and the narrative tightens. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes stretching too long while others feel rushed. The film also tries to incorporate a larger-than-life aura around Dev, reminiscent of Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic roles, but doesn’t quite land as effectively.

Action Sequences and Technical Brilliance

The action in Deva is one of its highlights. The fight choreography is sleek, with well-shot sequences that make use of Mumbai’s urban landscape.

Jakes Bejoy’s background score enhances the film’s intensity, adding weight to the high-tension moments. The music, composed by Vishal Mishra, complements the mood of the film, though none of the songs stand out significantly. The cinematography captures the grittiness of Mumbai effectively, immersing the audience in its chaotic yet thrilling atmosphere.

Performances: Shahid Kapoor’s Swag Steals the Show

Shahid Kapoor delivers a compelling performance as Dev Ambre, bringing the right mix of aggression, vulnerability, and charisma. He successfully transitions from an intense, no-nonsense cop to a confused and vulnerable investigator, making the audience empathize with his journey. His action sequences are executed with style, and his screen presence keeps the film engaging. However, his character arc feels somewhat repetitive from his previous roles, lacking novelty. While Shahid Kapoor, as Dev Ambre, exudes all the swag and aura needed for the character, his constant smoking throughout nearly three-quarters of the movie made me feel like I was passively smoking through the screen.

Pavail Gulati as Rohan D'Silva provides a commendable performance, portraying the righteous and loyal cop with ease. Pravesh Rana impresses as Farhan Khan, adding depth to the narrative. Kubbra Sait’s character has enough intrigue to make viewers question her motives.

Unfortunately, Pooja Hegde is underutilized. Despite being the female lead, her screen time is limited, and her character lacks depth. Her presence in the story feels more like an afterthought rather than a well-rounded role. Given her talent, the film could have benefited from giving her a more meaty part.

The Climax and Shortcomings

The climax of Deva does manage to deliver a thrilling payoff, tying up loose ends and revealing shocking truths. However, for those familiar with Mumbai Police, the changes might not feel as impactful. The film tries to add its own spin, but the final twist, while effective, isn’t groundbreaking.

The film's major drawbacks include its inconsistent pacing, lack of emotional depth in key relationships, and the underutilization of talented actors like Pooja Hegde. While Deva maintains a gripping premise, it doesn’t fully capitalize on the emotional complexity of its protagonist’s journey.

The Verdict

For fans of Shahid Kapoor, Deva is a treat, showcasing his rugged charm and acting prowess. However, for those looking for a groundbreaking thriller, the film falls slightly short of expectations. Despite its flaws, Deva remains an entertaining watch, particularly for those who enjoy action-packed mysteries.

Rating

***(3/5) stars